King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 37:8 Mean?

Jeremiah 37:8 in the King James Version says “And the Chaldeans shall come again, and fight against this city, and take it, and burn it with fire.” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the Chaldeans shall come again, and fight against this city, and take it, and burn it with fire.”

Jeremiah 37:8 · KJV

Context

6

Then came the word of the LORD unto the prophet Jeremiah, saying,

7

Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; Thus shall ye say to the king of Judah, that sent you unto me to enquire of me; Behold, Pharaoh's army, which is come forth to help you, shall return to Egypt into their own land.

8

And the Chaldeans shall come again, and fight against this city, and take it, and burn it with fire.

9

Thus saith the LORD; Deceive not yourselves, saying, The Chaldeans shall surely depart from us: for they shall not depart. yourselves: Heb. your souls

10

For though ye had smitten the whole army of the Chaldeans that fight against you, and there remained but wounded men among them, yet should they rise up every man in his tent, and burn this city with fire. wounded: Heb. thrust through

Read Jeremiah 37 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the Chaldeans shall come again, and fight against this city, and take it, and burn it with fire—this prophecy contains four certainties, each expressed as accomplished fact. Shuv (שׁוּב, come again/return) guarantees Babylon's return after dealing with Egypt. Nilcham (נִלְחַם, fight) indicates resumed siege warfare. Lakad (לָכַד, take/capture) declares Jerusalem's inevitable fall. Sarap ba'esh (שָׂרַף בָּאֵשׁ, burn with fire) specifies total destruction.

This unflinching prophecy left no room for false hope. Egypt's intervention was merely an interruption, not deliverance. Jerusalem's fate was sealed—not by Babylonian might but by divine decree in response to covenant unfaithfulness. The certainty of these declarations reveals God's sovereign control over history. Nebuchadnezzar was God's instrument of judgment (25:9; 27:6; 43:10).

Jeremiah's unwavering proclamation of doom made him seem unpatriotic, even traitorous (38:4). Yet true faithfulness to God sometimes requires speaking unpopular truth. The prophet's message aligned with earlier warnings: persistent covenant breaking would result in exile and Jerusalem's destruction (Leviticus 26:27-33; Deuteronomy 28:49-52). God's word is trustworthy—both His promises and His warnings.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy was fulfilled exactly. After Egypt's retreat, Babylon resumed the siege with intensified ferocity. In 586 BC, after 18 months of siege, Jerusalem's walls were breached (39:2; 52:6-7). The city was systematically destroyed, the temple burned, walls demolished, and the population either killed or deported (2 Kings 25:8-21). Archaeological excavations in Jerusalem reveal destruction layers from this period—ash, arrowheads, and collapsed structures confirming the biblical account. The Babylonian Chronicle also records Nebuchadnezzar's campaigns against Judah, providing extrabiblical confirmation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should we respond when God's word contradicts what we desperately want to be true?
  2. What distinguishes genuine prophetic warning from defeatism or lack of faith in God's power to deliver?
  3. Why is it sometimes more faithful to declare hard truth than to offer false comfort?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וְשָׁ֙בוּ֙1 of 9

“shall come again”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

הַכַּשְׂדִּ֔ים2 of 9

“And the Chaldeans”

H3778

a kasdite, or descendant of kesed; by implication, a chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people

וְנִלְחֲמ֖וּ3 of 9

“and fight”

H3898

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

עַל4 of 9
H5921

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

הָעִ֣יר5 of 9

“against this city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַזֹּ֑את6 of 9
H2063

this (often used adverb)

וּלְכָדֻ֖הָ7 of 9

“and take”

H3920

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

וּשְׂרָפֻ֥הָ8 of 9

“it and burn”

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

בָאֵֽשׁ׃9 of 9

“it with fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

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 37:8 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 37:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 38:23Jeremiah 39:2-8Jeremiah 32:29Jeremiah 34:21-22

Places in This Verse

ChaldeaRegion · Modern: Tell el Muqayyar · 30.96°N, 46.10°E85 verses across 11 books
View all places in Jeremiah 37 →

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