Jeremiah 38:21
Jeremiah 38:21 in Multiple Translations
But if you refuse to surrender, this is the word that the LORD has shown me:
But if thou refuse to go forth, this is the word that the LORD hath shewed me:
But if thou refuse to go forth, this is the word that Jehovah hath showed me:
But if you do not go out, this is what the Lord has made clear to me:
But if you refuse to hand yourself over, this is what the Lord has told me:
But if thou wilt refuse to go forth, this is the worde that the Lord hath shewed me.
'And if thou art refusing to go forth, this [is] the thing that Jehovah hath shewn me:
But if you refuse to go out, this is the word that the LORD has shown me:
But if thou shalt refuse to go forth, this is the word that the LORD hath shown me:
But if thou wilt not go forth, this is the word which the Lord hath shewn me:
But if you refuse to surrender, this is what Yahweh has revealed to me:
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 38:21
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 38:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִם
מָאֵ֥ן
אַתָּ֖ה
לָ/צֵ֑את
זֶ֣ה
הַ/דָּבָ֔ר
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
הִרְאַ֖/נִי
יְהוָֽה
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
מָאֵ֥ן
mâʼên
H3986
refusing
V-Piel
אַתָּ֖ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
לָ/צֵ֑את
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
זֶ֣ה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
הַ/דָּבָ֔ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
הִרְאַ֖/נִי
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 38:21
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | 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.
מָאֵ֥ן
mâʼên
H3986
"refusing"
V-Piel
This word describes someone who is unwilling to obey or cooperate. In Numbers 14:9, it is used to describe the Israelites who refused to enter the Promised Land.
Definition: refusing, unwilling to obey
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: refuse. See also: Exodus 7:27; Exodus 10:4; Jeremiah 38:21.
אַתָּ֖ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
לָ/צֵ֑את
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
זֶ֣ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, 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 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
הַ/דָּבָ֔ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Art | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
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.
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.
הִרְאַ֖/נִי
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
יְהוָֽה
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.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 38:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Jeremiah Cast into the Cistern
19But King Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “I am afraid of the Jews who have deserted to the Chaldeans, for the Chaldeans may deliver me into their hands to abuse me.”
20“They will not hand you over,” Jeremiah replied. “Obey the voice of the LORD in what I am telling you, that it may go well with you and you may live.
21But if you refuse to surrender, this is the word that the LORD has shown me:
22All the women who remain in the palace of the king of Judah will be brought out to the officials of the king of Babylon, and those women will say: ‘They misled you and overcame you— those trusted friends of yours. Your feet sank into the mire, and they deserted you.’ 23All your wives and children will be brought out to the Chaldeans. And you yourself will not escape their grasp, for you will be seized by the king of Babylon, and this city will be burned down.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 2:7 | But speak My words to them, whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are rebellious. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 2:4–5 | They are obstinate and stubborn children. I am sending you to them, and you are to say to them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says.’ And whether they listen or refuse to listen—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 26:15 | But know for certain that if you put me to death, you will bring innocent blood upon yourselves, upon this city, and upon its residents; for truly the LORD has sent me to speak all these words in your hearing.” |
| 4 | Isaiah 1:19–20 | If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best of the land. But if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 5:3 | O LORD, do not Your eyes look for truth? You struck them, but they felt no pain. You finished them off, but they refused to accept discipline. They have made their faces harder than stone and refused to repent. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 15:19–21 | Therefore this is what the LORD says: “If you return, I will restore you; you will stand in My presence. And if you speak words that are noble instead of worthless, you will be My spokesman. It is they who must turn to you, but you must not turn to them. Then I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to save and deliver you, declares the LORD. I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless.” |
| 7 | Numbers 23:19–20 | God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill? I have indeed received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot change it. |
| 8 | Exodus 16:28 | Then the LORD said to Moses, “How long will you refuse to keep My commandments and instructions? |
| 9 | Acts 20:26–27 | Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I did not shrink back from declaring to you the whole will of God. |
| 10 | Job 34:33 | Should God repay you on your own terms when you have disavowed His? You must choose, not I; so tell me what you know. |
Jeremiah 38:21 Summary
[Jeremiah 38:21 is a warning to King Zedekiah that if he refuses to surrender to the Babylonians, God will allow the Babylonians to capture and destroy Jerusalem, as seen in Jeremiah 38:22-23. This verse reminds us that disobedience to God's commands can have serious consequences, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:20. On the other hand, obedience to God's will can bring blessings and protection, as seen in Jeremiah 38:20. By surrendering to God's will, we can trust in His sovereignty and goodness, as seen in Psalm 103:19.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'refuse to surrender' in Jeremiah 38:21?
