King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 27:18 Mean?

Jeremiah 27:18 in the King James Version says “But if they be prophets, and if the word of the LORD be with them, let them now make intercession to the LORD of hosts, ... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

But if they be prophets, and if the word of the LORD be with them, let them now make intercession to the LORD of hosts, that the vessels which are left in the house of the LORD, and in the house of the king of Judah, and at Jerusalem, go not to Babylon.

Jeremiah 27:18 · King James Version


Context

16

Also I spake to the priests and to all this people, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Hearken not to the words of your prophets that prophesy unto you, saying, Behold, the vessels of the LORD'S house shall now shortly be brought again from Babylon: for they prophesy a lie unto you.

17

Hearken not unto them; serve the king of Babylon, and live: wherefore should this city be laid waste?

18

But if they be prophets, and if the word of the LORD be with them, let them now make intercession to the LORD of hosts, that the vessels which are left in the house of the LORD, and in the house of the king of Judah, and at Jerusalem, go not to Babylon.

19

For thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the pillars, and concerning the sea, and concerning the bases, and concerning the residue of the vessels that remain in this city,

20

Which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took not, when he carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah from Jerusalem to Babylon, and all the nobles of Judah and Jerusalem;


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
This verse exposes false prophets who predicted quick restoration. True prophets intercede; false prophets presume. The test is whether their prophecies align with God's revealed word. Jeremiah challenges them: if they're real prophets, let them pray to prevent further loss rather than promising what God hasn't promised. Discernment requires comparing all messages against Scripture's standard.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

False prophets like Hananiah (chapter 28) were predicting Babylon's defeat within two years. This gave false hope, preventing the repentance God required.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you test modern prophecies and spiritual claims against Scripture?
  2. What's the relationship between prophetic gifting and intercessory prayer?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וְאִם1 of 23
H518

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

נְבִאִ֣ים2 of 23

But if they be prophets

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

הֵ֔ם3 of 23
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

וְאִם4 of 23
H518

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

יֵ֥שׁ5 of 23

be

H3426

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

דְּבַר6 of 23

and if the word

H1697

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

יְהוָ֗ה7 of 23

of the LORD

H3068

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

אִתָּ֑ם8 of 23
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

יִפְגְּעוּ9 of 23

with them let them now make intercession

H6293

to impinge, by accident or violence, or (figuratively) by importunity

נָא֙10 of 23
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

יְהוָ֗ה11 of 23

of the LORD

H3068

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

צְבָא֔וֹת12 of 23

of hosts

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

לְבִלְתִּי13 of 23
H1115

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

בֹ֜אוּ14 of 23

go

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הַכֵּלִ֣ים׀15 of 23

that the vessels

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

הַנּוֹתָרִ֣ים16 of 23

which are left

H3498

to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve

וּבֵ֨ית17 of 23

and in the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוָ֗ה18 of 23

of the LORD

H3068

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

וּבֵ֨ית19 of 23

and in the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

מֶ֧לֶךְ20 of 23

of the king

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָ֛ה21 of 23

of Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וּבִירוּשָׁלִַ֖ם22 of 23

and at Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

בָּבֶֽלָה׃23 of 23

not to Babylon

H894

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire


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 27:18 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 27:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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