King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 26:16 Mean?
“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.”
Jeremiah 26:16 · KJV
Context
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,
18
Micah the Morasthite prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and spake to all the people of Judah, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Zion shall be plowed like a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of a forest.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThen said the princes and all the people unto the priests and to the prophets; This man is not worthy to die—Remarkably, the verdict reverses the accusers' demand. The princes (שָׂרִים, sarim) and people, having heard Jeremiah's defense, acquit him. The phrase אֵין־לָאִישׁ הַזֶּה מִשְׁפַּט־מָוֶת (ein-laish hazeh mishpat-mavet, 'there is not for this man judgment of death') legally exonerates Jeremiah. This judicial outcome demonstrates God's providential protection and validates Jeremiah's claim to divine commission—if the message were false prophecy, execution would have been mandatory (Deuteronomy 18:20).
For he hath spoken to us in the name of the LORD our God—The justification acknowledges Jeremiah spoke with divine authority. The covenant name יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ (YHWH Eloheinu, 'the LORD our God') recognizes the message came from Judah's covenant God, not a false deity. This admission is theologically significant: even those who rejected Jeremiah's message conceded he spoke for Yahweh. The acquittal establishes legal precedent that authentic prophetic speech, even when unpopular or threatening, deserves protection rather than prosecution.
For he hath spoken to us in the name of the LORD our God—The justification acknowledges Jeremiah spoke with divine authority. The covenant name יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ (YHWH Eloheinu, 'the LORD our God') recognizes the message came from Judah's covenant God, not a false deity. This admission is theologically significant: even those who rejected Jeremiah's message conceded he spoke for Yahweh. The acquittal establishes legal precedent that authentic prophetic speech, even when unpopular or threatening, deserves protection rather than prosecution.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
This verdict contrasts sharply with other prophets' fates. Urijah prophesied similarly to Jeremiah but was executed by King Jehoiakim (26:20-23). The difference was timing and judicial context—Jeremiah received formal trial with civil oversight, while Urijah faced royal authority alone. The elders' citation of Micah's precedent (v. 18-19) proved decisive: Micah prophesied Jerusalem's destruction a century earlier yet wasn't killed, and Hezekiah's repentance averted judgment temporarily. This historical example demonstrated that prophesying Jerusalem's fall wasn't inherently treasonous if genuinely from God. The verdict also reflects temporary openness early in Jehoiakim's reign, which hardened later.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verdict teach about the importance of protecting genuine prophetic speech, even when it challenges religious and political establishments?
- How did the princes' and people's willingness to hear Jeremiah's defense demonstrate that truth can persuade even hostile audiences?
- In what ways should Christian witness today maintain both boldness in proclamation and trust in God's sovereign protection?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 19 wordsוְכָל3 of 19
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָ֔ם4 of 19
“and all the people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַכֹּהֲנִ֖ים6 of 19
“unto the priests”
H3548literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
לָאִ֤ישׁ10 of 19
“This man”
H376a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
מִשְׁפַּט12 of 19
“is not worthy”
H4941properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
מָ֔וֶת13 of 19
“to die”
H4194death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
כִּ֗י14 of 19
H3588(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בְּשֵׁ֛ם15 of 19
“to us in the name”
H8034an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
יְהוָ֥ה16 of 19
“of the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ17 of 19
“our God”
H430gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
דִּבֶּ֥ר18 of 19
“for he hath spoken”
H1696perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
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 26:16 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 26:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge