Jeremiah 38:19 kjv
And Zedekiah the king said unto Jeremiah, I am afraid of the Jews that are fallen to the Chaldeans, lest they deliver me into their hand, and they mock me.
Jeremiah 38:19 nkjv
And Zedekiah the king said to Jeremiah, "I am afraid of the Jews who have defected to the Chaldeans, lest they deliver me into their hand, and they abuse me."
Jeremiah 38:19 niv
King Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, "I am afraid of the Jews who have gone over to the Babylonians, for the Babylonians may hand me over to them and they will mistreat me."
Jeremiah 38:19 esv
King Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, "I am afraid of the Judeans who have deserted to the Chaldeans, lest I be handed over to them and they deal cruelly with me."
Jeremiah 38:19 nlt
"But I am afraid to surrender," the king said, "for the Babylonians may hand me over to the Judeans who have defected to them. And who knows what they will do to me!"
Jeremiah 38 19 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Jeremiah 38:19 | "And Zedekiah the king said unto Jeremiah, I am afraid of the Jews that are fallen unto the Chaldeans..." | God's protection for those who trust Him (Ps 56:11) |
| Jeremiah 38:19 | "...lest they deliver me into their hands, to mock me." | Deliverance from enemies (Ps 18:2) |
| Jeremiah 38:19 | "So the king commanded, and they took Jeremiah and cast him into the dungeon..." | Persecution of prophets (Heb 11:36) |
| Jeremiah 38:19 | "...and the maids of the prison: but Jeremiah had no water in the dungeon." | Suffering of the righteous (1 Pet 4:12) |
| Jeremiah 38:19 | "Now Ebedmelech the Ethiopian a eunuch in the king's house heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon..." | God working through unlikely people (Judg 14:6) |
| Jeremiah 38:19 | "...and while the king tarried in the gate of Benjamin." | King's activities (Gen 19:1) |
| Jeremiah 38:19 | "Ebedmelech went forth out of the king's house, and spake to the king..." | Boldness in speaking truth (Acts 4:29) |
| Jeremiah 38:19 | "...Saying, My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done in that they have cast Jeremiah the prophet into the dungeon..." | Wrongdoing of wicked leaders (Prov 11:10) |
| Jeremiah 38:19 | "...where he is like to die for want of bread; for there is no more bread in the city." | Dire circumstances in Jerusalem (Jer 37:21) |
| Jeremiah 38:19 | "Then the king commanded Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Take from hence thirty men with thee, and take up Jeremiah the prophet out of the dungeon, ere he die." | God's intervention through mercy (2 Sam 9:1-3) |
| Jeremiah 38:19 | "So Ebedmelech took the rags and old cloths, and cast them down to Jeremiah in the dungeon by the cords." | God's provision in difficult times (Phil 4:19) |
| Jeremiah 38:19 | "And Ebedmelech said unto Jeremiah, Put these rags and old cloths under thine armholes beneath the cords, and Jeremiah did so." | Wisdom and practical help (Prov 27:17) |
| Jeremiah 38:19 | "So they drew up Jeremiah with cords, and took him up out of the dungeon: and Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison." | Restoration and deliverance (Ps 124:7) |
| Jeremiah 38:19 | "Then the king sent, and fetched Jeremiah out of the dungeon..." | Kings' orders and power (Esth 8:11) |
| Jeremiah 38:19 | "...and the king spake with Jeremiah in his house, at the entry thereof." | Private conversations with the King (John 3:2) |
| Jeremiah 38:19 | "And Zedekiah said, I am afraid of the Jews that are fallen unto the Chaldeans, lest they deliver me into their hands, to mock me." | Fear of human opinion (Prov 29:25) |
| Jeremiah 38:19 | "I am afraid of them: wherefore, if I ask him of any matter, they will tell both the one and the other." | Concern for personal safety (Luke 12:4) |
| Jeremiah 38:19 | "But Zedekiah the king said, Let no man know of these words, that thou, Jeremiah, say nothing of this to any of them." | Secrecy and diplomacy (Prov 11:13) |
| Jeremiah 38:19 | "Then the king commanded the princes, and they did unto Jeremiah as he commanded them." | Following orders (Rom 13:1) |
| Jeremiah 38:19 | "So Jeremiah abode in the court of the prison." | Continued faithfulness (Acts 1:8) |
| Jeremiah 38:20 | "But Zedekiah the king said, Let none that is to go into the dungeon or into the dungeon again: that Jeremiah be not hurt." | Desire to protect from further harm (Prov 31:8-9) |
| Jeremiah 38:20 | "Then the king commanded the princes, and they did unto Jeremiah as he commanded them." | Following orders (Rom 13:1) |
| Jeremiah 38:21 | "So Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison..." | Continued faithfulness (Acts 1:8) |
Jeremiah 38 verses
Jeremiah 38 19 Meaning
The verse signifies that Zedekiah, the king of Judah, was afraid of the council of princes who had devised a plan to kill Jeremiah. He confessed his powerlessness to them, admitting that the king could not prevent them from doing as they pleased, suggesting a lack of true authority and dependence on his advisors.
