King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 38:15 Mean?
“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:
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryIf 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.
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.
KJV Study — Public Domain
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
- Do you ever seek God's guidance while already resolved not to obey if it conflicts with your plans?
- What makes Jeremiah willing to speak truth despite knowing it might cost him his life?
- How does Zedekiah's pattern of seeking but not heeding God's word appear in modern religious practice?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 15 wordsכִּ֚י5 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”
H5046properly, 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
H0הֲל֖וֹא8 of 15
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תְּמִיתֵ֑נִי9 of 15
“it unto thee wilt thou not surely”
H4191to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
תְּמִיתֵ֑נִי10 of 15
“it unto thee wilt thou not surely”
H4191to 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”
H3289to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve
לֹ֥א13 of 15
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִשְׁמַ֖ע14 of 15
“wilt thou not hearken”
H8085to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, 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 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