To refuse to surrender in this context means to disobey God's command to surrender to the Babylonians, as Jeremiah has instructed King Zedekiah, which is similar to the disobedience seen in Deuteronomy 8:20 where it is written that those who do not obey God's voice will be destroyed.
Why is God giving King Zedekiah a choice in Jeremiah 38:21?
God is giving King Zedekiah a choice to surrender to the Babylonians as a test of his faith and obedience, similar to the test of Abraham's faith in Genesis 22:1-14 where he was asked to sacrifice his son Isaac.
What are the consequences of refusing to surrender to God's will in Jeremiah 38:21?
The consequences of refusing to surrender to God's will, as seen in Jeremiah 38:22-23, will be severe judgment and destruction, which is consistent with the principle seen in Proverbs 29:1 that those who refuse to listen to correction will be destroyed suddenly.
How does Jeremiah 38:21 relate to the broader theme of God's sovereignty?
Jeremiah 38:21 demonstrates God's sovereignty over all nations and kingdoms, including Judah and Babylon, as seen in Daniel 4:25 and Psalm 103:19, where it is written that God's kingdom rules over all.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am refusing to surrender to God's will, and what are the potential consequences of my disobedience?
- How can I cultivate a heart of obedience to God's commands, even when it is difficult or unpopular, like King Zedekiah in Jeremiah 38:21?
- What does it mean for me to 'obey the voice of the LORD' in my daily life, as Jeremiah instructs King Zedekiah in Jeremiah 38:20?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and goodness when faced with difficult circumstances, like the siege of Jerusalem in Jeremiah 38?
- What role does faith and trust play in surrendering to God's will, and how can I grow in my faith and trust in God's plan for my life?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 38:21
But if thou refuse to go forth,.... Out of Jerusalem, to the Chaldean army, and submit to them: this [is] the word that the Lord hath showed me, or the thing which should certainly come to pass; the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 38:21
But Jeremiah said, They shall not deliver thee. Obey, I beseech thee, the voice of the LORD, which I speak unto thee: so it shall be well unto thee, and thy soul shall live. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:21
Jeremiah 38:21 But if thou refuse to go forth, this [is] the word that the LORD hath shewed me:Ver. 21. Bat if thou refuse to go forth.] Promises and threatenings make an excellent mixture; the tartness of the one giveth us better to taste the sweetness of the other.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 38:21
21. the word] viz. the picture of the women which follows. Dr. makes it to be an actual vision on the part of the prophet, and so renders “all the women … were brought forth … while they said, etc.”
Sermons on Jeremiah 38:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Titus - Part 5): His Word Manifested Through Preaching by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the imperfection of preaching due to the involvement of language. He explains that language is fluid and can have different meanings in diff |
|
He Will Soon Rejoice in His Love by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God will do a work in believers, helping them understand true strength and truth. He assures that with this understanding, believers wi |
|
The Great Commission - the Impossible / Possible Task by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching God's word without mixing it with our own ideas or clever narrations. He emphasizes the need for preachers to sp |
|
Wynne Prison - Part 1 by George Warnock | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of overcoming evil with good, just as Jesus did. He explains that God sent Jesus as another Adam to undo the work of the firs |
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Definite Directions for Open-Air Preaching by Gawin Kirkham | Gawin Kirkham emphasizes the importance of open-air preaching and provides practical advice for street preachers. He highlights the need for a leader to organize the meetings and c |
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The Silencing of the Prophetic Voice by Robert Wurtz II | Robert Wurtz II delves into the role of prophets, highlighting how they were chosen by God to deliver His messages through the power of the Holy Spirit. Prophets acted as God's pro |
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(Revival) Highlights of Past Revivals - Part 1 by Michael L. Brown | Michael L. Brown discusses the historical context of biblical revivals, emphasizing the Hebrew concept of 'Chaya,' which means to revive or bring to life. He highlights the story o |