Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “If I give you an answer, will you not kill me? Even if I did give you counsel, you would not listen to me.” New Living Translation Jeremiah said, “If I tell you the truth, you will kill me. And if I give you advice, you won’t listen to me anyway.” English Standard Version Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “If I tell you, will you not surely put me to death? And if I give you counsel, you will not listen to me.” Berean Standard Bible “If I tell you,” Jeremiah replied, “you will surely put me to death. And even if I give you advice, you will not listen to me.” Berean Literal Bible And Jeremiah said to Zedekiah: “If I declare it to you, will you not surely put me to death? And if I should advise you, you will not listen to me.” King James Bible 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? New King James Version Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “If I declare it to you, will you not surely put me to death? And if I give you advice, you will not listen to me.” New American Standard Bible And Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “If I tell you, will you not certainly put me to death? Besides, if I give you advice, you will not listen to me.” NASB 1995 Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “If I tell you, will you not certainly put me to death? Besides, if I give you advice, you will not listen to me.” NASB 1977 Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “If I tell you, will you not certainly put me to death? Besides, if I give you advice, you will not listen to me.” Legacy Standard Bible Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “If I tell you, will you not certainly put me to death? Besides, if I give you counsel, you will not listen to me.” Amplified Bible Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “If I tell you, will you not certainly put me to death? Even if I do give you advice, you will not listen to me.” Berean Annotated Bible “If I tell you, Jeremiah (whom YHWH has appointed) replied (YHWH is righteous), “you will surely put me to death. And even if I give you advice, you will not listen to me.” Christian Standard Bible Jeremiah replied to Zedekiah, “If I tell you, you will kill me, won’t you? Besides, if I give you advice, you won’t listen to me anyway.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Jeremiah replied to Zedekiah, “If I tell you, you will kill me, won’t you? Besides, if I give you advice, you won’t listen to me anyway.” American Standard Version 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, thou wilt not hearken unto me. Contemporary English Version "Why?" I replied. "You won't listen, and you might even have me killed!" English Revised Version 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, thou wilt not hearken unto me. GOD'S WORD® Translation Jeremiah answered Zedekiah, "If I answer you, you'll kill me. If I give you advice, you won't listen to me." Good News Translation I answered, "If I tell you the truth, you will put me to death, and if I give you advice, you won't pay any attention." International Standard Version Jeremiah told Zedekiah, "When I tell you, you will surely put me to death, won't you? And when I give you advice, you don't listen to me." NET Bible Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, "If I answer you, you will certainly kill me. If I give you advice, you will not listen to me." New Heart English Bible Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, "If I declare it to you, will you not surely put me to death? And if I give you counsel, you will not listen to me." Webster's Bible Translation Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, If I declare it to thee, wilt thou not surely put me to death? and if I give thee counsel, wilt thou not hearken to me? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“If I tell you,” Jeremiah replied, “you will surely put me to death. And even if I give you advice, you will not listen to me.” World English Bible Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “If I declare it to you, will you not surely put me to death? If I give you counsel, you will not listen to me.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Jeremiah says to Zedekiah, “When I declare [it] to you, do you not surely put me to death? And when I counsel you, you do not listen to me.” Berean Literal Bible And Jeremiah said to Zedekiah: “If I declare it to you, will you not surely put me to death? And if I should advise you, you will not listen to me.” Young's Literal Translation And Jeremiah saith unto Zedekiah, 'When I declare to thee, dost thou not surely put me to death? and when I counsel thee, thou dost not hearken unto me.' Smith's Literal Translation And Jeremiah will say to Zedekiah, If I shall announce to thee, killing, wilt thou not put me to death? and if I shall counsel thee, thou wilt not hear to me? