Jeremiah 38:26
Jeremiah 38:26 in Multiple Translations
then tell them, ‘I was presenting to the king my petition that he not return me to the house of Jonathan to die there.’”
Then thou shalt say unto them, I presented my supplication before the king, that he would not cause me to return to Jonathan’s house, to die there.
then thou shalt say unto them, I presented my supplication before the king, that he would not cause me to return to Jonathan’s house, to die there.
Then you are to say to them, I made my request to the king, that he would not send me back to my death in Jonathan's house.
then you are to tell them, ‘I was asking the king to grant my request not to return me to the house of Jonathan to die there.’”
Then shalt thou say vnto them, I humbly besought the King that he would not cause me to returne to Iehonathans house, to die there.
then thou hast said unto them, I am causing my supplication to fall before the king, not to cause me to return to the house of Jonathan, to die there.'
then you shall tell them, ‘I presented my supplication before the king, that he would not cause me to return to Jonathan’s house, to die there.’”
Then thou shalt say to them, I presented my supplication before the king, that he would not cause me to return to Jonathan's house, to die there.
Thou shalt say to them: I presented my supplication before the king, that he would not command me to be carried back into the house of Jonathan, to die there.
If that happens, just tell them that you pleaded with me not to send you back to the dungeon/cell in Jonathan’s house, because you were afraid that you would die if you were put there again.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 38:26
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 38:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֣
אֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם
מַפִּיל
אֲנִ֥י
תְחִנָּתִ֖/י
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
לְ/בִלְתִּ֧י
הֲשִׁיבֵ֛/נִי
בֵּ֥ית
יְהוֹנָתָ֖ן
לָ/מ֥וּת
שָֽׁם
וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֣
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
אֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
מַפִּיל
nâphal
H5307
to fall
V-Hiphil
אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
תְחִנָּתִ֖/י
tᵉchinnâh
H8467
supplication
N-fs | Suff
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
לְ/בִלְתִּ֧י
biltîy
H1115
lest
Prep | Conj
הֲשִׁיבֵ֛/נִי
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
בֵּ֥ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
יְהוֹנָתָ֖ן
Yᵉhôwnâthân
H3083
Jonathan
N-proper
לָ/מ֥וּת
mûwth
H4191
to die
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
שָֽׁם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 38:26
וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֣
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
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.
אֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
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.
מַפִּיל
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
V-Hiphil
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
תְחִנָּתִ֖/י
tᵉchinnâh
H8467
"supplication"
N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word means a humble request for favor or grace, often used to describe a prayer to God for help. It appears in the Bible as a plea for mercy or kindness. In the KJV, it is translated as favor, grace, or supplication.
Definition: 1) favour, supplication, supplication for favour 1a) favour 1b) supplication for favour
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: favour, grace, supplication. See also: Joshua 11:20; 2 Chronicles 6:39; Psalms 6:10.
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
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.
לְ/בִלְתִּ֧י
biltîy
H1115
"lest"
Prep | Conj
This Hebrew word means not or except, and is often used with a prepositional prefix. It appears in various forms, such as not, except, or unless, and is used in many biblical passages.
Definition: subst 1) not, except adv 2) not 3) except (after preceding negation) conj 4) except (after an implied or expressed negation) with prep 5) so as not, in order not 6) an account of not, because...not 7) until not
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: because un(satiable), beside, but, [phrase] continual, except, from, lest, neither, no more, none, not, nothing, save, that no, without. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Kings 12:9; Isaiah 10:4.
הֲשִׁיבֵ֛/נִי
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
בֵּ֥ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
יְהוֹנָתָ֖ן
Yᵉhôwnâthân
H3083
"Jonathan"
N-proper
Jehonathan was a son of King Saul and a friend of David, meaning 'Jehovah has given'. He was also known as Jonathan.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.13.3; son of: Shimeah (H8093); also called Jonathan at 2Sa.21.21; 1x27.32; Another name of yo.na.dav (יוֹנָדָב "Jonadab" H3122G) § Jonathan or Jehonathan = "Jehovah has given" 1) a son of king Saul and a friend of David 2) a son of the high priest Abiathar and the last descendant of Eli of whom we hear 3) a nephew of David who like David slew a giant of Gath 4) an uncle of David 5) one of David's mighty warriors 6) one of David's treasurers 7) a scribe in the time of Jeremiah 8) a Levite and father of Zechariah, a priest who blew the trumpet at the dedication of the wall 9) a son or descendant of Gershom, the son of Moses, and a priest to the tribe of Dan 10) a son of Kareah and a brother of Johanan; a Judaite captain after the fall of Jerusalem 11) another Judaite father of Peleth 12) father of Ebed in the time of Ezra 13) son of Asahel in the time of Ezra 14) a priest of the family of Melicu in the time of Nehemiah 15) son of Joiada and his successor to the high priesthood in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: Jonathan. Compare H3129 (יוֹנָתָן). See also: 1 Samuel 14:6; 1 Samuel 23:18; Jeremiah 37:15.
