Jeremiah 38:16

Jeremiah 38:16 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

But 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.”

King James Version KJV

So Zedekiah the king sware secretly unto Jeremiah, saying, As the LORD liveth, that made us this soul, I will not put thee to death, neither will I give thee into the hand of these men that seek thy life.

American Standard Version ASV

So Zedekiah the king sware secretly unto Jeremiah, saying, As Jehovah liveth, that made us this soul, I will not put thee to death, neither will I give thee into the hand of these men that seek thy life.

Bible in Basic English BBE

So King Zedekiah gave his oath to Jeremiah secretly, saying, By the living Lord, who gave us our life, I will not put you to death, or give you up to these men who are desiring to take your life.

Free Bible Version FBV

King Zedekiah solemnly promised Jeremiah in private, “As the Lord lives, who gave us this life, I won't have you killed, and I won't hand you over to those who want to kill you.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

So the King sware secretly vnto Ieremiah, saying, As the Lord liueth that made vs these soules, I will not slay thee, nor giue thee into the hands of those men that seeke thy life.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And the king Zedekiah sweareth unto Jeremiah in secret, saying, 'Jehovah liveth, He who made for us this soul, I do not put thee to death, nor give thee unto the hand of these men who are seeking thy soul.'

World English Bible WEB

So Zedekiah the king swore secretly to Jeremiah, saying, “As the LORD lives, who made our souls, I will not put you to death, neither will I give you into the hand of these men who seek your life.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

So Zedekiah the king swore secretly to Jeremiah, saying, As the LORD liveth, that made us this soul, I will not put thee to death, neither will I give thee into the hand of these men that seek thy life.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Then king Sedecias swore to Jeremias, in private, saying: As the Lord liveth, that made us this soul, I will not put thee to death, nor will I deliver thee into the hands of these men that seek thy life.

Translation for Translators T4T

But King Zedekiah secretly promised me, “Tell me the truth! And as surely as Yahweh lives, I will not cause you to be executed, and I will not hand you over to those who are wanting to kill you.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 38:16

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 38:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּשָּׁבַ֞ע הַ/מֶּ֧לֶךְ צִדְקִיָּ֛הוּ אֶֽל יִרְמְיָ֖הוּ בַּ/סֵּ֣תֶר לֵ/אמֹ֑ר חַי יְהוָ֞ה את אֲשֶׁר֩ עָשָׂה לָ֨/נוּ אֶת הַ/נֶּ֤פֶשׁ הַ/זֹּאת֙ אִם אֲמִיתֶ֔/ךָ וְ/אִם אֶתֶּנְ/ךָ֗ בְּ/יַד֙ הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֣ים הָ/אֵ֔לֶּה אֲשֶׁ֥ר מְבַקְשִׁ֖ים אֶת נַפְשֶֽׁ/ךָ

וַ/יִּשָּׁבַ֞ע shâbaʻ H7650 to swear Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms

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

צִדְקִיָּ֛הוּ Tsidqîyâh H6667 Zedekiah N-proper

אֶֽל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

יִרְמְיָ֖הוּ Yirmᵉyâh H3414 Jeremiah N-proper

בַּ/סֵּ֣תֶר çêther H5643 secrecy Prep | N-ms

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

חַי chay H2416 alive Adj

יְהוָ֞ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

את ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

אֲשֶׁר֩ ʼăsher H834 which Rel

עָשָׂה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Perf-3ms

לָ֨/נוּ Prep | Suff

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הַ/נֶּ֤פֶשׁ nephesh H5315 soul Art | N-cs

הַ/זֹּאת֙ zôʼth H2063 this Art | Pron

אִם ʼim H518 if Conj

אֲמִיתֶ֔/ךָ mûwth H4191 to die V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff

וְ/אִם ʼim H518 if Conj | Conj

אֶתֶּנְ/ךָ֗ nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff

בְּ/יַד֙ yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs

הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֣ים ʼîysh H376 man Art | N-mp

הָ/אֵ֔לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 these Art | Pron

אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

מְבַקְשִׁ֖ים bâqash H1245 to seek V-Piel

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

נַפְשֶֽׁ/ךָ nephesh H5315 soul N-cs | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 38:16

וַ/יִּשָּׁבַ֞ע shâbaʻ H7650 "to swear" Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to swear an oath, like making a promise or vow. In the Bible, it is used when someone is making a serious promise, often with God as a witness. The KJV translates it as adjure or take an oath.

Definition: 1) to swear, adjure 1a) (Qal) sworn (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to swear, take an oath 1b2) to swear (of Jehovah by Himself) 1b3) to curse 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to take an oath 1c2) to adjure

Usage: Occurs in 175 OT verses. KJV: adjure, charge (by an oath, with an oath), feed to the full (by mistake for H7646 (שָׂבַע)), take an oath, [idiom] straitly, (cause to, make to) swear. See also: Genesis 21:23; Judges 21:18; Psalms 15:4.

הַ/מֶּ֧לֶךְ 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.

צִדְקִיָּ֛הוּ 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.

אֶֽל 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.

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.

בַּ/סֵּ֣תֶר çêther H5643 "secrecy" Prep | N-ms

This word refers to a shelter or covering, like a place to hide. It can also mean protection, as in Psalm 18:11 where God is a shelter from danger.

Definition: 1) covering, shelter, hiding place, secrecy 1a) covering, cover 1b) hiding place, shelter, secret place 1c) secrecy 1c1) secrecy (of tongue being slanderous)

Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: backbiting, covering, covert, [idiom] disguise(-th), hiding place, privily, protection, secret(-ly, place). See also: Deuteronomy 13:7; Psalms 61:5; Psalms 18:12.

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.

חַי chay H2416 "alive" Adj

In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.

Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)

Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.

יְהוָ֞ה 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.

את 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.

אֲשֶׁר֩ ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

עָשָׂה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

לָ֨/נוּ "" Prep | Suff

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." 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.

הַ/נֶּ֤פֶשׁ nephesh H5315 "soul" Art | N-cs

The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.

Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain

Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.

הַ/זֹּאת֙ 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.

אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj

This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.

Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather

Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.

אֲמִיתֶ֔/ךָ mûwth H4191 "to die" V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff

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.

וְ/אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj | Conj

אֶתֶּנְ/ךָ֗ nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff

This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.

Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon

Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.

בְּ/יַד֙ yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | N-cs

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֣ים ʼîysh H376 "man" Art | N-mp

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

הָ/אֵ֔לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 "these" Art | Pron

This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.

Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)

Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.

אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

מְבַקְשִׁ֖ים bâqash H1245 "to seek" V-Piel

This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.

Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought

Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." 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.

נַפְשֶֽׁ/ךָ nephesh H5315 "soul" N-cs | Suff

Study Notes — Jeremiah 38:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Jeremiah 38:16 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 38:16
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 38:16
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:16
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:16
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:16
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:16
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 38:16
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 38:16
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:16
Sermons on Jeremiah 38:16

Context — Jeremiah Cast into the Cistern

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. 18But if you do not surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, then this city will be delivered into the hands of the Chaldeans. They will burn it down, and you yourself will not escape their grasp.’”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Jeremiah 37:17	Later, 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.”
2	Jeremiah 38:1–6	Now Shephatiah son of Mattan, Gedaliah son of Pashhur, Jucal son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur son of Malchijah heard that Jeremiah had been telling all the people: “This is what the LORD says: Whoever stays in this city will die by sword and famine and plague, but whoever surrenders to the Chaldeans will live; he will retain his life like a spoil of war, and he will live. This is what the LORD says: This city will surely be delivered into the hands of the army of the king of Babylon, and he will capture it.” Then the officials said to the king, “This man ought to die, for he is discouraging the warriors who remain in this city, as well as all the people, by speaking such words to them; this man is not seeking the well-being of these people, but their ruin.” “Here he is,” replied King Zedekiah. “He is in your hands, since the king can do nothing to stop you.” 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.
3	Isaiah 57:16	For I will not accuse you forever, nor will I always be angry; for then the spirit of man would grow weak before Me, with the breath of those I have made.
4	John 3:2	He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs You are doing if God were not with him.”
5	Zechariah 12:1	This is the burden of the word of the LORD concerning Israel. Thus declares the LORD, who stretches out the heavens and lays the foundation of the earth, who forms the spirit of man within him:
6	Numbers 27:16	“May the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation
7	Jeremiah 34:20	I will deliver into the hands of their enemies who seek their lives. Their corpses will become food for the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth.
8	Numbers 16:22	But Moses and Aaron fell facedown and said, “O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, when one man sins, will You be angry with the whole congregation?”
9	Isaiah 42:5	This is what God the LORD says— He who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and its offspring, who gives breath to the people on it and life to those who walk in it:
10	Hebrews 12:9	Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not much more submit to the Father of our spirits and live?

Jeremiah 38:16 Summary

[King Zedekiah promised Jeremiah that he would not hurt him or give him to the people who wanted to kill him, and he swore this promise in the name of the Lord, who gives us life, as seen in Jeremiah 38:16 and Deuteronomy 30:19-20. This shows that even though King Zedekiah was not always faithful to God, he still recognized God's power and authority. We can learn from this that our words and actions have consequences, and we should strive to be faithful to God's commands, as seen in Proverbs 10:9 and Matthew 5:33-37. By trusting in God's sovereignty, like Jeremiah did, we can find protection and safety in Him, as promised in Psalm 91:4 and Jeremiah 29:11.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did King Zedekiah swear secretly to Jeremiah?

King Zedekiah swore secretly to Jeremiah because he was afraid of the officers and the people, as mentioned in Jeremiah 38:4-5, and he wanted to assure Jeremiah of his safety without alerting them to their conversation, as seen in Jeremiah 38:14-16.

What does it mean that the king swore 'as surely as the LORD lives'?

When King Zedekiah said 'as surely as the LORD lives', he was invoking the name of the Lord as a guarantee of his promise, similar to how God swears by Himself in Isaiah 45:23, emphasizing the gravity and solemnity of his oath.

Can we trust King Zedekiah's promise to Jeremiah?

While King Zedekiah's promise to Jeremiah seems sincere, his track record of following through on his commitments is questionable, as seen in his hesitation to obey God's commands in Jeremiah 37:1-2 and Jeremiah 38:14-28, which ultimately leads to the downfall of Jerusalem.

How does this verse relate to the overall message of Jeremiah?

This verse highlights the theme of God's sovereignty and the consequences of disobedience, as King Zedekiah's actions and decisions ultimately lead to the fulfillment of God's judgment on Jerusalem, as prophesied in Jeremiah 25:8-11 and Jeremiah 32:28-35.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I am seeking protection or safety, and how can I trust in God's sovereignty like Jeremiah did?
How can I, like Jeremiah, remain faithful to God's calling despite the pressures and threats from those around me, as seen in Jeremiah 1:17-19?
In what ways can I invoke the name of the Lord as a guarantee of my promises, as King Zedekiah did, and what does this mean for my relationships with others, as seen in Matthew 5:33-37?
What are some ways I can apply the principle of trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11, to my daily life and decisions?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 38:16

So Zedekiah the king swore secretly unto Jeremiah,.... The king not only gave the prophet his word, but also annexed to it his oath, that his life should be in no danger, either from him or his

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 38:16

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:16

Zedekiah saith nothing to the latter part of Jeremiah’ s speech, promising nothing as to his hearing and obeying his counsel: as to the former, he gives him the security of his oath, that he would neither himself slay him, by giving any immediate command from himself, nor surrender him up into the hands of those malicious princes who he perceived sought his life. The form of his oath is what was usual, As the Lord liveth, with an addition, the Lord that gave me my life: If I put thee to death, and if I deliver thee; which form carrieth with it a concealed imprecation, Let the Lord do so to me, and more also; or, Let the Lord that gave me this soul take it from me, if I do either of these things. Thus he secures Jeremiah, as to any hard measure for his telling him the truth, though it should be what might be interpreted a capital crime to publish.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:16

Jeremiah 38:16 So Zedekiah the king sware secretly unto Jeremiah, saying, [As] the LORD liveth, that made us this soul, I will not put thee to death, neither will I give thee into the hand of these men that seek thy life.Ver. 16. So the king Zedekiah sware secretly unto Jeremiah.] But what credit was to be given to his oath, who was notoriously known to be a perjured person, as having broken his oath of fidelity to Nebuchadnezzar? As the Lord liveth, that made us this soul.] Hence the truth of that assertion is cleared up unto us, that men’ s souls drop not down from heaven, nor are propagated by their parents, but are created by God, and infused into their bodies. I will not put thee to death, neither will I, &c.] The former part of the prophet’ s condition he sweareth to perform, but saith nothing to the latter, as having no such liking to it. So many come today to hear, who resolve to practise only so far as they see good.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:16

(16) As the Lord liveth, that made us this soul.—The formula of the oath was obviously intended to be one of unusual solemnity; more so even than the simpler form of “The Lord liveth” (Jeremiah 16:14-15). The king swears by Jehovah as the living God, author and giver of his own life. The two-fold promise shows that the king felt the implied reproof of Jeremiah’s question. He separates himself from those who sought the prophet’s life, and declares that for the future he will not give them even the sanction of acquiescence. It is characteristic of his weakness that even now the oath is given secretly.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:16

Verse 16. As the Lord liveth, that made us this soul] He is the living God, and he is the Author of that life which each of us possesses; and as sure as he lives, and we live by him, I will not put thee to death, nor give thee into the hands of those men who seek thy life. A very solemn oath; and the first instance on record of the profane custom of swearing by the soul.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 38:16

16. that made us this soul] i.e. that gave us our life (cp. Isaiah 57:16), a form of oath suitable to the occasion when the prophet’s life was in danger.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 38:16

That made us this soul - This very unusual addition to the formula of an oath 1 Samuel 20:3 was intended to strengthen it.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:16

16. That made us this soul — An unusual addition to the formula of an oath.

Sermons on Jeremiah 38:16

	Sermon	Description
	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
	Jeremiah in the Dungeon by C.I. Scofield	C.I. Scofield delves into the mystery of permitted suffering of the good, using the story of Jeremiah's affliction to illustrate how God's power is magnified in delivering His fait
	Eternity by J. Wesley Adcock	In this sermon, the preacher uses various illustrations to emphasize the brevity of life and the importance of recognizing the limited time we have on Earth. He compares life to a
	The Lord's Measured Correction by Octavius Winslow	Octavius Winslow emphasizes the necessity of divine correction in our spiritual journey, illustrating that trials and afflictions are essential for our sanctification and moral fit
	The Meaning of Life - 1. God Only by Norman Grubb	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding the foundation of the universe, which is built on love. He emphasizes that God is a God of love and that the e
	Holl-05 Walking in the Spirit 2 by Art Katz	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discerning between good intentions and God's will. He warns that in the end times, the greatest threat will not come from
	The Sutera Life Story by Ralph Sutera	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of knowing Christ in one's heart and life, rather than just having head knowledge or engaging in religious practices. He chal