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThen Jeremias said to Sedecias: If I shall declare it to thee, wilt thou not put me to death? and if I give thee counsel, thou wilt not hearken to me. Catholic Public Domain Version Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah: “If I announce to you, will you not put me to death? And if I give you counsel, you will not listen to me.” New American Bible Jeremiah answered Zedekiah: “If I tell you anything, will you not have me put to death? If I counsel you, you will not listen to me!” New Revised Standard Version Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “If I tell you, you will put me to death, will you not? And if I give you advice, you will not listen to me.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, If I tell you, behold, you will surely put me to death; and if I give you counsel, you will not listen to me. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Jeremiah said to Tsedeqiah: “If I show you, behold, you will kill me, and if I counsel you, you will not hear me” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then Jeremiah said unto Zedekiah: 'If I declare it unto thee, wilt thou not surely put me to death? and if I give thee counsel, thou wilt not hearken unto me.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And Jeremias said to the king, If I tell thee, wilt thou not certainly put me to death? and if I give thee counsel, thou wilt not at all hearken to me. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jeremiah Rescued…14Then King Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah the prophet and received him at the third entrance to the house of the LORD. “I am going to ask you something,” said the king to Jeremiah. “Do not hide anything from me.” 15“If I tell you,” Jeremiah replied, “ you will surely put me to death. And even if I give you advice, you will not listen to me.” 16But King Zedekiah swore secretly to Jeremiah, “As surely as the LORD lives, who has given us this life, I will not kill you, nor will I deliver you into the hands of these men who are seeking your life.”… Cross References If I tell you, Jeremiah replied, 1 Samuel 16:2 “How can I go?” Samuel asked. “Saul will hear of it and kill me!” The LORD answered, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.’ John 7:13 Yet no one would speak publicly about Him for fear of the Jews. Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high. you will surely put me to death. Jeremiah 26:20-23 Now there was another man prophesying in the name of the LORD, Uriah son of Shemaiah from Kiriath-jearim. He prophesied against this city and against this land the same things that Jeremiah did. / King Jehoiakim and all his mighty men and officials heard his words, and the king sought to put him to death. But when Uriah found out about it, he fled in fear and went to Egypt. / Then King Jehoiakim sent men to Egypt: Elnathan son of Achbor along with some other men. … 2 Chronicles 24:21 But they conspired against Zechariah, and by order of the king, they stoned him in the courtyard of the house of the LORD. 1 Kings 19:10 “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of Hosts,” he replied, “but the Israelites have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well.” And even if I give you advice, 2 Chronicles 25:16 While he was still speaking, the king asked, “Have we made you the counselor to the king? Stop! Why be struck down?” So the prophet stopped, but he said, “I know that God has determined to destroy you, because you have done this and have not heeded my advice.” Proverbs 1:24-25 Because you refused my call, and no one took my outstretched hand, / because you neglected all my counsel, and wanted none of my correction, Ezekiel 3:7 But the house of Israel will be unwilling to listen to you, since they are unwilling to listen to Me. For the whole house of Israel is hard-headed and hard-hearted. you will not listen to me. Jeremiah 7:13 And now, because you have done all these things, declares the LORD, and because I have spoken to you again and again but you would not listen, and I have called to you but you would not answer, Zechariah 7:11-13 But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder; they stopped up their ears from hearing. / They made their hearts like flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the LORD of Hosts had sent by His Spirit through the earlier prophets. Therefore great anger came from the LORD of Hosts. / And just as I had called and they would not listen, so when they called I would not listen, says the LORD of Hosts. 2 Chronicles 36:15-16 Again and again the LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to His people through His messengers because He had compassion on them and on His dwelling place. / But they mocked the messengers of God, despising His words and scoffing at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD against His people was stirred up beyond remedy. Jeremiah 37:17 Later, King Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah and received him in his palace, where he asked him privately, “Is there a word from the LORD?” “There is,” Jeremiah replied. “You will be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon.” 1 Kings 22:13-14 Then the messenger who had gone to call Micaiah instructed him, “Behold now, with one accord the words of the prophets are favorable to the king. So please let your words be like theirs, and speak favorably.” / But Micaiah said, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak whatever the LORD tells me.” Ezekiel 2:6-7 But you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns surround you, and you dwell among scorpions. Do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their presence, though they are a rebellious house. / But speak My words to them, whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are rebellious. 