Jeremiah 21 8

Jeremiah 21:8 kjv

And unto this people thou shalt say, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I set before you the way of life, and the way of death.

Jeremiah 21:8 nkjv

"Now you shall say to this people, 'Thus says the LORD: "Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death.

Jeremiah 21:8 niv

"Furthermore, tell the people, 'This is what the LORD says: See, I am setting before you the way of life and the way of death.

Jeremiah 21:8 esv

"And to this people you shall say: 'Thus says the LORD: Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death.

Jeremiah 21:8 nlt

"Tell all the people, 'This is what the LORD says: Take your choice of life or death!

Jeremiah 21 verses

Jeremiah 21 8 Meaning

Jeremiah 21:8 offers the people of Judah a choice between two paths: accepting defeat and survival by submitting to the Babylonians, or resisting and facing destruction by fire. This is not an endorsement of surrender, but a declaration of divine decree for an inevitable judgment, emphasizing God's sovereignty in the impending fall of Jerusalem. The "way of life" refers to physical preservation, while the "way of death" signifies the utter devastation that will befall the city and its inhabitants if they continue in their defiance.

Jeremiah 21 8 Context

Jeremiah 21 occurs during the siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. King Zedekiah, despite Jeremiah's prophecy, had sent emissaries to Pharaoh Hophra of Egypt for military aid, a move God declared futile. In response to this diplomatic overture, God sends Jeremiah with this message. The chapter precedes Zedekiah's consultation with Jeremiah about the impending doom. The historical backdrop is critical: Judah is in a desperate situation, facing overwhelming military might. This prophecy is directed at the people during this crisis, offering them a stark choice mandated by God.

Jeremiah 21 8 Word Analysis

• "And" (Hebrew: וְ, ve): A common conjunction, connecting clauses and ideas, indicating sequence or addition. Here it links God's declaration to the imperative presented to the people.
• "you" (Hebrew: אתכם, etchem): Refers to the people of Judah, specifically those still in Jerusalem facing the Babylonian onslaught.
• "shall": Indicates certainty, a divine pronouncement that cannot be altered. It denotes what is bound to happen.
• "dwell" (Hebrew: ישׁב, yashab): To inhabit, reside, settle. The promise of dwelling in the land, even under Babylonian rule, represents survival.
• "in": Denotes location or condition.
• "this": Refers to the present circumstances or the land of Judah.
• "land" (Hebrew: הארץ, ha'aretz): The land of Israel, Promised Land, emphasizing God's covenantal relationship and His proprietary claim.
• "Saying,": Introduces the message God is giving to Jeremiah to convey.
• "Thus": Indicates manner or way; signifies a direct report or instruction from God.
• "says": Present tense verb, affirming the immediacy and ongoing relevance of God's word.
• "the" (Hebrew: יהוה, Yahweh): The personal covenantal name of God, emphasizing His faithfulness and authority.
• "LORD": (See above)
• "I": The subject of the sentence, God Himself.
• "set" (Hebrew: נתתי, natati): To place, appoint, establish. God Himself places these options before the people.
• "before" (Hebrew: לפני, lifnei): In front of, in the presence of. The choice is explicit and undeniable.
• "you": (See above)
• "the" (Hebrew: דרך, derekh): Way, path, manner of life or conduct.
• "way": Represents a course of action or lifestyle that leads to a specific outcome.
• "of": Indicates possession or characteristic.
• "life" (Hebrew: החיים, ha'chayyim): Physical existence, well-being, sustenance. In this context, survival.
• "and": (See above)
• "the": (See above)
• "way": (See above)
• "of": (See above)
• "death" (Hebrew: המות, ha'mavet): Destruction, cessation of life. In this context, death by the sword, famine, or plague.

Words-Group by Words-Group Analysis:

• "I set before you the way of life, and the way of death": This core phrase highlights God's ultimate control and His offering of alternatives within the scope of His judgment. "Life" means preservation from immediate destruction by surrendering to the Babylonians, thus retaining the possibility of living within the conquered land. "Death" means perishing within the city due to famine, pestilence, or the sword of the besiegers, the inevitable outcome of continued resistance.

Jeremiah 21 8 Bonus Section

This message from Jeremiah is an ultimatum delivered directly by God to His people at a moment of intense crisis. It demonstrates that even in judgment, God speaks directly, offering alternatives based on obedience or disobedience to His pronouncements, particularly regarding submission to Babylon as His ordained tool. The concept of "life" and "death" here is primarily existential and physical, but it carries theological weight regarding the remnant that would survive the exile. God's prophetic office in this verse serves to make clear the divine intent, leaving the people responsible for their ultimate fate as outlined by the Lord.

Jeremiah 21 8 Commentary

Jeremiah 21:8 is a critical passage illustrating God's sovereign administration of judgment, even in the midst of national calamity. It is not a "choose your own adventure" morality play, but a presentation of divinely appointed outcomes. God, in His justice, presents the consequence of rebellion versus submission to the instrument of His judgment. The people have defied Him, sought help from Egypt (Jer 2:18, Jer 46:17), and engaged in idolatry (Jer 7:30). The Babylonians are the rod of God's anger (Isa 10:5). Therefore, submitting to them, though harsh, leads to a form of preserved life – escaping the immediate devastation within Jerusalem. Continued defiance means facing the full force of the impending destruction by sword and famine. This principle echoes throughout scripture: obedience to God's established order, even when that order involves human agencies He uses for discipline, leads to preservation, while rebellion brings ruin. This verse frames the critical choice faced by King Zedekiah and the people as the Babylonian army tightened its grip.

• Practical Usage: This verse calls believers to recognize God's hand even in difficult national or personal circumstances. It encourages wise discernment, not in fighting against God's decrees, but in understanding the implications of choices in relation to His judgment and purposes. True "life" often requires humility and acknowledging divine authority, even when it seems contrary to human reasoning or desire for self-preservation at all costs.