King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 38:15 Mean?

Jeremiah 38:15 in the King James Version says “Then Jeremiah said unto Zedekiah, If I declare it unto thee, wilt thou not surely put me to death? and if I give thee co...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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?”

Jeremiah 38:15 · KJV

Context

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?

16

So Zedekiah the king sware secretly unto Jeremiah, saying, As the LORD liveth, that made us this soul, I will not put thee to death, neither will I give thee into the hand of these men that seek thy life.

17

Then said Jeremiah unto Zedekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of hosts, the God of Israel; If thou wilt assuredly go forth unto the king of Babylon's princes, then thy soul shall live, and this city shall not be burned with fire; and thou shalt live, and thine house:

Read Jeremiah 38 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If I declare it unto thee, wilt thou not surely put me to death? Jeremiah's opening question reveals the prophet's precarious position. The Hebrew verb nagad (נָגַד, "to declare/tell") carries the sense of making something openly known. Jeremiah had already proclaimed God's judgment requiring surrender to Babylon—a message so politically inflammatory that it had landed him in a muddy cistern (38:6). His fear was justified: prophets who spoke unpopular truth often faced execution (26:20-23).

If I give thee counsel, wilt thou not hearken unto me? The verb ya'ats (יָעַץ, "to counsel/advise") indicates Jeremiah's role as God's spokesman offering divine wisdom, not mere human opinion. Yet Zedekiah's track record showed repeated unwillingness to obey (shama, שָׁמַע) God's word through Jeremiah (37:2). This tragic pattern—seeking God's word while refusing to obey it—characterizes Zedekiah's entire reign and epitomizes religious hypocrisy.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This secret meeting occurred circa 587 BC during Babylon's siege of Jerusalem. Zedekiah, a weak puppet king installed by Nebuchadnezzar, was caught between pro-Egyptian court officials who wanted resistance and God's prophet who demanded surrender. Jeremiah had already been imprisoned twice for his unpopular message (37:15, 38:6).

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you ever seek God's guidance while already resolved not to obey if it conflicts with your plans?
  2. What makes Jeremiah willing to speak truth despite knowing it might cost him his life?
  3. How does Zedekiah's pattern of seeking but not heeding God's word appear in modern religious practice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 15

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יִרְמְיָ֙הוּ֙2 of 15

“Then Jeremiah”

H3414

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

אֶל3 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

צִדְקִיָּ֔הוּ4 of 15

“unto Zedekiah”

H6667

tsidkijah, the name of six israelites

כִּ֚י5 of 15
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אַגִּ֣יד6 of 15

“If I declare”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לְךָ֔7 of 15
H0
הֲל֖וֹא8 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תְּמִיתֵ֑נִי9 of 15

“it unto thee wilt thou not surely”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

תְּמִיתֵ֑נִי10 of 15

“it unto thee wilt thou not surely”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

וְכִי֙11 of 15
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִיעָ֣צְךָ֔12 of 15

“and if I give thee counsel”

H3289

to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve

לֹ֥א13 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִשְׁמַ֖ע14 of 15

“wilt thou not hearken”

H8085

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

אֵלָֽי׃15 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

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 38:15 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 38:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 22:67-68

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