2 Kings 6:31-32 He announced, “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if the head of Elisha son of Shaphat remains on his shoulders through this day!” / Now Elisha was sitting in his house, and the elders were sitting with him. The king sent a messenger ahead, but before he arrived, Elisha said to the elders, “Do you see how this murderer has sent someone to cut off my head? Look, when the messenger comes, shut the door to keep him out. Is not the sound of his master’s footsteps behind him?” Treasury of Scripture Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, If I declare it to you, will you not surely put me to death? and if I give you counsel, will you not listen to me? Luke 22:67,68 Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe: … Jump to Previous Advice Besides Counsel Death Declare Hearing Hearken Jeremiah Kill Question Suggestion Sure Surely Wilt Zedekiah Zedeki'ahJump to Next Advice Besides Counsel Death Declare Hearing Hearken Jeremiah Kill Question Suggestion Sure Surely Wilt Zedekiah Zedeki'ahJeremiah 38 1. Jeremiah, by a false suggestion, is put into the dungeon of Malchiah.7. Ebed-Melech, by suit, gets him some enlargement. 14. Upon secret conference, he counsels the king by yielding to save his life. 24. By the king's instructions he conceals the conference from the princes. “If I tell you,” Jeremiah replied, Jeremiah, a prophet during the final years of Judah before the Babylonian exile, often faced hostility for his messages. His role as a prophet was to convey God's words, which were frequently warnings of judgment. This phrase indicates a moment of hesitation and fear, reflecting the dangerous position prophets often found themselves in. Jeremiah's response is to King Zedekiah, who secretly sought his counsel. The prophet's reluctance underscores the tension between speaking God's truth and the personal risk involved. “you will surely put me to death. And even if I give you advice, you will not listen to me.” Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah. Known for his perseverance in the face of persecution and his deep emotional connection to his prophetic mission. 2. Zedekiah The last king of Judah before the Babylonian conquest. He often sought Jeremiah's counsel but lacked the courage to act on it due to fear of his officials and the people. 3. Jerusalem The capital city of Judah, under siege by the Babylonians during this time. It represents the center of Jewish worship and the focal point of Jeremiah's prophecies. 4. Babylonian Siege The historical context of this passage, where Babylon, under King Nebuchadnezzar, was besieging Jerusalem, leading to its eventual fall. 5. The Royal Officials Influential figures in Zedekiah's court who opposed Jeremiah and sought to silence him, often through imprisonment or threats of death. Teaching Points Courage in Truth-TellingJeremiah exemplifies the courage required to speak God's truth, even when it is unpopular or dangerous. Believers are called to stand firm in their convictions, trusting God for protection and vindication. The Cost of Disobedience Zedekiah's reluctance to heed Jeremiah's warnings serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of ignoring God's guidance. Obedience to God's word is crucial, even when it is difficult. The Importance of Listening Zedekiah's failure to listen to Jeremiah highlights the importance of being receptive to God's messages. Believers should cultivate a heart that is open to hearing and acting upon God's word. Fear of Man vs. Fear of God Zedekiah feared his officials more than he feared God, leading to his downfall. Christians are encouraged to prioritize their reverence for God over the opinions and threats of others. Seeking Godly Counsel While Zedekiah sought Jeremiah's counsel, he did not act on it. Believers should not only seek godly advice but also have the courage to follow it, trusting in God's wisdom and plan. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Jeremiah 38:15?2. How does Jeremiah 38:15 demonstrate Jeremiah's trust in God's protection and guidance? 3. What can we learn from Jeremiah's courage when facing opposition in Jeremiah 38:15? 4. How does Jeremiah 38:15 connect to Jesus' teachings on truth and integrity? 5. How can we apply Jeremiah's example of honesty in our daily conversations? 6. What does Jeremiah 38:15 teach about the importance of speaking God's truth today? 7. Why did Jeremiah fear King Zedekiah would not listen to his prophecy in Jeremiah 38:15? 8. How does Jeremiah 38:15 reflect the theme of divine truth versus human authority? 9. What historical context led to Jeremiah's imprisonment in Jeremiah 38? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 38? 11. In Jeremiah 38:15–16, how reliable is the account of a secret meeting between Jeremiah and King Zedekiah when both sides had clear motives to document or distort events? 12. In Jeremiah 28:15-17, are there any historical records outside Scripture confirming Hananiah's death within the same year, as Jeremiah foretells? 13. (Jeremiah 13:16-17) Isn't it contradictory for God to demand repentance while also foretelling inevitable punishment? 14. If Jeremiah 15:1 implies God would not listen to Moses or Samuel, how does this align with other passages portraying a merciful God? What Does Jeremiah 38:15 Mean “If I tell you,”• Jeremiah stands at a crossroads of truth and danger, recognizing that proclamation of God’s word can cost a prophet his life (cf. Jeremiah 26:11; Luke 11:49). • He signals honesty from the outset; withholding divine revelation is never an option for a faithful servant (Jeremiah 20:9). • The phrase underscores personal risk, reminding us that obedience often invites opposition (2 Timothy 3:12). “Jeremiah replied,” • The prophet answers King Zedekiah directly, modeling respectful yet uncompromised speech before authority (Acts 5:29). • His reply reveals a habit of responsiveness to both God and people, contrasting the king’s inconsistency (Jeremiah 34:20–21). • The narrative assures readers that God equips His servants with words at critical moments (Exodus 4:12; Matthew 10:19–20). “you will surely put me to death.” • Jeremiah acknowledges the king’s unchecked power and volatile character, much like earlier monarchs who silenced prophets (1 Kings 18:4; Matthew 23:37). • He frames the cost of truth as potentially fatal, yet does not retreat—an example of fearing God more than man (Proverbs 29:25; Matthew 10:28). • The certainty (“surely”) reveals Jeremiah’s clear-eyed realism; he is not naïve about human sin or political intrigue (Jeremiah 37:15–16). “And even if I give you advice,” • The term “advice” points to God-given counsel meant for the king’s blessing (Jeremiah 38:17–18). • Jeremiah highlights a pattern of ignored warnings, echoing centuries of rejected prophetic counsel (2 Chronicles 36:15–16). • His willingness to offer guidance despite past refusals illustrates steadfast love and perseverance (Galatians 6:9). “you will not listen to me.” • The king’s habitual deafness typifies Israel’s broader spiritual stubbornness (Jeremiah 7:27; Zechariah 7:11–12). • Unheeded truth brings judgment; Jeremiah foresees the inevitable fall of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 39:6–8). • The statement warns modern readers: hearing without obedience invites disaster (James 1:22–24; Hebrews 3:15). summary Jeremiah 38:15 portrays a prophet who, fully aware of mortal danger and royal apathy, nevertheless stands ready to speak God’s uncompromised word. His realism about persecution, coupled with unwavering commitment to truth, challenges believers to bold obedience, trusting the Lord with outcomes while refusing to dilute divine counsel. (15) Wilt thou not surely put me to death?--The prophet obviously speaks as if he believed the king to have sanctioned the severe measures that had been taken against him, and having no other "word of the Lord" to speak than that which he had spoken before, fears to provoke his wrath. The latter part of the sentence is better taken with the LXX., Vulg., and Luther, "thou wilt not hearken unto me "; or the form of the question altered so as to imply that answer.Verse 15. - Wilt thou not hearken; rather, thou wilt not hearken.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew “Ifכִּ֚י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction I tell you,” אַגִּ֣יד (’ag·gîḏ) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous Jeremiah יִרְמְיָ֙הוּ֙ (yir·mə·yā·hū) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3414: Jeremiah -- 'Yah loosens', the name of a number of Israelites replied, וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “will you not הֲל֖וֹא (hă·lō·w) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no surely הָמֵ֣ת (hā·mêṯ) Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute Strong's 4191: To die, to kill put me to death? תְּמִיתֵ֑נִי (tə·mî·ṯê·nî) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | first person common singular Strong's 4191: To die, to kill And even if וְכִי֙ (wə·ḵî) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction I did give you advice, אִיעָ֣צְךָ֔ (’î·‘ā·ṣə·ḵā) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular Strong's 3289: To advise, to deliberate, resolve you would not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no listen תִשְׁמַ֖ע (ṯiš·ma‘) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently to me.” אֵלָֽי׃ (’ê·lāy) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Links Jeremiah 38:15 NIVJeremiah 38:15 NLT Jeremiah 38:15 ESV Jeremiah 38:15 NASB Jeremiah 38:15 KJV Jeremiah 38:15 BibleApps.com Jeremiah 38:15 Biblia Paralela Jeremiah 38:15 Chinese Bible Jeremiah 38:15 French Bible Jeremiah 38:15 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Jeremiah 38:15 Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah If (Jer.) |
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