Jeremiah 38 19 Context
This verse occurs within the larger narrative of Jeremiah's prophetic ministry during the final siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar. Jeremiah, compelled by God, had delivered messages of impending doom and urged surrender, which made him unpopular and branded him a traitor by many in Judah. Earlier, Jeremiah had been thrown into a cistern (a pit, not a functioning well for water) where he sunk in the mire and would have died if not for the intervention of Ebed-melech. This conversation takes place after Zedekiah had reluctantly brought Jeremiah out of the cistern. Zedekiah, still King of Judah, is internally conflicted. He respects Jeremiah's prophecies but fears the political repercussions from his own people, especially the princes, who want Jeremiah silenced or executed. Zedekiah’s weak leadership is evident; he claims he cannot control the actions of the princes and subordinates, highlighting his lack of true authority and his fear of reprisal. The immediate historical context is the Babylonians’ overwhelming military presence, creating an atmosphere of panic and division within Jerusalem.
Jeremiah 38 19 Word Analysis
- Zedekiah: The last king of Judah. His name means "Justice of Yahweh," a tragic irony given his lack of decisive justice and fear-driven decisions.
- king: Refers to Zedekiah, but also carries the weight of the Davidic covenant, a kingship that should be God-centered but here is characterized by fear.
- afraid: Expresses intense fear and trepidation, demonstrating a lack of faith and courage in God's purposes or protection.
- of the Jews: Specifically the Jewish officials or princes who opposed Jeremiah and his message.
- that are fallen unto the Chaldeans: Refers to those who had already defected to the Babylonians, or those within Jerusalem who supported a policy of surrender to the Chaldeans, potentially including those who saw Jeremiah as a fellow traveler to the enemy. This phrase likely refers to those Jewish leaders who had fled or who sought favor with the Babylonians, and who were powerful figures within Jerusalem's politics, possibly having gained influence or making deals with the conquering army.
- lest: Indicates the reason for his fear—a negative outcome.
- they: The princes or influential men of Jerusalem.
- deliver me: To hand over, surrender, or betray him.
- into their hands: Under the control or power of the opposing faction (the princes or those allied with them).
- to mock me: To deride, scorn, or insult him. Zedekiah feared public humiliation and the loss of his dignity and authority.
Word-Group Analysis
- "I am afraid of the Jews that are fallen unto the Chaldeans": This group represents political enemies within Jerusalem. Zedekiah’s fear is not of the Chaldeans themselves, but of how his own people, possibly those who favored appeasement or who were in league with the Chaldeans, would react if he publicly sided with Jeremiah. The phrasing "fallen unto the Chaldeans" might also imply a moral or spiritual "falling" or compromise with the enemy, leading them to influence political decisions within the city. This highlights Zedekiah's political insecurity and his susceptibility to pressure from his inner circle.
Jeremiah 38 19 Bonus Section
Zedekiah's confession mirrors the common human tendency to prioritize the approval and opinions of men over obedience to God (John 12:43). The princes’ hostility towards Jeremiah, the true prophet, illustrates a recurring theme in Scripture: opposition from the established religious and political elite towards God's messengers. Ebed-melech, an Ethiopian eunuch, demonstrates more courage and compassion than the king, highlighting how God can use anyone, regardless of social standing or background, to accomplish His purposes and show kindness to His servants (Acts 8:26-40; 1 Cor 1:27). Jeremiah's continued presence in the court of the prison, rather than back in the dungeon, shows a degree of temporary reprieve, but his ultimate fate still hangs in the balance until his later escape is described in Jeremiah 39. The entire episode underlines the desperate situation of Jerusalem and the moral compromise of its leadership under siege.
Jeremiah 38 19 Commentary
Zedekiah reveals his deep-seated fear of his own people, particularly the princes who held power within Jerusalem. His confession to Jeremiah exposes his weakness and inability to protect the prophet from those who wished him harm. The king admits he is afraid of what "they" (the princes or influential Jews) will do if he supports Jeremiah, fearing public ridicule and betrayal by these powerful figures. This situation exemplifies the corrupt and self-serving leadership in Judah during its final days. Zedekiah's primary concern is his own safety and reputation, not the truth of God's word or the welfare of his people. His powerlessness against his own council underscores the moral and political decay that led to Jerusalem's destruction. Jeremiah, though in a precarious situation, is shown to be speaking with the king, a testament to his prophetic calling and God's ongoing protection, even when kings are fearful and ineffective.