King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 32:2 Mean?

Jeremiah 32:2 in the King James Version says “For then the king of Babylon's army besieged Jerusalem: and Jeremiah the prophet was shut up in the court of the prison,... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For then the king of Babylon's army besieged Jerusalem: and Jeremiah the prophet was shut up in the court of the prison, which was in the king of Judah's house.

Jeremiah 32:2 · KJV


Context

1

The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD in the tenth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, which was the eighteenth year of Nebuchadrezzar.

2

For then the king of Babylon's army besieged Jerusalem: and Jeremiah the prophet was shut up in the court of the prison, which was in the king of Judah's house.

3

For Zedekiah king of Judah had shut him up, saying, Wherefore dost thou prophesy, and say, Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall take it;

4

And Zedekiah king of Judah shall not escape out of the hand of the Chaldeans, but shall surely be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon, and shall speak with him mouth to mouth, and his eyes shall behold his eyes;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The king of Babylon's army besieged Jerusalem (צַר, tsar—to bind, besiege, cause distress). The military term conveys more than tactical encirclement—it's covenantal language for divine judgment (Deuteronomy 28:52-53). God weaponizes Babylon against His own people.

Jeremiah the prophet was shut up in the court of the prison (חֲצַר הַמַּטָּרָה, chatsar hamattarah—the guard courtyard). Jeremiah's imprisonment for prophesying Jerusalem's fall (v. 3-5) creates dramatic irony: God's faithful spokesman is imprisoned while the rebellious king remains 'free' yet doomed. The prophet's suffering validates his message—he experiences in microcosm the city's coming captivity. Like Joseph, Daniel, and ultimately Christ, the righteous suffer unjustly under God's sovereign plan.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The 'court of the prison' (distinct from the dungeon, 38:6) was a walled area within the royal palace complex where Jeremiah had limited freedom. Zedekiah's vacillation—imprisoning yet consulting Jeremiah (v. 3-5, 37:17-21)—reflects his weak character and the prophetic-political tension of the period.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does faithfulness to God's word sometimes result in imprisonment rather than deliverance?
  2. How does Jeremiah's suffering foreshadow Christ's rejection by the religious establishment?
  3. What does Zedekiah's fear of both God's prophet and Babylonian power reveal about attempting to serve two masters?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְאָ֗ז1 of 17
H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

חֵ֚יל2 of 17

army

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

מֶ֥לֶךְ3 of 17

For then the king

H4428

a king

בָּבֶ֔ל4 of 17

of Babylon's

H894

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

צָרִ֖ים5 of 17

besieged

H6696

to cramp, i.e., confine (in many applications, literally and figuratively, formative or hostile)

עַל6 of 17
H5921

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

יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם7 of 17

Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וְיִרְמְיָ֣הוּ8 of 17

and Jeremiah

H3414

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

הַנָּבִ֗יא9 of 17

the prophet

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

הָיָ֤ה10 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כָלוּא֙11 of 17

was shut up

H3607

to restrict, by act (hold back or in) or word (prohibit)

בַּחֲצַ֣ר12 of 17

in the court

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

הַמַּטָּרָ֔ה13 of 17

of the prison

H4307

a jail (as a guard-house); also an aim (as being closely watched)

אֲשֶׁ֖ר14 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בֵּֽית15 of 17

house

H1004

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

מֶ֥לֶךְ16 of 17

For then the king

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָֽה׃17 of 17

of Judah's

H3063

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


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 32:2 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 32:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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