King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 38:21 Mean?
“But if thou refuse to go forth, this is the word that the LORD hath shewed me:”
Jeremiah 38:21 · KJV
Context
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:
22
And, behold, all the women that are left in the king of Judah's house shall be brought forth to the king of Babylon's princes, and those women shall say, Thy friends have set thee on, and have prevailed against thee: thy feet are sunk in the mire, and they are turned away back. Thy friends: Heb. Men of thy peace
23
So they shall bring out all thy wives and thy children to the Chaldeans: and thou shalt not escape out of their hand, but shalt be taken by the hand of the king of Babylon: and thou shalt cause this city to be burned with fire. thou shalt cause: Heb. thou shalt burn, etc
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryBut if thou refuse to go forth—The Hebrew ma'en (מָאֵן, "to refuse") indicates willful rejection, not mere hesitation. God's ultimatum left no middle ground. Zedekiah's "refusal" would be active rebellion against divine command, not passive indecision.
This is the word that the LORD hath shewed me—The verb ra'ah (רָאָה, "to see/show") in the Hiphil stem indicates divine revelation. What follows (v. 22-23) is prophetic vision, not Jeremiah's speculation. God granted Jeremiah foresight into the specific humiliation awaiting Zedekiah: his own palace women would taunt him using a proverbial saying about feet stuck in mud. This divine preview gave Zedekiah one final chance to avoid the prophesied shame by surrendering.
This is the word that the LORD hath shewed me—The verb ra'ah (רָאָה, "to see/show") in the Hiphil stem indicates divine revelation. What follows (v. 22-23) is prophetic vision, not Jeremiah's speculation. God granted Jeremiah foresight into the specific humiliation awaiting Zedekiah: his own palace women would taunt him using a proverbial saying about feet stuck in mud. This divine preview gave Zedekiah one final chance to avoid the prophesied shame by surrendering.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Prophetic visions often included specific, verifiable details that would authenticate the prophet when fulfilled. The reference to palace women being taken to Babylonian princes (v. 22) anticipates the harem's capture, a standard feature of ancient Near Eastern conquest that symbolized the king's total humiliation.
Reflection Questions
- What does God's detailed preview of consequences reveal about His desire for Zedekiah to choose rightly?
- How does specific prophetic detail serve to authenticate God's word and remove excuses for disobedience?
- Why might even clear divine revelation fail to change a heart set on rebellion?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 9 wordsוְאִם1 of 9
H518used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לָצֵ֑את4 of 9
“to go forth”
H3318to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
הַדָּבָ֔ר6 of 9
“this is the word”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁ֥ר7 of 9
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הִרְאַ֖נִי8 of 9
“hath shewed”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
יְהוָֽה׃9 of 9
“that the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
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 38:21 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 38:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge