King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 38:19 Mean?
“And Zedekiah the king said unto Jeremiah, I am afraid of the Jews that are fallen to the Chaldeans, lest they deliver me into their hand, and they mock me.”
Jeremiah 38:19 · KJV
Context
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:
18
But if thou wilt not go forth to the king of Babylon's princes, then shall this city be given into the hand of the Chaldeans, and they shall burn it with fire, and thou shalt not escape out of their hand.
19
And Zedekiah the king said unto Jeremiah, I am afraid of the Jews that are fallen to the Chaldeans, lest they deliver me into their hand, and they mock me.
20
But Jeremiah said, They shall not deliver thee. Obey, I beseech thee, the voice of the LORD, which I speak unto thee: so it shall be well unto thee, and thy soul shall live.
21
But if thou refuse to go forth, this is the word that the LORD hath shewed me:
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryI am afraid of the Jews that are fallen to the Chaldeans—Zedekiah's confession reveals his character: he feared defectors' mockery more than God's judgment. The verb yare (יָרֵא, "to fear") shows misplaced reverence. He should have feared (yare) Yahweh (Proverbs 9:10), but instead he feared (yare) public humiliation.
Lest they deliver me into their hand, and they mock me—The verb alal (עָלַל, "to mock/abuse") suggests more than verbal taunting—possibly physical mistreatment. Zedekiah's pride couldn't bear the thought of Judean defectors saying "I told you so." This fear of shame proved fatal: his actual fate (eyes gouged out after watching his sons executed, 39:6-7) was infinitely worse than any mockery he imagined. By fearing man rather than God, he guaranteed the very disaster he sought to avoid.
Lest they deliver me into their hand, and they mock me—The verb alal (עָלַל, "to mock/abuse") suggests more than verbal taunting—possibly physical mistreatment. Zedekiah's pride couldn't bear the thought of Judean defectors saying "I told you so." This fear of shame proved fatal: his actual fate (eyes gouged out after watching his sons executed, 39:6-7) was infinitely worse than any mockery he imagined. By fearing man rather than God, he guaranteed the very disaster he sought to avoid.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Some Jews had already surrendered to Babylon, following Jeremiah's advice (38:2). These defectors represented a humiliating rebuke to Zedekiah's resistance policy. In honor-shame cultures like ancient Judah, a king's loss of face before subjects—especially "traitors"—was considered unbearable.
Reflection Questions
- How does the fear of man prove to be a snare (Proverbs 29:25) in Zedekiah's decision?
- What imagined consequences do we allow to prevent obedience to God's clear commands?
- How might Zedekiah's story have differed if he had feared God more than public opinion?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 19 wordsאֶת8 of 19
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַיְּהוּדִ֗ים9 of 19
“of the Jews”
H3064a jehudite (i.e., judaite or jew), or descendant of jehudah (i.e., judah)
אֲשֶׁ֤ר10 of 19
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נָֽפְלוּ֙11 of 19
“that are fallen”
H5307to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
הַכַּשְׂדִּ֔ים13 of 19
“to the Chaldeans”
H3778a kasdite, or descendant of kesed; by implication, a chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people
יִתְּנ֥וּ15 of 19
“lest they deliver”
H5414to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֹתִ֛י16 of 19
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּיָדָ֖ם17 of 19
“me into their hand”
H3027a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
וְהִתְעַלְּלוּ18 of 19
“and they mock”
H5953to effect thoroughly; by implication (in a bad sense) to overdo, i.e., maltreat, be saucy to, pain, impose (also literal)
בִֽי׃19 of 19
H0Study 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 38:19 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 38:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge