Jeremiah 38:15

Jeremiah 38:15 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

“If I tell you,” Jeremiah replied, “you will surely put me to death. And even if I give you advice, you will not listen to me.”

King James Version KJV

Then Jeremiah said unto Zedekiah, If I declare it unto thee, wilt thou not surely put me to death? and if I give thee counsel, wilt thou not hearken unto me?

American Standard Version ASV

Then Jeremiah said unto Zedekiah, If I declare it unto thee, wilt thou not surely put me to death? and if I give thee counsel, thou wilt not hearken unto me.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, If I give you the answer to your question, will you not certainly put me to death? and if I make a suggestion to you, you will not give it a hearing.

Free Bible Version FBV

“If I tell you then you'll definitely have me killed,” Jeremiah replied. “Even if I were to give you advice, you wouldn't listen to me anyway.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then Ieremiah sayd to Zedekiah, If I declare it vnto thee, wilt not thou slay me? and if I giue thee counsell, thou wilt not heare me.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Jeremiah saith unto Zedekiah, 'When I declare to thee, dost thou not surely put me to death? and when I counsel thee, thou dost not hearken unto me.'

World English Bible WEB

Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “If I declare it to you, will you not surely put me to death? If I give you counsel, you will not listen to me.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, If I declare it to thee, wilt thou not surely put me to death? and if I give thee counsel, wilt thou not hearken to me?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Then Jeremias said to Sedecias: If I shall declare it to thee, wilt thou not put me to death? and if I give thee counsel, thou wilt not hearken to me.

Translation for Translators T4T

I replied, “If I tell you the truth, you will command that I be executed. And if I give you good advice, you will not pay attention to what I say.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 38:15

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 38:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר יִרְמְיָ֨הוּ֙ אֶל צִדְקִיָּ֔הוּ כִּ֚י אַגִּ֣יד לְ/ךָ֔ הֲ/ל֖וֹא הָמֵ֣ת תְּמִיתֵ֑/נִי וְ/כִי֙ אִיעָ֣צְ/ךָ֔ לֹ֥א תִשְׁמַ֖ע אֵלָֽ/י

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

יִרְמְיָ֨הוּ֙ Yirmᵉyâh H3414 Jeremiah N-proper

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

צִדְקִיָּ֔הוּ Tsidqîyâh H6667 Zedekiah N-proper

כִּ֚י kîy H3588 for Conj

אַגִּ֣יד nâgad H5046 to tell V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs

לְ/ךָ֔ Prep | Suff

הֲ/ל֖וֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part | Part

הָמֵ֣ת mûwth H4191 to die V-Hiphil-Ptc

תְּמִיתֵ֑/נִי mûwth H4191 to die V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms | Suff

וְ/כִי֙ kîy H3588 for Conj | Conj

אִיעָ֣צְ/ךָ֔ yâʻats H3289 to advise V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part

תִשְׁמַ֖ע shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

אֵלָֽ/י ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 38:15

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

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.

יִרְמְיָ֨הוּ֙ 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.

צִדְקִיָּ֔הוּ 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.

כִּ֚י 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.

אַגִּ֣יד nâgad H5046 "to tell" V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs

To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.

Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported

Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.

לְ/ךָ֔ "" Prep | Suff

הֲ/ל֖וֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

הָמֵ֣ת mûwth H4191 "to die" V-Hiphil-Ptc

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.

Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely

Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.

תְּמִיתֵ֑/נִי mûwth H4191 "to die" V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms | Suff

וְ/כִי֙ kîy H3588 "for" Conj | Conj

אִיעָ֣צְ/ךָ֔ yâʻats H3289 "to advise" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff

This Hebrew word means to advise or counsel someone, like giving guidance or planning something. It is used in the Bible to describe people seeking advice or working together to make a plan. The KJV translates it as advise or counsel.

Definition: 1) to advise, consult, give counsel, counsel, purpose, devise, plan 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to advise, counsel, give counsel, consult 1a2) counsellor (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to consult together, exchange counsel, deliberate, counsel together 1c) (Hithpael) to conspire

Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: advertise, take advise, advise (well), consult, (give, take) counsel(-lor), determine, devise, guide, purpose. See also: Exodus 18:19; Job 26:3; Psalms 16:7.

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

תִשְׁמַ֖ע shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

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.

אֵלָֽ/י ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Jeremiah 38:15

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Jeremiah 38:15 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 38:15
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 38:15
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:15
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:15
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:15
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 38:15
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 38:15
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:15
Sermons on Jeremiah 38:15

Context — Jeremiah Cast into the Cistern

13and they pulled him up with the ropes and lifted him out of the cistern. And Jeremiah remained in the courtyard of the guard. 14Then King Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah the prophet and received him at the third entrance to the house of the LORD. “I am going to ask you something,” said the king to Jeremiah. “Do not hide anything from me.”

