Jeremiah 37:3

Jeremiah 37:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Yet King Zedekiah sent Jehucal son of Shelemiah and Zephaniah the priest, the son of Maaseiah, to Jeremiah the prophet with the message, “Please pray to the LORD our God for us!”

King James Version KJV

And Zedekiah the king sent Jehucal the son of Shelemiah and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest to the prophet Jeremiah, saying, Pray now unto the LORD our God for us.

American Standard Version ASV

And Zedekiah the king sent Jehucal the son of Shelemiah, and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah, the priest, to the prophet Jeremiah, saying, Pray now unto Jehovah our God for us.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Zedekiah the king sent Jehucal, the son of Shelemiah, and Zephaniah, the son of Maaseiah the priest, to the prophet Jeremiah, saying, Make prayer now to the Lord our God for us.

Free Bible Version FBV

However, King Zedekiah sent Jehucal son of Shelemiah and Zephaniah the priest, son of Maaseiah, to Jeremiah the prophet with the message, “Please pray to the Lord our God for us!”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And Zedekiah the King sent Iehucal the sonne of Shelemiah, and Zephaniah the sonne of Maaseiah the Priest to the Prophet Ieremiah, saying, Pray now vnto the Lord our God for vs.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Zedekiah the king sendeth Jehucal son of Shelemiah, and Zephaniah son of Maaseiah the priest, unto Jeremiah the prophet, saying, 'Pray, we beseech thee, for us unto Jehovah our God.'

World English Bible WEB

Zedekiah the king sent Jehucal the son of Shelemiah and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah, the priest, to the prophet Jeremiah, saying, “Pray now to the LORD our God for us.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Zedekiah the king sent Jehucal the son of Shelemiah and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest to the prophet Jeremiah, saying, Pray now to the LORD our God for us.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And king Sedecias sent Juchal the son of Selemias, and Sophonias the son of Maasias the priest to Jeremias the prophet, saying: Pray to the Lord our God for us.

Translation for Translators T4T

However, one day King Zedekiah sent Jehucal the son of Shelemiah, and Zephaniah the priest, who was the son of Maaseiah, to me. They requested me to pray to Yahweh our God for our nation.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 37:3

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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 37:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּשְׁלַח֩ הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ צִדְקִיָּ֜הוּ אֶת יְהוּכַ֣ל בֶּן שֶֽׁלֶמְיָ֗ה וְ/אֶת צְפַנְיָ֤הוּ בֶן מַֽעֲשֵׂיָה֙ הַ/כֹּהֵ֔ן אֶל יִרְמְיָ֥הוּ הַ/נָּבִ֖יא לֵ/אמֹ֑ר הִתְפַּלֶּל נָ֣א בַעֲדֵ֔/נוּ אֶל יְהוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵֽי/נוּ

וַ/יִּשְׁלַח֩ shâlach H7971 to send Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms

צִדְקִיָּ֜הוּ Tsidqîyâh H6667 Zedekiah N-proper

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

יְהוּכַ֣ל Yᵉhûwkal H3081 Jehucal N-proper

בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms

שֶֽׁלֶמְיָ֗ה Shelemyâh H8018 Shelemiah N-proper

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

צְפַנְיָ֤הוּ Tsᵉphanyâh H6846 Zephaniah N-proper

בֶן bên H1121 son N-ms

מַֽעֲשֵׂיָה֙ Maʻăsêyâh H4641 Maaseiah N-proper

הַ/כֹּהֵ֔ן kôhên H3548 priest Art | N-ms

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

יִרְמְיָ֥הוּ Yirmᵉyâh H3414 Jeremiah N-proper

הַ/נָּבִ֖יא nâbîyʼ H5030 prophet Art | N-ms

לֵ/אמֹ֑ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

הִתְפַּלֶּל pâlal H6419 to pray V-Hithpael-Impv-2ms

נָ֣א nâʼ H4994 please Part

בַעֲדֵ֔/נוּ bᵉʻad H1157 about/through/for Prep | Suff

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אֱלֹהֵֽי/נוּ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 37:3

וַ/יִּשְׁלַח֩ shâlach H7971 "to send" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.

Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send

Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.

הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | 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.

צִדְקִיָּ֜הוּ Tsidqîyâh H6667 "Zedekiah" N-proper

Zedekiah means Jehovah is righteous, the name of six Israelites including the last king of Judah, as seen in Jeremiah 36:12. He was renamed by Nebuchadnezzar and son of Josiah. Zedekiah was a significant figure in the Divided Monarchy period.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Jer.36.12; son of: Hananiah (H2608M) § Zedekiah = "Jehovah is righteous" 1) the last king of Judah renamed from 'Mattaniah' by Nebuchadnezzar; son of Josiah by wife Hamutal; placed on the throne by Nebuchadnezzar when he carried his nephew Jehoiakim in captivity 2) false prophet at the court of king Ahab of the northern kingdom of Israel 3) son of Maaseiah, a false prophet in Babylon 4) son of Hananiah, one of the princes of Judah in the time of Jeremiah 5) a priest who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah 6) son of king Jehoiakim of Judah

Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: Zedekiah, Zidkijah. See also: 1 Kings 22:11; Jeremiah 34:6; Jeremiah 1:3.

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.

יְהוּכַ֣ל Yᵉhûwkal H3081 "Jehucal" N-proper

Jehucal was an Israelite who served King Zedekiah and asked Jeremiah for prayers and advice. His name means 'Jehovah is able'.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.37.3; son of: Shelemiah (H8018M); also called Jucal (NIV: Jehukal) at Jer.38.1; Also named: yu.khal (יוּכַל "Jucal" H3116) § Jehucal = "Jehovah is able" a son of Shelemiah and a servant of king Zedekiah whom he sent to Jeremiah to entreat his prayers and advice

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Jehucal. Compare H3116 (יוּכַל). See also: Jeremiah 37:3.

בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

שֶֽׁלֶמְיָ֗ה Shelemyâh H8018 "Shelemiah" N-proper

Shelemiah was a man from the tribe of Levi, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 9:21. The name means repaid by Jehovah, and he was the father of several sons, including Zechariah and Jediael.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at 1Ch.9.21; father of: Zechariah (H2148A), Jediael (H3043J), Zebadiah (H2069J), Jathniel (H3496), Elam (H5867H), Jehohanan (H3076I) and Eliehoenai (H0454A); also called Shelemiah at 1Ch.26.14; Another name of me.she.lem.yah (מְשֶׁלֶמְיָהוּ "Meshelemiah" H4920) § Shelemiah = "repaid by Jehovah" 1) a son of Bani who put away his foreign wife in the time of Ezra 2) another son of Bani who put away his foreign wife in the time of Ezra 3) father of Hananiah who repaired part of the wall of Jerusalem in the time of Nehemiah 4) a priest in the time of Nehemiah in charge of the treasury 5) father of Jehucal or Jucal in the time of Zedekiah 6) Levite upon whom the lot for the East Gate fell; in the time of David 6a) also 'Meshelemiah' and 'Shallum' 7) father of Nethaniah and grandfather of Jehudi, who was the messenger sent to Baruch the scribe of Jeremiah 8) son of Abdeel and one the men commanded by king Jehoiakim of Judah to seize the prophet Jeremiah and his scribe Baruch 9) father of Irijah, the captain of the guard who arrested Jeremiah

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Shelemiah. See also: 1 Chronicles 26:14; Jeremiah 36:14; Jeremiah 36:26.

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM

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.

צְפַנְיָ֤הוּ Tsᵉphanyâh H6846 "Zephaniah" N-proper

Zephaniah was a prophet in the Bible, his name meaning God has treasured, who wrote about God's judgments in the book of Zephaniah.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Tahath (H8480H); father of: Uzziah (H5818H); also called Zephaniah at 1Ch.6.36; Another name of u.ri.el (אוּרִיאֵל "Uriel" H0222G) § Zephaniah = "Jehovah has treasured" 1) the 9th in order of the 12 minor prophets; descendant of king Hezekiah of Judah and prophet in the time of king Josiah of Judah 2) son of Maaseiah and second priest in the reign of king Zedekiah of Judah; succeeded Jehoiada and an officer of the temple; slain at Riblah on the capture of Jerusalem 3) father of Josiah and Hen in the time of the prophet Zechariah 4) a Levite

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Zephaniah. See also: 2 Kings 25:18; Jeremiah 37:3; Jeremiah 21:1.

