King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 37:3 Mean?
“And Zedekiah the king sent Jehucal the son of Shelemiah and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest to the prophet Jeremiah, saying, Pray now unto the LORD our God for us.”
Jeremiah 37:3 · KJV
Context
1
And king Zedekiah the son of Josiah reigned instead of Coniah the son of Jehoiakim, whom Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon made king in the land of Judah.
2
But neither he, nor his servants, nor the people of the land, did hearken unto the words of the LORD, which he spake by the prophet Jeremiah. by: Heb. by the hand of the prophet
3
And Zedekiah the king sent Jehucal the son of Shelemiah and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest to the prophet Jeremiah, saying, Pray now unto the LORD our God for us.
4
Now Jeremiah came in and went out among the people: for they had not put him into prison .
5
Then Pharaoh's army was come forth out of Egypt: and when the Chaldeans that besieged Jerusalem heard tidings of them, they departed from Jerusalem.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryEven wicked King Zedekiah recognized Jeremiah's prophetic authority enough to request prayer, yet he wouldn't obey the prophet's counsel. This reveals the inconsistency of seeking God's help while rejecting His word. Many desire God's blessings without submitting to His lordship. Prayer without obedience is presumption. Zedekiah wanted deliverance on his terms, not God's.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
This occurred during the siege of Jerusalem around 588 BC. Zedekiah was a weak king who feared his officials more than he feared God.
Reflection Questions
- Do you ever ask for God's help while ignoring His counsel in other areas?
- What does it mean to pray in submission to God's revealed will rather than your desires?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 22 wordsאֶת4 of 22
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֶן6 of 22
“the son”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וְאֶת8 of 22
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֶן10 of 22
“the son”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הַכֹּהֵ֔ן12 of 22
“the priest”
H3548literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
נָ֣א18 of 22
H4994'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
בַעֲדֵ֔נוּ19 of 22
H5704as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
יְהוָ֖ה21 of 22
“now unto the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃22 of 22
“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
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 37:3 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 37:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge