King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 26:14 Mean?

Jeremiah 26:14 in the King James Version says “As for me, behold, I am in your hand: do with me as seemeth good and meet unto you. as: Heb. as it is good and right in ...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“As for me, behold, I am in your hand: do with me as seemeth good and meet unto you. as: Heb. as it is good and right in your eyes”

Jeremiah 26:14 · KJV

Context

12

Then spake Jeremiah unto all the princes and to all the people, saying, The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that ye have heard.

13

Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the LORD your God; and the LORD will repent him of the evil that he hath pronounced against you.

14

As for me, behold, I am in your hand: do with me as seemeth good and meet unto you. as: Heb. as it is good and right in your eyes

15

But know ye for certain, that if ye put me to death, ye shall surely bring innocent blood upon yourselves, and upon this city, and upon the inhabitants thereof: for of a truth the LORD hath sent me unto you to speak all these words in your ears.

16

Then said the princes and all the people unto the priests and to the prophets; This man is not worthy to die: for he hath spoken to us in the name of the LORD our God.

Read Jeremiah 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
As for me, behold, I am in your hand—Jeremiah's submission to human authority demonstrates prophetic courage without presumption. The phrase בְּיֶדְכֶם אָנֹכִי (beyadkhem anokhi, 'in your hand I am') acknowledges the princes' legal authority to render judgment. Jeremiah doesn't claim special immunity from due process or threat divine retribution if harmed. He speaks God's word faithfully, then submits to lawful authority's decision. This models the balance between prophetic boldness and civic submission that Peter articulates: 'Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake' while simultaneously declaring 'We ought to obey God rather than men' when human law contradicts divine command (1 Peter 2:13, Acts 5:29).

Do with me as seemeth good and meet unto you—The Hebrew כַּטּוֹב וְכַיָּשָׁר (katov vekhayashar, 'as good and right') appeals to their moral conscience. Jeremiah places his fate in their hands, confident that speaking God's truth was right regardless of personal consequences. This echoes Jesus' submission to unjust trial: 'Not my will, but thine, be done' (Luke 22:42). The prophet's willingness to suffer for truth is itself prophetic testimony, validating his message through his readiness to die for it.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jeremiah's submission proved strategic as well as principled. By acknowledging the princes' authority and appealing to justice rather than claiming prophetic immunity, he created space for his defenders (v. 16) to argue for his release. This contrasts with false prophets who typically claimed special privilege and avoided accountability. Jeremiah's pattern throughout his ministry was submission to authorities (even advising submission to Babylon) while uncompromisingly proclaiming God's word. This earned respect even from those who rejected his message, ultimately preserving his life multiple times.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jeremiah's submission to human authority while maintaining uncompromising prophetic speech model the relationship between boldness and humility?
  2. What does Jeremiah's willingness to die for his message teach about the validation of truth through costly witness?
  3. In what situations should Christians submit to authority, and when must we obey God rather than humans?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וַאֲנִ֖י1 of 8
H589

i

הִנְנִ֣י2 of 8
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

בְיֶדְכֶ֑ם3 of 8

“As for me behold I am in your hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

עֲשׂוּ4 of 8

“do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לִ֛י5 of 8
H0
כַּטּ֥וֹב6 of 8

“good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

וְכַיָּשָׁ֖ר7 of 8

“and meet”

H3477

straight (literally or figuratively)

בְּעֵינֵיכֶֽם׃8 of 8

“with me as seemeth”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 26:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 26:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 9:25Jeremiah 38:52 Samuel 15:26Daniel 3:16

Test Your Knowledge

Jeremiah 26 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJeremiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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