en_tn_lite_do_not_use/jer/23/23.md

# Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to deliver his message about the false prophets and priests that he began in [Jeremiah 23:9](./09.md) and completes in [Jeremiah 23:40](./37.md).

# Am I only a God nearby ... and not also a God far away?

Yahweh uses this question to rebuke the priests and false prophets for thinking that he did not rule everywhere. AT: "I am not only a God who is here in Jerusalem ... but I am everywhere!" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

# this is Yahweh's declaration

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in [Jeremiah 1:8](../01/07.md). AT: "this is what Yahweh has declared" or "this is what I, Yahweh, have declared" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

# Can anyone hide in a secret place so I cannot see him?

Yahweh uses this question to rebuke the priests and false prophets for thinking that he did not see the evil that they were doing. AT: "No one can hide in a secret place so I cannot see him." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

# do I not fill the heavens and the earth?

Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that he is everywhere in heaven and on earth. AT: "I am everywhere, both in the heavens and on the earth." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])