Jeremiah 27:17
Jeremiah 27:17 in Multiple Translations
Do not listen to them. Serve the king of Babylon and live! Why should this city become a ruin?
Hearken not unto them; serve the king of Babylon, and live: wherefore should this city be laid waste?
Hearken not unto them; serve the king of Babylon, and live: wherefore should this city become a desolation?
Give no attention to them; become servants of the king of Babylon and keep yourselves from death: why let this town become a waste?
Don't listen to them. Serve the king of Babylon and live! Why should this city be destroyed?
Heare them not, but serue the King of Babel, that ye may liue: wherefore shoulde this citie be desolate?
Ye do not hearken unto them, serve the king of Babylon, and live. Why is this city a waste?
Don’t listen to them. Serve the king of Babylon, and live. Why should this city become a desolation?
Hearken not to them; serve the king of Babylon, and live: why should this city be laid waste?
Therefore hearken not to them, but serve the king of Babylon, that you may live. Why should this city be given up to desolation?
Do not pay attention to what they say. Surrender to the king of Babylon. If you do that, you will remain alive. If you do not do that [RHQ], this entire city will be destroyed.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 27:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Jeremiah 27:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
תִּשְׁמְע֣וּ
אֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם
עִבְד֥וּ
אֶת
מֶֽלֶךְ
בָּבֶ֖ל
וִֽ/חְי֑וּ
לָ֧/מָּה
תִֽהְיֶ֛ה
הָ/עִ֥יר
הַ/זֹּ֖את
חָרְבָּֽה
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תִּשְׁמְע֣וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Juss-2mp
אֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
עִבְד֥וּ
ʻâbad
H5647
to serve
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
בָּבֶ֖ל
Bâbel
H894
Babylon
N-proper
וִֽ/חְי֑וּ
châyâh
H2421
to live
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
לָ֧/מָּה
mâh
H4100
what?
Prep | Part
תִֽהְיֶ֛ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
הָ/עִ֥יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
הַ/זֹּ֖את
zôʼth
H2063
this
Art | Pron
חָרְבָּֽה
chorbâh
H2723
desolation
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 27:17
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּשְׁמְע֣וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Juss-2mp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
עִבְד֥וּ
ʻâbad
H5647
"to serve"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To serve or work is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply slavery or bondage, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Egypt. It is used to describe various types of work or service, including serving God or other people. The word has different forms and meanings in different contexts.
Definition: : serve[someone] 1) to work, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to labour, work, do work 1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour 1a3) to serve as subjects 1a4) to serve (God) 1a5) to serve (with Levitical service) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land) 1b2) to make oneself a servant 1c) (Pual) to be worked 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve 1d2) to cause to serve as subjects 1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve
Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper, See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:14; Psalms 2:11.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
בָּבֶ֖ל
Bâbel
H894
"Babylon"
N-proper
Babel refers to Babylon, a city and empire in the Bible, meaning confusion or mixing. It appears in Genesis 11:9 and is associated with the tower of Babel. The city was situated on the Euphrates River.
Definition: § Babel or Babylon = "confusion (by mixing)" Babel or Babylon, the ancient site and/or capital of Babylonia (modern Hillah) situated on the Euphrates
Usage: Occurs in 233 OT verses. KJV: Babel, Babylon. See also: Genesis 10:10; Jeremiah 29:22; Psalms 87:4.
וִֽ/חְי֑וּ
châyâh
H2421
"to live"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.
Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.
לָ֧/מָּה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
תִֽהְיֶ֛ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
הָ/עִ֥יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
הַ/זֹּ֖את
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
חָרְבָּֽה
chorbâh
H2723
"desolation"
N-fs
This word refers to a place that has been laid waste or destroyed, often due to war or disaster. In the Bible, it is used to describe the consequences of sin and disobedience. The prophet Ezekiel used this word to describe a desolate city.
Definition: a place laid waste, ruin, waste, desolation
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: decayed place, desolate (place, -tion), destruction, (laid) waste (place). See also: Leviticus 26:31; Jeremiah 27:17; Psalms 9:7.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 27:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 27:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 27:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 27:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 27:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 27:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 27:17
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 27:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 27:17
- Sermons on Jeremiah 27:17
Context — The Yoke of Nebuchadnezzar
15For I have not sent them, declares the LORD, and yet they are prophesying falsely in My name; therefore I will banish you, and you will perish—you and the prophets who prophesy to you.”
16Then I said to the priests and to all this people, “This is what the LORD says: Do not listen to the words of your prophets who prophesy to you, saying, ‘Look, very soon now the articles from the house of the LORD will be brought back from Babylon.’ They are prophesying to you a lie.
17Do not listen to them. Serve the king of Babylon and live! Why should this city become a ruin?
18If they are indeed prophets and the word of the LORD is with them, let them now plead with the LORD of Hosts that the articles remaining in the house of the LORD, in the palace of the king of Judah, and in Jerusalem, not be taken to Babylon. 19For this is what the LORD of Hosts says about the pillars, the sea, the bases, and the rest of the articles that remain in this city,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 38:17 | Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “This is what the LORD God of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘If you indeed surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, then you will live, this city will not be burned down, and you and your household will survive. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 38:23 | All your wives and children will be brought out to the Chaldeans. And you yourself will not escape their grasp, for you will be seized by the king of Babylon, and this city will be burned down.” |
| 3 | Jeremiah 7:34 | I will remove from the cities of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem the sounds of joy and gladness and the voices of the bride and bridegroom, for the land will become a wasteland.” |
| 4 | Jeremiah 27:11–13 | But the nation that will put its neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon and serve him, I will leave in its own land, to cultivate it and reside in it, declares the LORD.” And to Zedekiah king of Judah I spoke the same message: “Put your necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon; serve him and his people, and live! Why should you and your people die by sword and famine and plague, as the LORD has decreed against any nation that does not serve the king of Babylon? |
Jeremiah 27:17 Summary
Jeremiah 27:17 is telling the people of Judah to submit to the king of Babylon and trust in God's plan, rather than listening to false prophets who are promising a quick return from exile. This means that sometimes, God asks us to do things that don't make sense to us, but we can trust that He has a good plan, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11. By obeying God and submitting to the authorities He has put in place, we can experience life and blessing, rather than ruin and destruction (Romans 8:28). This requires faith and trust in God's sovereignty, even when things seem difficult or unclear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'serve the king of Babylon' in Jeremiah 27:17?
In this context, serving the king of Babylon means submitting to the authority that God has allowed to rule over Judah, as seen in Jeremiah 27:17, and trusting in God's sovereignty, as stated in Romans 13:1-2.
Is Jeremiah 27:17 saying that we should always obey earthly authorities?
No, Jeremiah 27:17 is specific to the situation in Judah at that time, but it does teach us to respect and obey authorities unless they command us to disobey God, as seen in Acts 5:29.
How does Jeremiah 27:17 relate to the idea of trusting in God's plan?
Jeremiah 27:17 shows that even in difficult circumstances, God has a plan, and we can trust in His goodness and sovereignty, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28.
What is the consequence of not listening to false prophets in Jeremiah 27:17?
According to Jeremiah 27:17, not listening to false prophets and serving the king of Babylon will result in life, whereas listening to them will lead to ruin, as seen in the contrast between obedience and disobedience in Deuteronomy 30:19.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am being asked to choose between obeying God and obeying human authorities?
- How can I discern whether a prophet or leader is speaking truth from God or their own ideas?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate my trust in God's sovereignty, even in difficult circumstances?
- What are the potential consequences of disobeying God's commands, and how can I avoid them?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 27:17
Hearken not unto them,.... The false prophets: serve the king of Babylon, and live; pay homage and tribute to him; which is the way to live in your own land, and enjoy the benefits of that, and of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 27:17
Hearken not unto them; serve the king of Babylon, and live: wherefore should this city be laid waste? No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 27:17
Believe them not, but satisfy yourselves as to God’ s providence with respect to you, and be content to be subject to the king of Babylon, so may you have your lives for a prey; though you be straitened as to your accommodations and plenteous and splendid way of life: if you do not, your city will certainly be laid waste; and why should you pull such a judgment upon your own heads?
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 27:17
Jeremiah 27:17 Hearken not unto them; serve the king of Babylon, and live: wherefore should this city be laid waste?Ver. 17. Hearken not unto them.] Life and death is let in by the ear. Take heed, therefore, what ye hear. Serve the king of Babylon.] And so long as ye may have liberty of conscience upon any reasonable terms, be content; and not, as the bird in the cage, which, because pent up, beateth herself.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 27:17
(17) Hearken not unto them.—The prophecy of the restoration of the vessels of the Temple was clearly not a mere prediction. It had been used as an incentive to rebellion. “Make one last effort,” the prophets virtually said, “and the spoiler shall be compelled to disgorge his booty.” The prophet saw that such an effort would but hasten the utter destruction of the Temple and the city.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 27:17
16–22. The same message is addressed to the priests and the people concerning the false prophets. More than half the contents of this part of the ch. are lacking in LXX, the main difference between them and MT. being that the latter includes the promise of the restoration of the sacred vessels to Jerusalem. Co. grants the LXX a relative originality, considering that the process of amplification is shewn in their Version in an earlier stage than that which is presented by the Hebrew.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 27:17
17. Serve the king of Babylon — The extreme severity of this message to Jeremiah, who was charged with its delivery, was its seemingly unpatriotic character. He counselled submission to the enemy.
Sermons on Jeremiah 27:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Through the Bible) Ezekiel 11-15 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that society today is not like the Victorian age or a puritan society. He warns against forsaking God's commandments and living like the peo |
|
Jeremiah 37-39 by Ken Baird | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the sad lesson of the children of Israel being exiled from their land and the judgment of God taking effect. The speaker emphasizes the deep |
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What Is the Spirit Doing by Dennis Kinlaw | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their life experiences and the perspective they have gained over the years. They emphasize the importance of memory as a valuable treasure a |