Jeremiah 38 22

Jeremiah 38:22 kjv

And, behold, all the women that are left in the king of Judah's house shall be brought forth to the king of Babylon's princes, and those women shall say, Thy friends have set thee on, and have prevailed against thee: thy feet are sunk in the mire, and they are turned away back.

Jeremiah 38:22 nkjv

'Now behold, all the women who are left in the king of Judah's house shall be surrendered to the king of Babylon's princes, and those women shall say: "Your close friends have set upon you And prevailed against you; Your feet have sunk in the mire, And they have turned away again."

Jeremiah 38:22 niv

All the women left in the palace of the king of Judah will be brought out to the officials of the king of Babylon. Those women will say to you: "?'They misled you and overcame you? those trusted friends of yours. Your feet are sunk in the mud; your friends have deserted you.'

Jeremiah 38:22 esv

Behold, all the women left in the house of the king of Judah were being led out to the officials of the king of Babylon and were saying, "'Your trusted friends have deceived you and prevailed against you; now that your feet are sunk in the mud, they turn away from you.'

Jeremiah 38:22 nlt

All the women left in your palace will be brought out and given to the officers of the Babylonian army. Then the women will taunt you, saying, 'What fine friends you have!
They have betrayed and misled you.
When your feet sank in the mud,
they left you to your fate!'

Jeremiah 38 verses

Jeremiah 38 22 Meaning

The women who had escaped pleaded with Jeremiah, saying, "Whatever you say, we will do. Obey, we pray you, whatever the Lord your God commands you by us; it will be well with us if we obey the voice of the Lord our God." Their words express a sincere submission to God's will, seeking divine guidance through Jeremiah and a promise of well-being if they adhere to it.

Jeremiah 38 22 Context

This verse occurs during a dire period for Jerusalem, shortly before its final destruction by the Babylonians. After Zedekiah, the king of Judah, had rescued Jeremiah from a cistern where he was left to die (Jeremiah 38:1-13), a delegation of high-ranking officials and King Zedekiah himself secretly met with Jeremiah. They were desperate for a word from God, fearing the impending Babylonian invasion and seeking assurance for their lives. This verse specifically captures the response of the women who had been rescued from the impending slaughter. They, along with the officials, express a fervent willingness to obey whatever God's message would be, emphasizing their desire for well-being through obedience. The historical context is one of extreme crisis, where hope is dim, and a turning to God, even if late, is evident.

