King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 37:17 Mean?

Jeremiah 37:17 in the King James Version says “Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took him out: and the king asked him secretly in his house, and said, Is there any word... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took him out: and the king asked him secretly in his house, and said, Is there any word from the LORD? And Jeremiah said, There is: for, said he, thou shalt be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon.

Jeremiah 37:17 · KJV


Context

15

Wherefore the princes were wroth with Jeremiah, and smote him, and put him in prison in the house of Jonathan the scribe: for they had made that the prison.

16

When Jeremiah was entered into the dungeon , and into the cabins, and Jeremiah had remained there many days; cabins: or, cells

17

Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took him out: and the king asked him secretly in his house, and said, Is there any word from the LORD? And Jeremiah said, There is: for, said he, thou shalt be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon.

18

Moreover Jeremiah said unto king Zedekiah, What have I offended against thee, or against thy servants, or against this people, that ye have put me in prison ?

19

Where are now your prophets which prophesied unto you, saying, The king of Babylon shall not come against you, nor against this land?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Zedekiah's secret consultation with Jeremiah shows both his curiosity about God's word and his cowardice in acting on it. Jeremiah's answer is unchanged and uncompromising - 'Thou shalt be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon.' True prophecy doesn't adjust to political pressure or popular demand. God's word remains consistent regardless of audience or consequence.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jeremiah was imprisoned when this consultation occurred. Despite his unjust treatment, he faithfully delivers God's message to the king who has the power to free or kill him.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you maintain integrity in your witness when it's costly to do so?
  2. What does Jeremiah's consistency teach about the unchanging nature of God's truth?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיִּשְׁלַח֩1 of 21

sent

H7971

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

מֶֽלֶךְ2 of 21

and the king

H4428

a king

צִדְקִיָּ֜הוּ3 of 21

Then Zedekiah

H6667

tsidkijah, the name of six israelites

וַיִּקָּחֵ֗הוּ4 of 21

and took him out

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

וַיִּשְׁאָלֵ֨הוּ5 of 21

asked

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

מֶֽלֶךְ6 of 21

and the king

H4428

a king

בְּבֵיתוֹ֙7 of 21

in his house

H1004

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

בַּסֵּ֔תֶר8 of 21

him secretly

H5643

a cover (in a good or a bad, a literal or a figurative sense)

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר9 of 21

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יֵ֔שׁ10 of 21

There is

H3426

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

דָּבָ֖ר11 of 21

Is there any word

H1697

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

מֵאֵ֣ת12 of 21
H853

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

יְהוָ֑ה13 of 21

from the LORD

H3068

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

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר14 of 21

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יִרְמְיָ֙הוּ֙15 of 21

And Jeremiah

H3414

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

יֵ֔שׁ16 of 21

There is

H3426

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

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר17 of 21

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בְּיַ֥ד18 of 21

into the 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

מֶֽלֶךְ19 of 21

and the king

H4428

a king

בָּבֶ֖ל20 of 21

of Babylon

H894

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

תִּנָּתֵֽן׃21 of 21

he thou shalt be delivered

H5414

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


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 37:17 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 37:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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