What is the meaning of Jeremiah 23:28?

Let the prophet who has a dream retell it

“Let the prophet who has a dream retell it” (Jeremiah 23:28a).

• God acknowledges that some claim revelations through dreams (Jeremiah 23:25–27).

• He permits them to speak, yet the phrase “retell it” underscores their limited authority; they may only share what they have experienced, nothing more (cf. Deuteronomy 13:1-3; 1 Kings 22:22).

• Dreams can be real, but they are fallible and easily distorted by human imagination (Ecclesiastes 5:7).

• The Lord’s tolerance here is not endorsement; it exposes the difference between human impressions and divine revelation.

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But let him who has My word speak it truthfully

“but let him who has My word speak it truthfully” (Jeremiah 23:28b).

• “My word” points to Scripture’s inspiration and inerrancy (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:19-21).

• Truthful speaking involves:

– Accuracy—no alteration or embellishment (Proverbs 30:5-6).

– Boldness—declaring the whole counsel of God despite opposition (Acts 20:27; Jeremiah 26:2).

– Integrity—living consistently with what is proclaimed (James 1:22).

• God’s Word must override every other source of guidance (Isaiah 8:20; Galatians 1:8).

• The contrast invites listeners to weigh messages by Scripture rather than by charisma or novelty (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21).

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For what is straw compared to grain?

“For what is straw compared to grain?” declares the LORD (Jeremiah 23:28c).

• Straw: lightweight, combustible, nutritionally empty—symbolizing human dreams and false prophecies (Isaiah 44:20).

• Grain: substantial, nourishing, life-sustaining—symbolizing God’s Word (Matthew 4:4).

• The imagery stresses:

– Value: only grain feeds; straw cannot (Psalm 19:7-10).

– Permanence: straw burns; grain endures (1 Peter 1:24-25).

– Judgment: straw will be consumed in God’s fire (Jeremiah 23:29; 1 Corinthians 3:12-13).

• The Lord invites His people to discern the life-giving message from chaff (Psalm 1:4; Luke 3:17).

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summary

Jeremiah 23:28 draws a sharp line between humanly sourced dreams and the divinely given Word. God allows dreamers to speak, but His command is that those entrusted with Scripture proclaim it faithfully. Like straw versus grain, only the pure Word possesses substance, nourishment, and eternal worth. Believers are called to prize, proclaim, and live by that unfailing Word, testing every message against it and finding their spiritual sustenance in its truth.