בֶן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

Definition: : child/son

מַֽעֲשֵׂיָה֙ Maʻăsêyâh H4641 "Maaseiah" N-proper

Maaseiah means work of Jehovah, a name given to 16 Israelites, including a descendant of Jeshua in Ezra's time. It symbolizes God's action in their lives. Maaseiah is mentioned in Jeremiah 35:4.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Jer.35.4; son of: Shallum (H7967S) § Maaseiah = "work of Jehovah" 1) a descendant of Jeshua who had taken a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 2) a priest of the sons of Harim who had taken a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 3) a priest of the sons of Pashur who had taken a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 4) a descendant of Pahath-moab who had taken a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) father of Azariah 6) one who stood on the right hand of Ezra when he read the law to the people 7) a Levite who assisted when Ezra read the law to the people 8) one of the heads of the people whose descendants signed the covenant with Nehemiah 9) a Benjamite ancestor of Sallu 10) a priest who took part in the musical service at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem under Ezra 11) another priest who took part in the musical service at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem under Ezra 12) father of Zephaniah the prophet in the reign of Zedekiah 13) father of Zedekiah the false prophet in the time of Jeremiah 14) a Levite of the 2nd rank who David appointed to sound with psalteries on Alamoth 15) son of Adaiah and one of the captains of hundreds in the reign of king Joash of Judah 16) an officer of high rank in the reign of king Uzziah 17) son of king Ahaz of Judah who was killed by Zichri in the invasion of Judah by king Pekah of Israel 18) governor of Jerusalem in the reign of Josiah 19) son of Shallum and a Levite of high rand in the reign of king Jehoiakim of Judah 20) ancestor of Baruch and Seraiah and a priest

Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: Maaseiah. See also: 1 Chronicles 15:18; Nehemiah 8:4; Jeremiah 21:1.

הַ/כֹּהֵ֔ן kôhên H3548 "priest" Art | N-ms

In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.

Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)

Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.

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.

יִרְמְיָ֥הוּ 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.

הַ/נָּבִ֖יא nâbîyʼ H5030 "prophet" Art | N-ms

A prophet is someone who speaks for God, like a spokesperson. This word is used in the Bible to describe true and false prophets, like those in 1 and 2 Kings.

Definition: 1) spokesman, speaker, prophet 1a) prophet 1b) false prophet 1c) heathen prophet Aramaic equivalent: ne.vi (נְבִיא "prophet" H5029)

Usage: Occurs in 288 OT verses. KJV: prophecy, that prophesy, prophet. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Kings 24:2; Psalms 51:2.

לֵ/אמֹ֑ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

הִתְפַּלֶּל pâlal H6419 "to pray" V-Hithpael-Impv-2ms

To pray or intercede, as seen in the Bible when people like Moses and David prayed to God for guidance and help, often using this Hebrew word to describe their actions.

Definition: 1) to intervene, interpose, pray 1a) (Piel) to mediate, judge 1b)(Hithpael) 1b1) to intercede 1b2) to pray

Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: intreat, judge(-ment), (make) pray(-er, -ing), make supplication. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Chronicles 6:34; Psalms 5:3.

נָ֣א nâʼ H4994 "please" Part

The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.

Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation

Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.

בַעֲדֵ֔/נוּ bᵉʻad H1157 "about/through/for" Prep | Suff

This word means about, through, or for something, often used to describe location or action. It can be translated as 'about', 'at', 'by', or 'through', depending on the context in which it is used.

Definition: 1) behind, through, round about, on behalf of, away from, about 1a) through (of action) 1b) behind (with verbs of shutting) 1c) about (with verbs of fencing) 1d) on behalf of (metaph. especially with Hithpael)

Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: about, at by (means of), for, over, through, up (-on), within. See also: Genesis 7:16; 2 Chronicles 30:18; Psalms 3:4.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

אֱלֹהֵֽי/נוּ ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp | Suff

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 37:3

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Context
Cross References
Jeremiah 37:3 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 37:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 37:3
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 37:3
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 37:3
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 37:3
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 37:3
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 37:3
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 37:3
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 37:3
Sermons on Jeremiah 37:3

Context — Jeremiah Warns Zedekiah

1Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon made Zedekiah son of Josiah the king of Judah, and he reigned in place of Coniah son of Jehoiakim. 2But he and his officers and the people of the land refused to obey the words that the LORD had spoken through Jeremiah the prophet.

3Yet King Zedekiah sent Jehucal son of Shelemiah and Zephaniah the priest, the son of Maaseiah, to Jeremiah the prophet with the message, “Please pray to the LORD our God for us!”

