Jeremiah 23:35 in the King James Version of the Bible reads: "Thus shall ye say every one to his neighbor, and every one to his brother, What hath the Lord answered? and, What hath the Lord spoken?"

This verse comes from a larger passage in the book of Jeremiah, in which the prophet is warning the people of Judah about false prophets who have been leading them astray. In this particular verse, Jeremiah is instructing the people to question the messages they hear from these false prophets, and to discern whether or not they truly come from the Lord.

The context of this verse is important for understanding its meaning. Jeremiah was speaking to a people who were living in a time of great moral and spiritual decay. Many of the religious leaders and prophets of the day were leading the people astray with false messages of peace and security, even as the nation was facing the impending judgment of God for their sin and unfaithfulness. In the preceding verses, Jeremiah condemns the false prophets for speaking lies in the Lord's name and leading the people astray. He warns that their messages are not from God, but are instead born of their own imagination and desire for power and influence.

In verse 32, Jeremiah specifically mentions that the false prophets are "causing my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness," implying that they are leading the people into sin and away from the truth of God's word. It is in this context that Jeremiah instructs the people to question the messages they hear from these false prophets, and to discern whether or not they are truly from the Lord.

The themes present in this verse are those of discernment, truth, and the authority of God's word. The people of Judah are being warned against blindly following the words of those claiming to speak on behalf of God, and instead are urged to test the spirits and to discern whether or not the messages they hear align with the truth of God's word. This theme of discernment and the importance of seeking and following the truth is reiterated throughout the Bible, particularly in the New Testament where believers are warned to test the spirits and to be on guard against false teachers.

The instruction to question the messages of false prophets and to seek the truth of God's word is a timeless and universal theme that remains relevant today. In a world filled with conflicting messages and ideologies, believers are called to discern the truth and to seek God's wisdom in all matters. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of discernment and the need to test all messages against the truth of Scripture.

Symbolism in this verse is present in the concept of the Lord's word as a guiding light and a source of truth. The people are instructed to seek out what the Lord has spoken, implying that His word is the ultimate authority and source of truth. The comparison of the false prophets' messages to the true word of the Lord serves as a reminder of the power and importance of God's word in discerning truth from falsehood.

In conclusion, Jeremiah 23:35 carries a powerful message of discernment and seeking truth in the face of conflicting messages. It serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of testing all messages against the truth of God's word and seeking His wisdom in all matters. This verse holds a universal relevance in today's world, where believers are called to be discerning and to seek out the truth in a sea of conflicting ideologies and messages.