King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 39:15 Mean?
“Now the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah, while he was shut up in the court of the prison, saying,”
Jeremiah 39:15 · KJV
Context
13
So Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard sent, and Nebushasban, Rabsaris, and Nergalsharezer, Rabmag, and all the king of Babylon's princes;
14
Even they sent, and took Jeremiah out of the court of the prison, and committed him unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, that he should carry him home: so he dwelt among the people.
15
Now the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah, while he was shut up in the court of the prison, saying,
16
Go and speak to Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring my words upon this city for evil, and not for good; and they shall be accomplished in that day before thee.
17
But I will deliver thee in that day, saith the LORD: and thou shalt not be given into the hand of the men of whom thou art afraid.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryNow the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah, while he was shut up in the court of the prison (בַּעֲצֻרוֹ, ba'atzuro)—The timing marker indicates this oracle (fulfilled in vv. 16-18) was received during imprisonment before the city's fall. The verb atzar (עָצַר) means detained, restrained, confined. Physical confinement never restricts divine communication—God's word (דְּבַר־יְהוָה, devar-YHWH) reaches His servants in dungeons as readily as palaces.
This introduces the prophecy to Ebed-melech (the Ethiopian who rescued Jeremiah from the cistern, 38:7-13), promising his safety because 'you have put your trust in me' (39:18). While chapter 39 records Jerusalem's fall chronologically, this verse flashes back to earlier imprisonment, showing that even then God was arranging protective promises for the faithful. The structure demonstrates that divine word precedes and governs historical events—prophecy before fulfillment, promise before provision.
This introduces the prophecy to Ebed-melech (the Ethiopian who rescued Jeremiah from the cistern, 38:7-13), promising his safety because 'you have put your trust in me' (39:18). While chapter 39 records Jerusalem's fall chronologically, this verse flashes back to earlier imprisonment, showing that even then God was arranging protective promises for the faithful. The structure demonstrates that divine word precedes and governs historical events—prophecy before fulfillment, promise before provision.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The 'court of the prison' was a relatively open detention area within the palace complex (contrast the muddy cistern of 38:6), where Jeremiah received a daily bread ration before the siege cut off food supplies (37:21). This was where Zedekiah could secretly consult him (38:14-28) while officially keeping him detained. The flashback structure of verse 15 connects God's word during crisis to His subsequent faithfulness after crisis.
Reflection Questions
- How does God's word coming to Jeremiah 'while shut up' encourage believers facing restriction or confinement?
- What does the flashback structure teach about God's sovereign awareness and advance preparation even before crises resolve?
- How does this verse's placement demonstrate that divine promises sustain us through trials before we see their fulfillment?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 10 wordsהָיָ֣ה3 of 10
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
דְבַר4 of 10
“Now the word”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָ֑ה5 of 10
“of the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בִּֽהְיֹת֣וֹ6 of 10
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עָצ֔וּר7 of 10
“while he was shut up”
H6113to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble
בַּחֲצַ֥ר8 of 10
“in the court”
H2691a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
הַמַּטָּרָ֖ה9 of 10
“of the prison”
H4307a jail (as a guard-house); also an aim (as being closely watched)
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 39:15 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 39:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge