Falsehood and False Prophets in Jeremiah

Abstract This article explores the use of שֶׁקֶר in MT -Jer, and the manner in which the Septuagint ( LXX ) and Peshitta (P) read it. In that regard, the article also discusses lying, falsehoods ( ψευδής, ψεῦδος, ἄδικος, µάτη , ܫܘܩܪܐ, ܕܓܠܘܬܐ ), and false prophets ( ψευδοπροφήτης , ܢܒܝܐ ܕܓܠܐ ) in LXX and P. As such, it pioneers the examination of P-Jer’s perspective on false prophets. The article demonstrates that the translators of LXX and P approached the Hebrew source text in a manner that was not strictly literal, aligning with the nuances of the target language. It is argued that both LXX -Jer and P-Jer illuminate the polysemy inherent in the Hebrew lexeme שֶׁקֶר . In addition, both versions demonstrate a degree of textual liberty and interpretative renderings. Finally, the article demonstrates that unlike LXX , which labels Hananiah as a false prophet only once ( LXX -Jer 35:1), P systematically designates him so throughout P-Jer 28. Consequently, the article also adds weight to the argument opposing a direct textual influence of LXX on P.