15“If I tell you,” Jeremiah replied, “you will surely put me to death. And even if I give you advice, you will not listen to me.”

16But King Zedekiah swore secretly to Jeremiah, “As surely as the LORD lives, who has given us this life, I will not kill you, nor will I deliver you into the hands of these men who are seeking your life.” 17Then 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.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Luke 22:67–68	“If You are the Christ, tell us.” Jesus answered, “If I tell you, you will not believe. And if I ask you a question, you will not answer.

Jeremiah 38:15 Summary

Jeremiah 38:15 shows us that Jeremiah was afraid to tell King Zedekiah the truth because he thought the king might kill him. This verse teaches us that being honest and fearless in our witness is important, even if it's hard or scary (as seen in Jeremiah 1:17-19). We can learn from Jeremiah's example to trust in God's sovereignty and be faithful in our own lives, even when it's difficult (as seen in Romans 8:28). By trusting in God and being honest, we can demonstrate our faith and courage to others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Jeremiah afraid to tell King Zedekiah the truth?

Jeremiah was afraid because he knew that the king might put him to death if he didn't like the message, as seen in Jeremiah 38:15, which is similar to the experiences of other prophets like Elijah in 1 Kings 19:2.

Did Jeremiah have any reason to trust King Zedekiah?

Jeremiah had no reason to trust the king, given the king's history of not listening to his advice, as mentioned in Jeremiah 38:15, and the fact that the king had previously thrown him into a cistern, as seen in Jeremiah 38:6.

What can we learn from Jeremiah's response to King Zedekiah?

We can learn the importance of being honest and fearless in our witness, even in the face of potential danger, as seen in Jeremiah 1:17-19 and Acts 4:29-31.

How does Jeremiah's situation relate to our own lives?

Jeremiah's situation reminds us that as Christians, we may face persecution or opposition for our faith, but we are called to be faithful and trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Matthew 10:22 and Romans 8:28.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can be more courageous in sharing my faith with others, even if it's uncomfortable or risky?
How can I balance being honest and transparent with being wise and discerning in my interactions with others?
What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God more and rely on my own strength less?
How can I apply the principle of Jeremiah 38:15 to my own relationships and interactions with others?
What are some ways that I can demonstrate my trust in God's sovereignty, even in difficult or uncertain circumstances?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 38:15

Then Jeremiah said unto Zedekiah,.... Here follows the prophets answer, in which he tacitly desires to be excused saying any thing upon this head, since it might be attended with danger to himself,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 38:15

Then Jeremiah said unto Zedekiah, If I declare it unto thee, wilt thou not surely put me to death? and if I give thee counsel, wilt thou not hearken unto me? If I give thee counsel, wilt thou not hearken unto me?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:15

Jeremiah had reason to caution with the king for his life, considering the easy answer of the king to the princes, moving for his death, ,5. We must imagine Jeremiah at this time under no Divine command to reveal God’ s will in this case unto the king. Wilt thou not? is here as much as thou wilt not hearken unto me. Zedekiah had often been advised by the prophet, but would never take his advice, and the prophet knew it would be the same case still, that the king would be overruled by a corrupt court, and his own aversion, to change his state, as a king, for the state of a prisoner.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:15

Jeremiah 38:15 Then Jeremiah said unto Zedekiah, If I declare [it] unto thee, wilt thou not surely put me to death? and if I give thee counsel, wilt thou not hearken unto me?Ver. 15. If I declare it unto thee.] It is for the sins of a people that a hypocrite reigneth over them. Such a one was Zedekiah; and the prophet here freely reproveth him for his hypocrisy. And if I give thee counsel, will thou not hearken?] Or, And though I advise thee, thou wilt not hearken to me. Thou art set, and hast made thy conclusion beforehand.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:15

(15) Wilt thou not surely put me to death?—The prophet obviously speaks as if he believed the king to have sanctioned the severe measures that had been taken against him, and having no other “word of the Lord” to speak than that which he had spoken before, fears to provoke his wrath. The latter part of the sentence is better taken with the LXX., Vulg., and Luther, “thou wilt not hearken unto me “; or the form of the question altered so as to imply that answer.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 38:15

15. thou wilt not hearken unto me] Cp., as illustrating Zedekiah’s weakness of character, his words in the next v. with those which he had addressed to the princes (Jeremiah 38:5).

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 38:15

Wilt thou not hearken ...! - Rather, Thou wilt not hearken.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:15

15. Wilt thou not hearken — The English is wrong in giving the last sentence as a question. The true reading is, thou wilt not hearken unto me.

Sermons on Jeremiah 38:15

	Sermon	Description
	God Loves You Whatever You're Like! (Romans 5.7a) by Ernest O'Neill	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of love and acceptance in the world. He points out that people tend to love and accept others based on their attractiveness or com

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