Jeremiah 38:5
Jeremiah 38:5 in Multiple Translations
“Here he is,” replied King Zedekiah. “He is in your hands, since the king can do nothing to stop you.”
Then Zedekiah the king said, Behold, he is in your hand: for the king is not he that can do any thing against you.
And Zedekiah the king said, Behold, he is in your hand; for the king is not he that can do anything against you.
Then Zedekiah the king said, See, he is in your hands: for the king was not able to do anything against them.
“Well, you can do whatever you want to him,” King Zedekiah replied. “I can't stop you.”
Then Zedekiah the King sayd, Behold, he is in your hands, for ye King can denie you nothing.
And the king Zedekiah saith, 'Lo, he [is] in your hand: for the king is not able for you [in] anything.'
Zedekiah the king said, “Behold, he is in your hand; for the king can’t do anything to oppose you.”
Then Zedekiah the king said, Behold, he is in your hand: for the king is not he that can do any thing against you.
And king Sedecias said: Behold he is in your hands: for it is not lawful for the king to deny you any thing.
King Zedekiah said, “All right, do to him what you want to; I do not have the power to stop you.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 38:5
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 38:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
הַ/מֶּ֣לֶךְ
צִדְקִיָּ֔הוּ
הִנֵּה
ה֖וּא
בְּ/יֶדְ/כֶ֑ם
כִּֽי
אֵ֣ין
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
יוּכַ֥ל
אֶתְ/כֶ֖ם
דָּבָֽר
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/מֶּ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
צִדְקִיָּ֔הוּ
Tsidqîyâh
H6667
Zedekiah
N-proper
הִנֵּה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
בְּ/יֶדְ/כֶ֑ם
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
יוּכַ֥ל
yâkôl
H3201
be able
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֶתְ/כֶ֖ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
דָּבָֽר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 38:5
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
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.
הַ/מֶּ֣לֶךְ
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.
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.
הִנֵּה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
בְּ/יֶדְ/כֶ֑ם
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
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.
כִּֽי
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.
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
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.
יוּכַ֥ל
yâkôl
H3201
"be able"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.
אֶתְ/כֶ֖ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
דָּבָֽר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
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.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 38:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 38:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 38:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 38:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:5
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 38:5
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 38:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:5
- Sermons on Jeremiah 38:5
Context — Jeremiah Cast into the Cistern
3This 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.”
4Then 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.”
5“Here he is,” replied King Zedekiah. “He is in your hands, since the king can do nothing to stop you.”
6So 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. 7Now Ebed-melech the Cushite, a court official in the royal palace, heard that Jeremiah had been put into the cistern. While the king was sitting at the Gate of Benjamin,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 19:12–16 | From then on, Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who declares himself a king is defying Caesar.” When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat on the judgment seat at a place called the Stone Pavement, which in Hebrew is Gabbatha. It was the day of Preparation for the Passover, about the sixth hour. And Pilate said to the Jews, “Here is your King!” At this, they shouted, “Away with Him! Away with Him! Crucify Him!” “Shall I crucify your King?” Pilate asked. “We have no king but Caesar,” replied the chief priests. Then Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified, and the soldiers took Him away. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 3:39 | And I am weak this day, though anointed as king, and these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too fierce for me. May the LORD repay the evildoer according to his evil!” |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 19:22 | And David replied, “Sons of Zeruiah, what have I to do with you, that you should be my adversaries today? Should any man be put to death in Israel today? Am I not indeed aware that today I am king over Israel?” |
| 4 | Proverbs 29:25 | The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 15:24 | Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned; I have transgressed the LORD’s commandment and your instructions, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 29:9 | Achish replied, “I know that you are as pleasing in my sight as an angel of God. But the commanders of the Philistines have said, ‘He must not go into battle with us.’ |
Jeremiah 38:5 Summary
[In this verse, King Zedekiah is giving in to the pressure from his officials and allowing them to take Jeremiah away, even though he knows Jeremiah is speaking the truth from God. This shows that King Zedekiah is more afraid of what people think than he is of disobeying God, which is a warning to us to prioritize our loyalty to God above all else, as seen in Matthew 10:28. By studying this verse, we can learn the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it's hard, and trusting in God's power and protection, as promised in Psalm 23:4 and Romans 8:28.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did King Zedekiah give Jeremiah to the officials to do as they pleased?
