King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 39:16 Mean?

Jeremiah 39:16 in the King James Version says “Go and speak to Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring ... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 39 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Jeremiah 39:16 · KJV


Context

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.

18

For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the LORD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Ethiopian eunuch Ebed-melech receives a personal prophecy of deliverance for his kindness to Jeremiah (38:7-13). God notices and rewards those who show mercy to His servants. While Jerusalem falls, this foreigner is saved because he 'put his trust in the LORD.' Faith, not ethnicity, determines one's standing before God - a preview of gospel inclusivity.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ebed-melech risked his position to rescue Jeremiah from the cistern. His courage and kindness in the king's court stood in stark contrast to the officials' cruelty.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God remember and reward acts of mercy done to His people?
  2. What does Ebed-melech's faith teach about God's salvation extending to all who trust Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 26 words
הָל֣וֹךְ1 of 26

Go

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אָמַ֞ר2 of 26

Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לְעֶבֶד3 of 26
H0
מֶ֨לֶךְ4 of 26

to Ebedmelech

H5663

ebed-melek, a eunuch of zedekeah

הַכּוּשִׁ֜י5 of 26

the Ethiopian

H3569

a cushite, or descendant of cush

אָמַ֞ר6 of 26

Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כֹּֽה7 of 26
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֞ר8 of 26

Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֤ה9 of 26

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

צְבָאוֹת֙10 of 26

of hosts

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

אֱלֹהֵ֣י11 of 26

the God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל12 of 26

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

הִנְנִי֩13 of 26
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

מֵבִ֨י14 of 26

Behold I will bring

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶת15 of 26
H853

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

דְּבָרַ֜י16 of 26

my words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אֶל17 of 26
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָעִ֥יר18 of 26

upon this city

H5892

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

הַזֹּ֛את19 of 26
H2063

this (often used adverb)

לְרָעָ֖ה20 of 26

for evil

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

וְלֹ֣א21 of 26
H3808

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

לְטוֹבָ֑ה22 of 26

and not for good

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

וְהָי֥וּ23 of 26
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְפָנֶ֖יךָ24 of 26

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

בַּיּ֥וֹם25 of 26

and they shall be accomplished in that day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַהֽוּא׃26 of 26
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo


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 39:16 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 39:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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