4Now Jeremiah was free to come and go among the people, for they had not yet put him in prison. 5Pharaoh’s army had left Egypt, and when the Chaldeans who were besieging Jerusalem heard the report, they withdrew from Jerusalem.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Jeremiah 21:1–2	This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD when King Zedekiah sent to him Pashhur son of Malchijah and the priest Zephaniah son of Maaseiah. They said, “Please inquire of the LORD on our behalf, since Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon is waging war against us. Perhaps the LORD will perform for us something like all His past wonders, so that Nebuchadnezzar will withdraw from us.”
2	Jeremiah 29:25	this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “In your own name you have sent out letters to all the people of Jerusalem, to the priest Zephaniah son of Maaseiah, and to all the priests. You said to Zephaniah:
3	Jeremiah 42:20	For you have deceived yourselves by sending me to the LORD your God, saying, ‘Pray to the LORD our God on our behalf, and as for all that the LORD our God says, tell it to us and we will do it.’
4	Jeremiah 2:27	say to a tree, ‘You are my father,’ and to a stone, ‘You gave me birth.’ For they have turned their backs to Me and not their faces, yet in the time of trouble they beg, ‘Rise up and save us!’
5	Jeremiah 52:24	The captain of the guard also took away Seraiah the chief priest, Zephaniah the priest of second rank, and the three doorkeepers.
6	Jeremiah 42:2–4	Jeremiah the prophet and said, “May our petition come before you; pray to the LORD your God on behalf of this entire remnant. For few of us remain of the many, as you can see with your own eyes. Pray that the LORD your God will tell us the way we should walk and the thing we should do.” “I have heard you,” replied Jeremiah the prophet. “I will surely pray to the LORD your God as you request, and I will tell you everything that the LORD answers; I will not withhold a word from you.”
7	1 Kings 13:6	Then the king responded to the man of God, “Intercede with the LORD your God and pray that my hand may be restored.” So the man of God interceded with the LORD, and the king’s hand was restored to him as it was before.
8	Exodus 8:28	Pharaoh answered, “I will let you go and sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness, but you must not go very far. Now pray for me.”
9	Jeremiah 29:21	This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says about Ahab son of Kolaiah and Zedekiah son of Maaseiah, who are prophesying to you lies in My name: “I will deliver them to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and he will kill them before your very eyes.
10	Numbers 21:7	Then the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned by speaking against the LORD and against you. Intercede with the LORD so He will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses interceded for the people.

Jeremiah 37:3 Summary

In Jeremiah 37:3, King Zedekiah asks Jeremiah to pray for the people of Judah, even though they have not been obeying God's words. This shows that they still believe in God's power, but are not willing to fully follow Him. It's like when we ask for God's help in a difficult situation, but don't want to change our ways, as seen in Psalm 66:18. We should remember that God wants our whole heart, not just our requests, and that He desires a deep, personal relationship with us, as described in John 15:15.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did King Zedekiah ask Jeremiah to pray for them despite refusing to obey God's words through Jeremiah?

King Zedekiah's request for Jeremiah to pray for them shows a mix of desperation and lack of genuine repentance, as seen in Jeremiah 37:3, and is reminiscent of the Israelites' pattern of crying out to God in times of distress, as in Exodus 14:10, without truly seeking to follow His commands.

What can we learn from King Zedekiah's actions in this verse?

We can learn that partial obedience or seeking God's help without a willingness to follow His commands is not true faith, as emphasized in James 2:26, and that God desires our wholehearted devotion, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:5.

How does Jeremiah's role as a prophet fit into this verse?

As a prophet, Jeremiah was called to speak God's words to the people, and in Jeremiah 37:3, he is also asked to intercede on their behalf, highlighting the importance of prayer and intercession in the life of a believer, as seen in 1 Timothy 2:1-4.

What does this verse reveal about the spiritual state of King Zedekiah and the people of Judah?

This verse suggests that despite their spiritual apathy and disobedience, as mentioned in Jeremiah 37:2, King Zedekiah and the people of Judah still recognized God's power and Jeremiah's role as a prophet, but were not willing to fully surrender to God's will, as stated in Romans 2:13.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I am seeking God's help without being fully obedient to His commands?
How can I, like Jeremiah, be a faithful intercessor for those around me, as encouraged in Ephesians 6:18?
In what ways can I demonstrate a deeper commitment to following God's words, as Jeremiah did, and what might be the consequences of partial obedience in my life?
What can I learn from King Zedekiah's example about the dangers of spiritual complacency and the importance of wholehearted devotion to God, as warned in Revelation 3:16?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 37:3

