Jeremiah Chapter 38 · Verse 15
Then Jeremiah said unto Zedekiah, If I declare it unto thee, wilt thou not surely put me to death? and if I give thee counsel, wilt thou not hearken unto me?
Original Language Analysis
יִרְמְיָ֙הוּ֙
Then Jeremiah
H3414
יִרְמְיָ֙הוּ֙
Then Jeremiah
Strong's:
H3414
Word #:
2 of 15
jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites
כִּ֚י
H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אַגִּ֣יד
If I declare
H5046
אַגִּ֣יד
If I declare
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
6 of 15
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
הֲל֖וֹא
H3808
הֲל֖וֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תְּמִיתֵ֑נִי
it unto thee wilt thou not surely
H4191
תְּמִיתֵ֑נִי
it unto thee wilt thou not surely
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
9 of 15
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
תְּמִיתֵ֑נִי
it unto thee wilt thou not surely
H4191
תְּמִיתֵ֑נִי
it unto thee wilt thou not surely
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
10 of 15
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
וְכִי֙
H3588
וְכִי֙
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
11 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִיעָ֣צְךָ֔
and if I give thee counsel
H3289
אִיעָ֣צְךָ֔
and if I give thee counsel
Strong's:
H3289
Word #:
12 of 15
to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
13 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
This secret meeting occurred circa 587 BC during Babylon's siege of Jerusalem. Zedekiah, a weak puppet king installed by Nebuchadnezzar, was caught between pro-Egyptian court officials who wanted resistance and God's prophet who demanded surrender. Jeremiah had already been imprisoned twice for his unpopular message (37:15, 38:6).
Questions for Reflection
- Do you ever seek God's guidance while already resolved not to obey if it conflicts with your plans?
- What makes Jeremiah willing to speak truth despite knowing it might cost him his life?
- How does Zedekiah's pattern of seeking but not heeding God's word appear in modern religious practice?
Analysis & Commentary
If I declare it unto thee, wilt thou not surely put me to death? Jeremiah's opening question reveals the prophet's precarious position. The Hebrew verb nagad (נָגַד, "to declare/tell") carries the sense of making something openly known. Jeremiah had already proclaimed God's judgment requiring surrender to Babylon—a message so politically inflammatory that it had landed him in a muddy cistern (38:6). His fear was justified: prophets who spoke unpopular truth often faced execution (26:20-23).
If I give thee counsel, wilt thou not hearken unto me? The verb ya'ats (יָעַץ, "to counsel/advise") indicates Jeremiah's role as God's spokesman offering divine wisdom, not mere human opinion. Yet Zedekiah's track record showed repeated unwillingness to obey (shama, שָׁמַע) God's word through Jeremiah (37:2). This tragic pattern—seeking God's word while refusing to obey it—characterizes Zedekiah's entire reign and epitomizes religious hypocrisy.