Jeremiah 37:16
Jeremiah 37:16 in Multiple Translations
So Jeremiah went into a cell in the dungeon and remained there a long time.
¶ When Jeremiah was entered into the dungeon, and into the cabins, and Jeremiah had remained there many days;
When Jeremiah was come into the dungeon-house, and into the cells, and Jeremiah had remained there many days;
So Jeremiah came into the hole of the prison, under the arches, and was there for a long time.
Jeremiah was placed in a cell in the underground dungeon and was kept there for a long time.
When Ieremiah was entred into the dungeon, and into the prisons, and had remained there a long time,
When Jeremiah hath entered into the house of the dungeon, and unto the cells, then Jeremiah dwelleth there many days,
When Jeremiah had come into the dungeon house and into the cells, and Jeremiah had remained there many days,
When Jeremiah had entered into the dungeon, and into the cabins, and Jeremiah had remained there many days;
Then Sedecias the king, sending, took him: and asked him secretly in his house, and said: Is there, thinkest thou, any word from the Lord? And Jeremias said: There is. And he said: Thou shalt be delivered into the hands of the king of Babylon.
They put me in a dungeon/cell in that prison, and I remained there for several days.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 37:16
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 37:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֣י
בָ֧א
יִרְמְיָ֛הוּ
אֶל
בֵּ֥ית
הַ/בּ֖וֹר
וְ/אֶל
הַֽ/חֲנֻ֑יוֹת
וַ/יֵּֽשֶׁב
שָׁ֥ם
יִרְמְיָ֖הוּ
יָמִ֥ים
רַבִּֽים
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
בָ֧א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יִרְמְיָ֛הוּ
Yirmᵉyâh
H3414
Jeremiah
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בֵּ֥ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
הַ/בּ֖וֹר
bôwr
H953
pit
Art | N-ms
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
הַֽ/חֲנֻ֑יוֹת
chânûwth
H2588
vault
Art | N-fp
וַ/יֵּֽשֶׁב
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁ֥ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
יִרְמְיָ֖הוּ
Yirmᵉyâh
H3414
Jeremiah
N-proper
יָמִ֥ים
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp
רַבִּֽים
rab
H7227
many
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 37:16
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
בָ֧א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
יִרְמְיָ֛הוּ
Yirmᵉyâh
H3414
"Jeremiah"
N-proper
Jeremiah means whom Jehovah has appointed, a major prophet and author of the book of Jeremiah. He was the son of Hilkiah and a priest from Anathoth.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Jer.35.3; son of: Habazziniah (H2262); father of: Jaazaniah (H2970) § Jeremiah = "whom Jehovah has appointed" 1) the major prophet, son of Hilkiah of the priestly family in Anathoth; author of the prophetic book bearing his name 2) a man of Libnah and father of Hamutal the wife of king Josiah 3) a Gadite who joined David at Ziklag 4) a Manassehite, one of the mighty men of valour of the Transjordanic half tribe of Manasseh 5) a Gadite and warrior of David 6) a warrior of David 7) a priest who joined Nehemiah in the covenant ceremony 8) a priest also in the time of Nehemiah; maybe same as 7 9) father of Jaazaniah the Rechabites
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: Jeremiah. See also: 2 Kings 23:31; Jeremiah 36:4; Jeremiah 1:1.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
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.
בֵּ֥ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
הַ/בּ֖וֹר
bôwr
H953
"pit"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a cistern or pit, often used to hold water or as a prison. In the Bible, it is used to describe a place of confinement, like a dungeon or well. It is a physical hole in the ground.
Definition: pit, well, cistern, dungeon, pit of the grave
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: cistern, dungeon, fountain, pit, well. See also: Genesis 37:20; Proverbs 5:15; Psalms 7:16.
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Conj | Prep
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.
הַֽ/חֲנֻ֑יוֹת
chânûwth
H2588
"vault"
Art | N-fp
A vault or cell refers to a small, enclosed space, sometimes used as a prison, like the one mentioned in the Bible.
Definition: cell, vaulted room
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: cabin. See also: Jeremiah 37:16.
