23 "Am I only a God nearby," declares the Lord, "and not a God far away?

Other Translations of Jeremiah 23:23

King James Version

23 Am I a God at hand, saith the Lord, and not a God afar off?

English Standard Version

23 "Am I a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God far away?

The Message

23 "Am I not a God near at hand" - God's Decree - "and not a God far off?

New King James Version

23 "Am I a God near at hand," says the Lord, "And not a God afar off?

New Living Translation

23 Am I a God who is only close at hand?" says the Lord . "No, I am far away at the same time.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:23

Commentary on Jeremiah 23:23-32

(Read Jeremiah 23:23-32)

Men cannot be hidden from God's all-seeing eye. Will they never see what judgments they prepare for themselves? Let them consider what a vast difference there is between these prophecies and those delivered by the true prophets of the Lord. Let them not call their foolish dreams Divine oracles. The promises of peace these prophets make are no more to be compared to God's promises than chaff to wheat. The unhumbled heart of man is like a rock; if not melted by the word of God as a fire, it will be broken to pieces by it as a hammer. How can they be long safe, or at all easy, who have a God of almighty power against them? The word of God is no smooth, lulling, deceitful message. And by its faithfulness it may certainly be distinguished from false doctrines.