King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 38:3 Mean?
“Thus saith the LORD, This city shall surely be given into the hand of the king of Babylon's army, which shall take it.”
Jeremiah 38:3 · KJV
Context
1
Then Shephatiah the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah the son of Pashur, and Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashur the son of Malchiah, heard the words that Jeremiah had spoken unto all the people, saying,
2
Thus saith the LORD, He that remaineth in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth forth to the Chaldeans shall live; for he shall have his life for a prey, and shall live .
3
Thus saith the LORD, This city shall surely be given into the hand of the king of Babylon's army, which shall take it.
4
Therefore the princes said unto the king, We beseech thee, let this man be put to death: for thus he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words unto them: for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt. welfare: Heb. peace
5
Then Zedekiah the king said, Behold, he is in your hand: for the king is not he that can do any thing against you.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThis city shall surely be given into the hand of the king of Babylon's army, which shall take it (נָתוֹן תִּנָּתֵן הָעִיר הַזֹּאת בְּיַד־חֵיל מֶלֶךְ־בָּבֶל)—The emphatic Hebrew construction naton tinnaten (infinitive absolute with finite verb) intensifies the certainty: Jerusalem will surely, certainly, inevitably be given over. This was not defeatism or treason but divine revelation of God's sovereign decree.
Jeremiah consistently proclaimed that Babylonian conquest was God's judgment for Judah's covenant violations—idolatry, social injustice, and false worship (7:1-15, 25:1-14). Submission to Nebuchadnezzar was submission to God's chastening hand; resistance was rebellion against the Almighty. The phrase 'shall take it' uses lakad (לָכַד), meaning to capture or seize by force, confirming that military resistance was futile.
This theology offended nationalistic pride and seemed to contradict God's promises to preserve David's throne. Yet Jeremiah understood that God's promises depended on covenant faithfulness; persistent rebellion voided the blessings while maintaining the covenant relationship through judgment and restoration. His message anticipated Jesus' prophecy of Jerusalem's destruction (Luke 19:41-44, 21:20-24), where Christ wept over the city's refusal to recognize 'the time of thy visitation.'
Jeremiah consistently proclaimed that Babylonian conquest was God's judgment for Judah's covenant violations—idolatry, social injustice, and false worship (7:1-15, 25:1-14). Submission to Nebuchadnezzar was submission to God's chastening hand; resistance was rebellion against the Almighty. The phrase 'shall take it' uses lakad (לָכַד), meaning to capture or seize by force, confirming that military resistance was futile.
This theology offended nationalistic pride and seemed to contradict God's promises to preserve David's throne. Yet Jeremiah understood that God's promises depended on covenant faithfulness; persistent rebellion voided the blessings while maintaining the covenant relationship through judgment and restoration. His message anticipated Jesus' prophecy of Jerusalem's destruction (Luke 19:41-44, 21:20-24), where Christ wept over the city's refusal to recognize 'the time of thy visitation.'
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
This prophecy was spoken during the final Babylonian siege (588-586 BC). Jeremiah had proclaimed this message for decades—from Josiah's reign through Zedekiah's (25:1-3). The siege lasted eighteen months, during which Jerusalem suffered horrific famine (Lamentations 4:9-10) before walls were breached in July 586 BC. Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the temple, burned the city, and deported most survivors. Jeremiah's prophecy was fulfilled to the letter. Archaeological excavations confirm destruction layers from this period throughout Jerusalem, with arrowheads, burn marks, and collapsed buildings validating the biblical account. Zedekiah's fate particularly fulfilled Jeremiah's warnings (39:4-7).
Reflection Questions
- How do we distinguish between defeatism and recognizing God's sovereign purposes in difficult circumstances?
- What does Jeremiah's message teach about the relationship between God's promises and human covenant faithfulness?
- How should we respond when God's current discipline seems to contradict His ultimate promises?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 12 wordsכֹּ֖ה1 of 12
H3541properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
תִּנָּתֵ֜ן4 of 12
“be given”
H5414to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
תִּנָּתֵ֜ן5 of 12
“be given”
H5414to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
הָעִ֣יר6 of 12
“This city”
H5892a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
בְּיַ֛ד8 of 12
“into the 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
חֵ֥יל9 of 12
“army”
H2428probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
בָּבֶ֖ל11 of 12
“of Babylon's”
H894babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
וּלְכָדָֽהּ׃12 of 12
“which shall take”
H3920to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere
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 38:3 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 38:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge