King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 38:13 Mean?
“So they drew up Jeremiah with cords, and took him up out of the dungeon: and Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison.”
Jeremiah 38:13 · KJV
Context
11
So Ebedmelech took the men with him, and went into the house of the king under the treasury, and took thence old cast clouts and old rotten rags, and let them down by cords into the dungeon to Jeremiah.
12
And Ebedmelech the Ethiopian said unto Jeremiah, Put now these old cast clouts and rotten rags under thine armholes under the cords. And Jeremiah did so.
13
So they drew up Jeremiah with cords, and took him up out of the dungeon: and Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison.
14
Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took Jeremiah the prophet unto him into the third entry that is in the house of the LORD: and the king said unto Jeremiah, I will ask thee a thing; hide nothing from me. third: or, principal
15
Then Jeremiah said unto Zedekiah, If I declare it unto thee, wilt thou not surely put me to death? and if I give thee counsel, wilt thou not hearken unto me?
Commentary
KJV Study CommentarySo they drew up Jeremiah with cords, and took him up out of the dungeon (וַיִּמְשְׁכוּ אֶת־יִרְמְיָהוּ בַּחֲבָלִים וַיַּעֲלוּ אֹתוֹ מִן־הַבּוֹר)—The verb mashak (מָשַׁךְ) means to draw, pull, or drag, emphasizing the physical effort required to extract a man from a deep pit. This successful rescue fulfilled God's protective purpose for His prophet, preserving Jeremiah to witness the very judgment he had prophesied and minister to the remnant afterward.
And Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison—Though rescued from death, Jeremiah was not released. He stayed in chatsar hamattarah (חֲצַר הַמַּטָּרָה, court of the guard), a more humane confinement than the cistern but still imprisonment. This partial deliverance illustrates an important principle: God's preservation doesn't always mean complete comfort. Jeremiah remained imprisoned until Jerusalem fell (39:14), enduring months more of confinement even after the rescue.
This pattern appears throughout Scripture. Joseph was delivered from the pit and slavery but spent years in prison before exaltation (Genesis 39-41). Paul was rescued from death multiple times but remained in chains (Acts 28:20, Philippians 1:13). God's faithfulness guarantees completion of His purposes, not exemption from suffering. Jeremiah's continued imprisonment served God's plan—keeping him safe during the city's chaotic final days while maintaining his prophetic witness.
And Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison—Though rescued from death, Jeremiah was not released. He stayed in chatsar hamattarah (חֲצַר הַמַּטָּרָה, court of the guard), a more humane confinement than the cistern but still imprisonment. This partial deliverance illustrates an important principle: God's preservation doesn't always mean complete comfort. Jeremiah remained imprisoned until Jerusalem fell (39:14), enduring months more of confinement even after the rescue.
This pattern appears throughout Scripture. Joseph was delivered from the pit and slavery but spent years in prison before exaltation (Genesis 39-41). Paul was rescued from death multiple times but remained in chains (Acts 28:20, Philippians 1:13). God's faithfulness guarantees completion of His purposes, not exemption from suffering. Jeremiah's continued imprisonment served God's plan—keeping him safe during the city's chaotic final days while maintaining his prophetic witness.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The 'court of the prison' was likely part of the royal guard complex, offering better conditions than the dungeon—Jeremiah received daily bread there (37:21) until supplies ran out during the siege's final stages. He remained there until the Babylonians captured the city in July 586 BC. Nebuchadnezzar's captain Nebuzaradan, informed of Jeremiah's pro-Babylonian prophecies, offered him asylum in Babylon or freedom in Judah (39:11-14, 40:1-6). Jeremiah chose to remain with the poor remnant in Judah, continuing his prophetic ministry. Ebed-melech, meanwhile, received the promised deliverance—he was not killed when the city fell (39:15-18). God keeps His word to those who trust Him.
Reflection Questions
- What does Jeremiah's rescue from death but continued imprisonment teach about God's deliverance not always meaning complete comfort?
- How does this passage demonstrate that God's preservation guarantees completing His purposes, not exemption from all suffering?
- In what ways might partial deliverance or ongoing trials serve God's purposes better than immediate total relief?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 12 wordsוַיִּמְשְׁכ֤וּ1 of 12
“So they drew up”
H4900to draw, used in a great variety of applications (including to sow, to sound, to prolong, to develop, to march, to remove, to delay, to be tall, etc.)
אֶֽת2 of 12
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַיַּעֲל֥וּ5 of 12
“and took him up”
H5927to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
אֹת֖וֹ6 of 12
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַיֵּ֣שֶׁב9 of 12
“remained”
H3427properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
בַּחֲצַ֖ר11 of 12
“in the court”
H2691a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
הַמַּטָּרָֽה׃12 of 12
“of the prison”
H4307a jail (as a guard-house); also an aim (as being closely watched)
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 38:13 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 38:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge