King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 38:1 Mean?

Jeremiah 38:1 in the King James Version says “Then Shephatiah the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah the son of Pashur, and Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashur the son of... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then Shephatiah the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah the son of Pashur, and Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashur the son of Malchiah, heard the words that Jeremiah had spoken unto all the people, saying,

Jeremiah 38:1 · KJV


Context

1

Then Shephatiah the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah the son of Pashur, and Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashur the son of Malchiah, heard the words that Jeremiah had spoken unto all the people, saying,

2

Thus saith the LORD, He that remaineth in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth forth to the Chaldeans shall live; for he shall have his life for a prey, and shall live .

3

Thus saith the LORD, This city shall surely be given into the hand of the king of Babylon's army, which shall take it.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then Shephatiah the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah the son of Pashur, and Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashur the son of Malchiah, heard the words that Jeremiah had spoken unto all the people, saying, This verse introduces the hostile officials who would orchestrate Jeremiah's persecution. The careful genealogical identification establishes these men as prominent figures in Zedekiah's court—not random opponents but influential leaders. Their collective opposition represents institutional resistance to God's word, paralleling Jesus' confrontation with the Sanhedrin (Mark 14:53-65).

The phrase "heard the words that Jeremiah had spoken" (vayishme'u... et-hadevarim) emphasizes they had direct knowledge of the prophecy. Their response wasn't based on rumor but firsthand hearing—making their opposition more culpable. They understood the message clearly yet rejected it, illustrating the hardness Jesus describes: "He who has ears to hear, let him hear" (Matthew 11:15). Hearing without heeding demonstrates spiritual deafness.

Theologically, this verse illustrates: (1) True prophecy often provokes institutional opposition; (2) spiritual blindness can afflict the educated and powerful; (3) collective agreement against God's word doesn't validate opposition—truth isn't decided by majority vote; (4) those entrusted with leadership bear greater responsibility for response to revelation (James 3:1). The Reformed emphasis on the noetic effects of sin finds vivid illustration here—these officials' minds were darkened, preventing right response to divine truth.

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Historical & Cultural Context

These officials served in the final chaotic years of Judah's monarchy under Zedekiah (597-586 BCE). Gedaliah son of Pashur was likely related to the Pashur who earlier persecuted Jeremiah (20:1-6). This suggests an ongoing pattern of familial and institutional resistance spanning years. The repetition of opposition across generations demonstrates entrenched spiritual rebellion.

Archaeological discoveries, including the Lachish Letters (ostraca from this period), reveal the military and political desperation during Jerusalem's final siege. Officials like these faced impossible choices: surrender to Babylon (as Jeremiah advised) or resist to the death (the nationalistic position). Their opposition to Jeremiah reflects not merely theological disagreement but political calculus—his prophecies undermined war morale. Yet their pragmatic concerns couldn't justify rejecting God's revealed will.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does institutional or group opposition to biblical truth today mirror these officials' resistance to Jeremiah?
  2. In what ways might pragmatic or political concerns tempt us to compromise or silence unpopular biblical truths?
  3. How does understanding the genealogical continuity of opposition (Pashur's son continuing his father's hostility) warn us about generational spiritual patterns?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וַיִּשְׁמַ֞ע1 of 22

heard

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

שְׁפַטְיָ֣ה2 of 22

Then Shephatiah

H8203

shephatjah, the name of ten israelites

בֶּן3 of 22

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

מַתָּ֗ן4 of 22

of Mattan

H4977

mattan, the name of a priest of baal, and of an israelite

וּגְדַלְיָ֙הוּ֙5 of 22

and Gedaliah

H1436

gedaljah, the name of five israelites

בֶּן6 of 22

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וּפַשְׁח֖וּר7 of 22

and Pashur

H6583

pashchur, the name of four israelites

וְיוּכַל֙8 of 22

and Jucal

H3116

jukal, an israelite

בֶּן9 of 22

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

שֶׁ֣לֶמְיָ֔הוּ10 of 22

of Shelemiah

H8018

shelemjah, the name of nine israelites

וּפַשְׁח֖וּר11 of 22

and Pashur

H6583

pashchur, the name of four israelites

בֶּן12 of 22

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

מַלְכִּיָּ֑ה13 of 22

of Malchiah

H4441

malkijah, the name of ten israelites

אֶ֨ת14 of 22
H853

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

הַדְּבָרִ֔ים15 of 22

the words

H1697

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

אֲשֶׁ֧ר16 of 22
H834

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

יִרְמְיָ֛הוּ17 of 22

that Jeremiah

H3414

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

מְדַבֵּ֥ר18 of 22

had spoken

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֶל19 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל20 of 22
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָעָ֖ם21 of 22

unto all the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

לֵאמֹֽר׃22 of 22

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)


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 38:1 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 38:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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