וַ/יֵּֽשֶׁב
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
שָׁ֥ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
יִרְמְיָ֖הוּ
Yirmᵉyâh
H3414
"Jeremiah"
N-proper
Jeremiah means whom Jehovah has appointed, a major prophet and author of the book of Jeremiah. He was the son of Hilkiah and a priest from Anathoth.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Jer.35.3; son of: Habazziniah (H2262); father of: Jaazaniah (H2970) § Jeremiah = "whom Jehovah has appointed" 1) the major prophet, son of Hilkiah of the priestly family in Anathoth; author of the prophetic book bearing his name 2) a man of Libnah and father of Hamutal the wife of king Josiah 3) a Gadite who joined David at Ziklag 4) a Manassehite, one of the mighty men of valour of the Transjordanic half tribe of Manasseh 5) a Gadite and warrior of David 6) a warrior of David 7) a priest who joined Nehemiah in the covenant ceremony 8) a priest also in the time of Nehemiah; maybe same as 7 9) father of Jaazaniah the Rechabites
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: Jeremiah. See also: 2 Kings 23:31; Jeremiah 36:4; Jeremiah 1:1.
יָמִ֥ים
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
רַבִּֽים
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 37:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 37:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 37:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 37:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 37:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 37:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 37:16
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 37:16
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 37:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 37:16
- Sermons on Jeremiah 37:16
Context — Jeremiah Imprisoned
14“That is a lie,” Jeremiah replied. “I am not deserting to the Chaldeans!” But Irijah would not listen to him; instead, he arrested Jeremiah and took him to the officials.
15The officials were angry with Jeremiah, and they beat him and placed him in jail in the house of Jonathan the scribe, for it had been made into a prison.
16So Jeremiah went into a cell in the dungeon and remained there a long time.
17Later, King Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah and received him in his palace, where he asked him privately, “Is there a word from the LORD?” “There is,” Jeremiah replied. “You will be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon.” 18Then Jeremiah asked King Zedekiah, “How have I sinned against you or your servants or these people, that you have put me in prison?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 38:6 | So they took Jeremiah and dropped him into the cistern of Malchiah, the king’s son, which was in the courtyard of the guard. They lowered Jeremiah with ropes into the cistern, which had no water but only mud, and Jeremiah sank down into the mud. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 38:10–13 | So the king commanded Ebed-melech the Cushite, “Take thirty men from here with you and pull Jeremiah the prophet out of the cistern before he dies.” Then Ebed-melech took the men with him and went to the king’s palace, to a place below the storehouse. From there he took old rags and worn-out clothes and lowered them with ropes to Jeremiah in the cistern. Ebed-melech the Cushite cried out to Jeremiah, “Put these worn-out rags and clothes under your arms to pad the ropes.” Jeremiah did so, and they pulled him up with the ropes and lifted him out of the cistern. And Jeremiah remained in the courtyard of the guard. |
| 3 | Lamentations 3:53 | They dropped me alive into a pit and cast stones upon me. |
| 4 | Genesis 40:15 | For I was kidnapped from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing for which they should have put me in this dungeon.” |
| 5 | Lamentations 3:55 | I called on Your name, O LORD, out of the depths of the Pit. |
Jeremiah 37:16 Summary
This verse tells us that Jeremiah was put in a cell in the dungeon and had to stay there for a long time. This must have been a very difficult and isolating experience for him, similar to the experience of Joseph in Genesis 37:24. But even in the midst of darkness and confinement, God was still with him, as promised in Isaiah 43:2 and Psalm 23:4. We can learn from Jeremiah's experience that God is always with us, even in the toughest times, and that He can use these experiences to prepare us for His purposes, as stated in Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Jeremiah put in a cell in the dungeon?
Jeremiah was put in a cell in the dungeon because the officials were angry with him for speaking the truth about the Babylonian invasion, as seen in Jeremiah 37:15, and they did not believe his claim that he was not deserting to the Chaldeans, as stated in Jeremiah 37:14, which is similar to the experience of other prophets like Elijah in 1 Kings 19:1-4.
What does the dungeon represent in this verse?
The dungeon represents a place of darkness, isolation, and confinement, similar to the experience of Joseph in Genesis 37:24 and Psalm 88:6, which can be a symbol of spiritual darkness and separation from God, as seen in Psalm 88:6 and Matthew 4:16.