לָ/מ֥וּת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
שָֽׁם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 38:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 38:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 38:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 38:26
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:26
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:26
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:26
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 38:26
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:26
- Sermons on Jeremiah 38:26
Context — Jeremiah Cast into the Cistern
24Then Zedekiah warned Jeremiah, “Do not let anyone know about this conversation, or you will die.
25If the officials hear that I have spoken with you, and they come and demand of you, ‘Tell us what you said to the king and what he said to you; do not hide it from us, or we will kill you,’
26then tell them, ‘I was presenting to the king my petition that he not return me to the house of Jonathan to die there.’”
27When all the officials came to Jeremiah and questioned him, he relayed to them the exact words the king had commanded him to say. So they said no more to him, for no one had overheard the conversation. 28And Jeremiah remained in the courtyard of the guard until the day Jerusalem was captured.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 37:20 | But now please listen, O my lord the king. May my petition come before you. Do not send me back to the house of Jonathan the scribe, or I will die there.” |
| 2 | Jeremiah 37:15 | The officials were angry with Jeremiah, and they beat him and placed him in jail in the house of Jonathan the scribe, for it had been made into a prison. |
| 3 | Esther 4:8 | Mordecai also gave Hathach a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for the destruction of the Jews, to show and explain to Esther, urging her to approach the king, implore his favor, and plead before him for her people. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 42:2 | 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. |
Jeremiah 38:26 Summary
[This verse shows that Jeremiah was asking King Zedekiah to protect him from harm, and the king was willing to help. Jeremiah was in a difficult situation, but he trusted in God's protection and provision, as we can see in Jeremiah 38:26. We can learn from Jeremiah's example by trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, even when things seem impossible, as encouraged in Matthew 19:26 and Romans 8:28. By doing so, we can find peace and comfort in the midst of challenging circumstances, just like Jeremiah did.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Jeremiah's petition to King Zedekiah?
Jeremiah's petition to King Zedekiah was that he not be returned to the house of Jonathan to die, as indicated in Jeremiah 38:26, a request that reflects his understanding of the dangers he faced as proclaimed in Jeremiah 20:2 and Jeremiah 32:2.
Why did King Zedekiah warn Jeremiah to keep their conversation a secret?
King Zedekiah warned Jeremiah to keep their conversation a secret because he feared the officials would kill Jeremiah if they found out, as mentioned in Jeremiah 38:24-25, highlighting the political tension and danger of the time, similar to the experiences of other prophets like Elijah in 1 Kings 19:2.
How did Jeremiah respond to the officials when they questioned him?
Jeremiah responded to the officials by telling them exactly what the king had commanded him to say, as seen in Jeremiah 38:27, demonstrating his obedience to the king's instructions and his commitment to honesty, as encouraged in Proverbs 12:17.
What does this verse reveal about Jeremiah's relationship with King Zedekiah?
This verse reveals that Jeremiah had a unique relationship with King Zedekiah, one in which the king sought his counsel and was willing to protect him, as shown in Jeremiah 38:24-26, despite the political pressures and dangers that Jeremiah faced, similar to the relationship between King David and the prophet Nathan in 2 Samuel 7:1-17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in your life when you have had to trust in God's protection and provision, similar to Jeremiah's experience in Jeremiah 38:26?
- How can you apply the principle of obedience to authority, as seen in Jeremiah's response to King Zedekiah, to your own life and relationships?
- What are some ways you can demonstrate courage and faith in the face of adversity, as Jeremiah did in his interactions with the officials and the king?
- How does this verse encourage you to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in difficult circumstances, as reflected in Psalm 23:4 and Romans 8:28?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 38:26
Then thou shalt say unto them,.... Here the king puts words into the prophet's mouth, what he should say to the princes, to put them off from inquiring further, and so keep the matter a secret: I
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 38:26
Then thou shalt say unto them, I presented my supplication before the king, that he would not cause me to return to Jonathan's house, to die there.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:26
The king instructs the prophet, in case the princes should be inquisitive to know what discourse passed betwixt the king and him, to tell them that he petitioned him that he might be sent no more to the prison in the house of Jonathan, of which he complained, and petitioned the king to be freed from it, .
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:26
Jeremiah 38:26 Then thou shalt say unto them, I presented my supplication before the king, that he would not cause me to return to Jonathan’ s house, to die there.Ver. 26. Then shalt thou say unto them, I presented my supplication.] This was to tell part of the truth only (which might lawfully be done), and not to tell an officious, or at least an oblique lie, as some would make it to be.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:26
Verse 26. I presented my supplication] This was telling the truth, and nothing but the truth, but not the whole truth. The king did not wish him to defile his conscience, nor did he propose any thing that was not consistent with the truth.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 38:26
26. I presented my supplication] See on Jeremiah 36:7. to Jonathan’s house] See Jeremiah 37:15.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:26
26. I presented my supplication, etc. — True, but misleading. In this it has several parallels in the Bible. If asked whether it was right, the only safe answer is, We cannot fully decide.
Sermons on Jeremiah 38:26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
God's School of Faith by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on a sentence from the book of Joshua that states, "His thoughts are not our thoughts." The speaker suggests that this sentence holds the key to |