And Zedekiah the king sent Jehucal the son of Shelemiah, and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest,.... That is, Zephaniah the priest, as the accents shaw; though his father Maaseiah was doubtless

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 37:3

And Zedekiah the king sent Jehucal the son of Shelemiah and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest to the prophet Jeremiah, saying, Pray now unto the LORD our God for us.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 37:3

This was apparently in the time of the siege; for, , we read of Pharaoh’ s army being come to relieve the besieged, whether it was before the Babylonians were departed, or no, is uncertain; but it is plain, if they were departed, the king was afraid they would come back again. That which is most observable for us from hence is this, that wicked men of all ranks are desirous of the prayers of those ministers in their distresses, whose counsels and admonitions they never regard while they are in a time of prosperity; which is an evidence of their acting contrary to the convictions of their consciences, in obedience to their lusts, in their contempt of their instructions and admonitions. When affliction hath cooled their lusts, then their consciences can be heard in dictating their duty to them.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 37:3

Jeremiah 37:3 And Zedekiah the king sent Jehucal the son of Shelemiah and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest to the prophet Jeremiah, saying, Pray now unto the LORD our God for us.Ver. 3. Pray now unto the Lord our God for us.] This king would seem to have some more goodness in him than his brother and predecessor Jehoiakim; but he played the hypocrite exceedingly, as in other things, so in this, that he begged the prophet’ s prayers, but would not obey his preaching. The like did Pharaoh, Saul, Simon Magus, &c. Hezekiah sent to the prophet Isaiah for prayers, but withal he humbled himself and lived holily, which Zedekiah did not.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 37:3

(3) And Zedekiah the king sent Jehucal . . .—The time and, probably, occasion of the mission is given in Jeremiah 37:5. The Chaldæans had raised the siege of Jerusalem on hearing of the approach of the Egyptian army under Pharaoh-Hophra, the Apries of Herodotus (Herod. ii. 161-169. Ezekiel 17:15, Ezekiel 29:1-16, Ezekiel 30-32.), and the king seems to have thought that an opportunity presented itself for asserting his independence, and wished to gain the sanction and the prayers of the prophet for this policy. Of the two officers who are here named, Jehucal appears as accusing the prophets in Jeremiah 38:1, Zephaniah in Jeremiah 21:1; Jeremiah 29:25. They clearly belonged to the anti-Chaldæan party, and were therefore, for the most part, openly hostile to the prophet. Their application to him was either simply an official act in obedience to the king’s commands, or sprang from the hope, as before in Jeremiah 21:1, that they might, by a show of religious zeal for Jehovah, win him over to their cause. The stress which they lay on his praying to “the Lord our God” indicates the latter alternative as probable.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 37:3

Verse 3. Zedekiah - to the prophet Jeremiah] He was willing to hear a message from the Lord, provided it were according to his own mind. He did not fully trust in his own prophets.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 37:3

3. And Zedekiah the king sent] This mission took place later than that related in ch. Jeremiah 21:1, which was sent when Nebuchadnezzar’s army was approaching Jerusalem. In this case on the contrary the siege had begun and had been raised, and the hopes of the people were excited in consequence. Jehucal] In ch. Jeremiah 38:4 he (“Jucal”) proposes that Jeremiah should be put to death. Zephaniah] See chs. Jeremiah 21:1, Jeremiah 29:25.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 37:3

This embassy is not to be confounded with that Jeremiah 21:1 which took place when Nebuchadnezzar was just marching upon Jerusalem; this was in the brief interval of hope occasioned by the approach

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 37:3

3. Zedekiah… sent — This is not the same incident that is given in chap.Jeremiah 21:9.

Sermons on Jeremiah 37:3

	Sermon	Description
	Exposition on Psalm 114 by St. Augustine	St. Augustine preaches on the significance of the events in the Bible, such as the crossing of the River Jordan, as both historical accounts and prophetic symbols for future genera
	Great Words of the Gospel - Part 4 by Roy Hession	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of repentance in the context of grace and judgment. He emphasizes that the call to repentance is often accompanied by the impendin
	On Eagles' Wings Pt 467 by Don Courville	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the gospel by listening to and meeting people where they are at. He uses the example of Nicodemus, a master t
	Life for a Look by Lewis Williams	Lewis Williams preaches about the importance of prayer and intercession, using the story of the children of Israel seeking Moses' prayers as an example. He emphasizes the power of