How long did Jeremiah remain in the cell?
The verse states that Jeremiah remained in the cell 'a long time', which indicates a period of prolonged suffering and waiting, similar to the experience of the Israelites in Exodus 2:23-25, but the exact duration is not specified, although we know that God was with him, as promised in Isaiah 43:2 and Psalm 23:4.
What can we learn from Jeremiah's experience in the dungeon?
We can learn that even in times of darkness and isolation, God is still with us, as seen in Psalm 139:7-12 and Isaiah 43:2, and that He can use these experiences to refine and prepare us for His purposes, as stated in Romans 8:28 and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I felt like I was in a 'dungeon' of darkness and isolation, and how did God meet me in those times?
- How can I trust God's presence and provision in my life, even when I am facing difficult circumstances, as seen in Jeremiah 37:16 and Psalm 23:4?
- What are some ways that I can be a light in the darkness for others, as Jeremiah was for the people of Judah, despite being in a cell, as seen in Matthew 5:14-16 and Philippians 2:14-16?
- How can I use times of waiting and isolation to deepen my relationship with God, as seen in Psalm 119:71 and Lamentations 3:24-26?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 37:16
When Jeremiah was entered into the dungeon,.... Or, "into the house of the pit" (l); a dungeon, like a pit or ditch, dark, dirty, or dismal: and into the cabins; or "cells" (m); into a place more
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 37:16
When Jeremiah was entered into the dungeon, and into the cabins, and Jeremiah had remained there many days; The dungeon ... the cabins. The prison consisted of a pit (the "dungeon") with vaulted cells round the sides of it.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 37:16
The Hebrew words which we translate dungeon signify the house of the lake; they certainly signify some pit, or deep hole, or place in the prison, where were some cells or apartments, in which they were wont to keep those whom they judged great malefactors, or against whom they had some special anger; how many days the prophet was forced to abide in this miserable place it is not said, but it should seem by , that it was until the Chaldean army was returned to the siege.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 37:16
Jeremiah 37:16 When Jeremiah was entered into the dungeon, and into the cabins, and Jeremiah had remained there many days;Ver. 16. When Jeremiah was entered into the dungeon.] Heb., Into a place or house of the pit or hole, where the prophet could neither walk nor handsomely lie down, when worse men a great deal had what liberty they listed. And into the cabins.] Or, Cells, where they scarce put any but traitors, and similar foul offenders. Such they had at Athens, called barathrum, the infernal region, at Rome, tullianum, underground execution chamber, or profundum maris, &c., deep sea into which whosoever was put could hardly be put to more misery. And Jeremiah had remained there many days.] Till the return of the Chaldees likely. Canes lingunt ulcera Lazari. Dogs licked the sores of Lazarus. In domum cisternae.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 37:16
Verse 16. Entered into the dungeon, and into the cabins] The dungeon was probably a deep pit; and the cabins or cells, niches in the sides, where different malefactors were confined. See Blayney.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 37:16
16–21. See introd. summary to ch.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 37:16
Dungeon - literally, house of a cistern or pit, and evidently underground. In this cistern-like excavation were several cells or arched vaults, in one of which with little light and less ventilation Jeremiah remained a long time.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 37:16
’S WITH THE KING, Jeremiah 37:16-21.16. Cabins — Vaults. The mention of them indicates that Jeremiah’s imprisonment began with the extreme rigour of cruelty. The word is found nowhere else.
Sermons on Jeremiah 37:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
When Deliverance Looks Like Old Rotten Rags by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker shares personal experiences of witnessing God's miracles and the power of the Holy Spirit breaking down divisions in a community. The speaker encourages |
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The Thorn in the Flesh, or Strength Made Perfect in Weakness by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the trials and temptations faced by the servants of God, using the example of the apostle Paul's thorn in the flesh and the messenger of Satan to highli |
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I Cry Unto Thee, and Thou Dost by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes that every cry from a suffering soul is heard by God, who is intimately aware of our pain and struggles. He compares God's responsiveness to a mother's sensit |
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Letter 7 by James Bourne | James Bourne, in a letter to W. J. Brook in London, 1808, expresses deep struggles with feeling separated from God's people, walking in darkness, and being held in perpetual contem |