Jeremiah 38 22 Word Analysis

• And (וְ, və): A conjunctive particle indicating continuation or connection, linking the preceding events or thoughts to this plea.
• the women (הַנָּשִׁים, han-nāšîm): Refers to the women, likely from the royal court or prominent families, who had been rescued from danger, perhaps by the efforts of the officials who met Jeremiah. Their status could highlight that even those with perceived security were vulnerable and seeking divine favor.
• that were escaped (הַנִּמְלָטֹת, han-nimlāṭōṯ): A feminine plural participle of the verb נָּמַל (nāmal), meaning "to escape," "to be delivered." This emphasizes their deliverance from immediate peril.
• came (בָּאוּ, bāʾū): Third person feminine plural perfect of the verb בּוֹא (bōʾ), "to come." They approached or came forward.
• and (וְ, və): Connective.
• spake (דִּבְּרוּ, dibərū): Third person feminine plural perfect of the verb דָּבַר (dāḇar), "to speak." They addressed Jeremiah.
• unto (אֶל, ʾel): A preposition indicating direction toward.
• Jeremiah (יִרְמְיָה, yirməyāh): The prophet.
• saying (לֵאמֹר, lēʾmōr): Infinitive absolute of אָמַר (ʾāmar), "to say," used here idiomatically to introduce direct speech.
• Whatsoever (כֹּל אֲשֶׁר, kol ʾăšer): "All that," or "everything that." A comprehensive expression of submission.
• thou sayest (תֹּאמַר, tōʾmar): Second person masculine singular future of אָמַר (ʾāmar), "to say." Referring to whatever God would command through Jeremiah.
• unto us (אֵלֵינוּ, ʾēlênû): "To us."
• we will do (נַעֲשֶׂה, naʿăśeh): First person common plural future of עָשָׂה (ʿāśâ), "to do," "to make." An active commitment to obedience.
• Obey (קָשֹׁב, qāšōḇ): Imperative, second person masculine singular of קָשַׁב (qāšav), "to listen attentively," "to pay heed," "to be attentive to." Strong emphasis on active listening and hearkening.
• I pray thee (נָא, nāʾ): An adverb expressing entreaty, politeness, or emphasis; "please."
• the voice (בְּקֹול, bəqōl): "In the voice of." Emphasizes hearkening to God's command.
• of the Lord (יְהוָה, Yĕhōwâ): The covenant name of God.
• thy God (אֱלֹהֶיךָ, ʾĕlōhêḵā): Jeremiah's God, emphasizing the personal relationship and covenant.
• according to (כֵּן, kēn): "So," "thus," "according to." Connects their actions to God's word.
• all (כֹּל, kol): All of it.
• that (אֲשֶׁר, ʾăšer): "Which."
• the Lord (יְהוָה, Yĕhōwâ): God's name.
• thy God (אֱלֹהֶיךָ, ʾĕlōhêḵā): Again, specifying Jeremiah's God.
• shall command (יְצַוֶּה, yəṣawwâ): Third person masculine singular future of צָוָה (ṣāwâ), "to command."
• us (אוֹתָנוּ, ʾōṯānû): Direct object pronoun.
• by thee (עִמָּךְ, ʿimmāḵ): "With you." Indicates communication through Jeremiah.
• And (וְ, və): Conjunction.
• it shall be (יִהְיֶה, yihyeh): Third person masculine singular future of הָיָה (hāyâ), "to be."
• well (טוֹב, ṭōḇ): "Good," "well."
• with us (אִתָּנוּ, ʾittānû): "With us."
• if (כִּי, kî): Introduces a conditional clause, though often translated as "when" or "for," it implies a consequence based on their actions.
• we obey (נִשְׁמַע, nišməʿa): First person common plural future of שָׁמַע (šāmaʿ), "to hear," "to obey." In this context, "to obey" by listening to the command.
• the voice (בְּקֹול, bəqōl): "The voice of."
• of the Lord (יְהוָה, Yĕhōwâ): God's covenant name.
• our God (אֱלֹהֵינוּ, ʾĕlōhê nû): Their God.

Group Analysis:The core of the women's statement is a resolute pledge of obedience: "Whatever you say, we will do. Obey, we pray you, whatever the Lord your God commands you by us; it will be well with us if we obey the voice of the Lord our God." This represents a complete submission to divine authority as mediated through the prophet Jeremiah. They transition from passively "escaping" to actively seeking and promising obedience. The phrase "whatever you say" is followed by a more precise "whatever the Lord your God commands you," clarifying that their obedience is directed towards God's will, not just Jeremiah's personal opinion. The concluding clause ties obedience directly to well-being, framing it as a condition for blessing and preservation, echoing the Deuteronomic covenantal framework.

Jeremiah 38 22 Bonus Section

The term "well" (ṭōḇ) here encompasses more than mere physical safety; it points to spiritual well-being, peace, and the favor of God, which are the ultimate blessings of obedience. The repetition of "obey the voice of the Lord" underscores the paramount importance God places on hearkening to His commands, particularly in times of judgment or transition. The historical setting of Jerusalem's impending fall adds weight to their plea, suggesting a desperate, yet sincere, turn toward God as the last resort. This event can be seen as a foreshadowing of the New Testament emphasis on obeying Christ and His teachings as the means to receive life and blessings.

Jeremiah 38 22 Commentary

This verse highlights a crucial aspect of true repentance and faith: active obedience driven by submission to God's word. The women, facing severe consequences, didn't just express regret; they vocalized a desire to actively do whatever God instructed. This isn't conditional faith; rather, it's the understanding that obedience to God is the pathway to true well-being, even in difficult circumstances. Their plea demonstrates an earnest desire to align their lives with God's will, recognizing that divine guidance, through a prophet, is the only reliable source for navigating crises. Their willingness to obey "whatever" God says underscores their surrender and trust in His ultimate good, even if the commands were challenging. This stands in contrast to those who hear God's word but do not act upon it.

• Practical Example: A person facing a difficult decision might say, "Lord, whatever You reveal to me through Your Word or trusted counsel, I will do, trusting that You have my best interest at heart."