King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 38:23 Mean?

Jeremiah 38:23 in the King James Version says “So they shall bring out all thy wives and thy children to the Chaldeans: and thou shalt not escape out of their hand, bu... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Jeremiah 38:23 · KJV


Context

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

24

Then said Zedekiah unto Jeremiah, Let no man know of these words, and thou shalt not die.

25

But if the princes hear that I have talked with thee, and they come unto thee, and say unto thee, Declare unto us now what thou hast said unto the king, hide it not from us, and we will not put thee to death; also what the king said unto thee:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So they shall bring out all thy wives and thy children to the Chaldeans—God's prophecy specified the capture of Zedekiah's entire family, a detail that proved tragically accurate. His sons were executed before his eyes, and he was blinded (39:6-7). The verb yatsa (יָצָא, "to bring out") ironically echoes verse 17's command that Zedekiah himself "go forth" to surrender. His refusal to go forth willingly guaranteed his family would be brought forth as captives.

Thou shalt cause this city to be burned with fire—The causative Hebrew construction makes Zedekiah personally responsible for Jerusalem's destruction. Though Babylonian soldiers would light the fires, Zedekiah's disobedience would be the true cause. His one decision—refuse to surrender—would condemn the entire city. This crushing weight of responsibility makes his choice even more inexcusable: one man's pride would destroy thousands of lives.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The capture and abuse of royal families was standard ancient Near Eastern practice, serving both to eliminate rival claimants to the throne and to humiliate the defeated king. Nebuchadnezzar executed Zedekiah's sons at Riblah, ensuring no Davidic heir could rally resistance, then blinded Zedekiah so the sight of his sons' execution would be his last memory (2 Kings 25:6-7).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does making Zedekiah causally responsible for Jerusalem's burning emphasize the weight of leadership decisions?
  2. What does the ironic reversal (refusing to "go forth" leads to family being "brought forth" as captives) teach about consequences?
  3. How might this prophecy's specificity have served as a final plea for Zedekiah to obey before it was too late?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וְאֶת1 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל2 of 22
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

נָשֶׁ֣יךָ3 of 22

all thy wives

H802

a woman

וְאֶת4 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בָּנֶ֗יךָ5 of 22

and thy children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

מֽוֹצִאִים֙6 of 22

So they shall bring out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֶל7 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַכַּשְׂדִּ֔ים8 of 22

to the Chaldeans

H3778

a kasdite, or descendant of kesed; by implication, a chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people

וְאַתָּ֖ה9 of 22
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

לֹא10 of 22
H3808

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

תִמָּלֵ֣ט11 of 22

and thou shalt not escape out

H4422

properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn

בְיַ֤ד12 of 22

by the hand

H3027

a 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

כִּ֣י13 of 22
H3588

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

בְיַ֤ד14 of 22

by the hand

H3027

a 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

מֶֽלֶךְ15 of 22

of the king

H4428

a king

בָּבֶל֙16 of 22

of Babylon

H894

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

תִּתָּפֵ֔שׂ17 of 22

but shalt be taken

H8610

to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably

וְאֶת18 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָעִ֥יר19 of 22

and thou shalt cause this city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַזֹּ֖את20 of 22
H2063

this (often used adverb)

תִּשְׂרֹ֥ף21 of 22

to be burned

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

בָּאֵֽשׁ׃22 of 22

with fire

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)


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 38:23 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 38:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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