King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 37:4 Mean?
“Now Jeremiah came in and went out among the people: for they had not put him into prison .”
Jeremiah 37:4 · KJV
Context
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.
6
Then came the word of the LORD unto the prophet Jeremiah, saying,
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryNow Jeremiah came in and went out among the people—this phrase marks a brief window of freedom for the prophet. The Hebrew yatsa (יָצָא, to go out) and bo (בּוֹא, to come in) indicate normal movement and activity, suggesting Jeremiah exercised public ministry without restriction. For they had not put him into prison—the negative statement emphasizes what would soon change dramatically (vv. 15-16). This freedom was temporary and strategic.
The timing is crucial: this occurred during the Babylonian siege's brief interruption when Egyptian forces approached (v. 5). King Zedekiah's regime apparently hoped Jeremiah might revise his prophecies of doom now that circumstances seemed to be improving. They permitted his liberty, perhaps expecting him to declare Egypt's intervention as deliverance. Instead, Jeremiah would prophesy Egypt's retreat and Babylon's inevitable victory (vv. 7-10), making his subsequent imprisonment a certainty. This pattern repeats throughout Scripture: God's faithful prophets speak unwelcome truth regardless of personal cost (1 Kings 22:14; Acts 4:19-20).
The timing is crucial: this occurred during the Babylonian siege's brief interruption when Egyptian forces approached (v. 5). King Zedekiah's regime apparently hoped Jeremiah might revise his prophecies of doom now that circumstances seemed to be improving. They permitted his liberty, perhaps expecting him to declare Egypt's intervention as deliverance. Instead, Jeremiah would prophesy Egypt's retreat and Babylon's inevitable victory (vv. 7-10), making his subsequent imprisonment a certainty. This pattern repeats throughout Scripture: God's faithful prophets speak unwelcome truth regardless of personal cost (1 Kings 22:14; Acts 4:19-20).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
This incident occurred in 588/587 BC during the final Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. Jeremiah had already endured persecution—beaten and imprisoned in stocks (20:2), threatened with death (26:8), opposed by false prophets (chapter 28). Yet between imprisonments, he continued public ministry. Zedekiah's vacillating treatment of Jeremiah reflects the king's tragic character: he feared the prophet's words enough to consult him privately (37:17; 38:14-16) but lacked courage to obey publicly. The brief reprieve when Egypt approached created false hope that God's judgment might be averted without repentance—a hope Jeremiah would shatter.
Reflection Questions
- How did Jeremiah use his brief freedom to continue faithful ministry despite knowing it would lead to further persecution?
- What does Zedekiah's treatment of Jeremiah reveal about fearing God's word while refusing to obey it?
- When have you experienced a 'window of opportunity' for witness that required courage despite potential consequences?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 10 wordsוְיֹצֵ֖א3 of 10
“and went out”
H3318to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
הָעָ֑ם5 of 10
“the people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וְלֹֽא6 of 10
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נָתְנ֥וּ7 of 10
“for they had not put”
H5414to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֹת֖וֹ8 of 10
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֵּ֥ית9 of 10
“him into prison”
H1004a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, 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 37:4 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 37:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge