King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 26:15 Mean?

Jeremiah 26:15 in the King James Version says “But know ye for certain, that if ye put me to death, ye shall surely bring innocent blood upon yourselves, and upon this... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Jeremiah 26:15 · KJV


Context

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.

17

Then rose up certain of the elders of the land, and spake to all the assembly of the people, saying,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jeremiah's courageous stand exemplifies prophetic faithfulness - he declares truth despite threats to his life. The phrase 'The LORD sent me' authenticates his message; rejection of God's messenger equals rejection of God Himself. Jeremiah warns that killing him would bring blood guilt upon the city, adding to their sins. This foreshadows Christ's words about Jerusalem killing the prophets (Matt 23:37).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jeremiah nearly lost his life for this sermon; priests and prophets demanded his death. His deliverance through the intervention of officials and elders who remembered Micah's similar prophecy showed God's providence.

Reflection Questions

  1. What gives you courage to speak truth in hostile environments?
  2. How do you balance prophetic boldness with wisdom in dangerous situations?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 30 words
אַ֣ךְ׀1 of 30
H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

תֵּדְע֗וּ2 of 30

But know

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

תֵּדְע֗וּ3 of 30

But know

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּ֣י4 of 30
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִם5 of 30
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

מְמִתִ֣ים6 of 30

that if ye put me to death

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

אַתֶּם֮7 of 30
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

אֹתִי֒8 of 30
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כִּי9 of 30
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

דָ֣ם10 of 30

blood

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

נָקִ֗י11 of 30

innocent

H5355

innocent

אַתֶּם֙12 of 30
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

נֹתְנִ֣ים13 of 30

ye shall surely bring

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

עֲלֵיכֶ֔ם14 of 30
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וְאֶל15 of 30
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָעִ֥יר16 of 30

upon yourselves and upon this city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַזֹּ֖את17 of 30
H2063

this (often used adverb)

וְאֶל18 of 30
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יֹשְׁבֶ֑יהָ19 of 30

and upon the inhabitants

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

כִּ֣י20 of 30
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בֶאֱמֶ֗ת21 of 30

thereof for of a truth

H571

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

שְׁלָחַ֤נִי22 of 30

hath sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

יְהוָה֙23 of 30

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עֲלֵיכֶ֔ם24 of 30
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

לְדַבֵּר֙25 of 30

me unto you to speak

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

בְּאָזְנֵיכֶ֔ם26 of 30

in your ears

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

אֵ֥ת27 of 30
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל28 of 30
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַדְּבָרִ֖ים29 of 30

all these words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הָאֵֽלֶּה׃30 of 30
H428

these or those


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 26:15 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 26:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study