King Zedekiah was afraid of the officials and did not want to oppose them, even though he knew Jeremiah was speaking the words of the Lord, as seen in Jeremiah 38:4 and Jeremiah 1:17-19.
What does it mean that 'the king can do nothing to stop you'?
This phrase indicates that King Zedekiah felt powerless to intervene on Jeremiah's behalf, highlighting the extent of the officials' control and influence, similar to the situation described in 2 Chronicles 26:16-20.
Is King Zedekiah's response a reflection of his faith in God?
King Zedekiah's decision to give Jeremiah to the officials suggests a lack of faith in God's sovereignty and protection, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7 and Proverbs 29:25.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of Jeremiah's ministry?
This verse illustrates the opposition and persecution Jeremiah faced as a prophet, as described in Jeremiah 20:1-2 and 2 Timothy 3:12, highlighting the challenges of standing up for God's truth in the face of adversity.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can stand up for my faith in the face of opposition, just like Jeremiah did?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and protection, even when things seem impossible or dangerous?
- What are some areas in my life where I am giving in to pressure from others, rather than standing firm on God's principles?
- How can I be more like Jeremiah, speaking truth and trusting in God's power, even when it's hard?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 38:5
Then Zedekiah the king said, behold, he [is] in your hand,.... In your power, to do with him as you please.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 38:5
Then Zedekiah the king said, Behold, he is in your hand: for the king is not he that can do any thing against you. The king is not he that can do anything against you.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:5
He is in your hand; that is, in your power, either by the established law against false prophets, or else I yield up my power to you, I surrender him into your hands. But neither of these seemeth very probable, for here is no mention of the sitting of the sanhedrim to judge him as a false prophet, nor of any judicial proceedings of that nature: and it should seem by Zedekiah’ s relieving of him soon after from the dungeon, into which they threw him, that he had not surrendered Jeremiah so into their hands, but he to himself a superintendency upon them to correct their too severe dealings with him. The meaning seems rather to be, If you will do any such thing, I shall not oppose you, but I will not be the author of it. For the king is not he that can do any thing against you; I see I am as it were no king, I can do nothing against you, you will do what you please. I incline to this sense from the consideration of the favour showed him by Zedekiah, both before and after this.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:5
Jeremiah 38:5 Then Zedekiah the king said, Behold, he [is] in your hand: for the king [is] not [he that] can do [any] thing against you.Ver. 5. Then Zedekiah the king said, Behold, he is in your hand.] O nihil regem, qui ne verbulo quidem cruentis viris obluctatur! O king of clouts, saith one, who, knowing the prophet’ s innocence and these princes’ blood thirstiness, durst not say a word for him or against them! This inconsistancy of his, and impotence of spirit, proceeded merely from diffidence and distrust in God.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:5
Verse 5. He is in your hand] Ye have power to do as you please; I must act by your counsel. Poor weak prince! you respect the prophet, you fear the cabal, and you sacrifice an innocent man to your own weakness and their malice!
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 38:5
5. the king is not he, etc.] The LXX, perhaps rightly, make this clause a comment of the narrator (“For the king was not able … against them”).
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 38:5
All real power was in their hands, and as they affirmed that Jeremiah’s death was a matter of necessity, the king did not dare refuse it to them.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:5
5. For the king, etc. — The exact construction of the original is doubtful and disputed.
Sermons on Jeremiah 38:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Does God Answer Prayer? by D.L. Moody | In this sermon, the preacher delves into the meaning of 'antilego,' which signifies contradicting, opposing, or speaking against biblical truth. The term is used in various context |
|
John 18:37-19:15 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the humility and endurance of Jesus during His trial before Pilate, highlighting how Jesus exhibited gentleness, mildness, and silence in the face of fa |
|
Two Kingdoms and a Miracle by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the book of Daniel. He emphasizes that every trial in our lives is a missionary trial, meant |
|
Ger-17 True Repentance for the German by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of a church that truly loves and cares for its members' souls. They argue that such a church will not shy away from speaking t |
|
(Proverbs) ch.29:18 - 30:9 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the last verse of the book of Judges, which states that people did what was right in their own eyes. The speaker argues that this is the condi |
|
The Fear of Man by Jono Sims | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the topic of the fear of man and its impact on our lives. He acknowledges that overcoming this fear may not happen immediately, but with the h |
|
Stubbornness by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his own experiences and the importance of humility and submission before God. He emphasizes the need for grace and the willingness to be us |