Jeremiah 38:24
New International Version
Then Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “Do not let anyone know about this conversation, or you may die.

New Living Translation
Then Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “Don’t tell anyone you told me this, or you will die!

English Standard Version
Then Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “Let no one know of these words, and you shall not die.

Berean Standard Bible
Then Zedekiah warned Jeremiah, “Do not let anyone know about this conversation, or you will die.

Berean Literal Bible
And Zedekiah said to Jeremiah: “Let no man know of these words, and you will not die.

King James Bible
Then said Zedekiah unto Jeremiah, Let no man know of these words, and thou shalt not die.

New King James Version
Then Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “Let no one know of these words, and you shall not die.

New American Standard Bible
Then Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “Let no one know about these words, and you will not die.

NASB 1995
Then Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “Let no man know about these words and you will not die.

NASB 1977
Then Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “Let no man know about these words and you will not die.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “Let no man know about these words and you will not die.

Amplified Bible
Then Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “Let no man know about this conversation and you will not die.

Berean Annotated Bible
Then Zedekiah (YHWH is righteous) warned Jeremiah (whom YHWH has appointed), “Do not let anyone know about this conversation, or you will die.

Christian Standard Bible
Then Zedekiah warned Jeremiah, “Don’t let anyone know about this conversation or you will die.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then Zedekiah warned Jeremiah, “Don’t let anyone know about these things or you will die.

American Standard Version
Then said Zedekiah unto Jeremiah, Let no man know of these words, and thou shalt not die.

Contemporary English Version
Zedekiah said, "Jeremiah, if you tell anyone what we have talked about, you might lose your life.

English Revised Version
Then said Zedekiah unto Jeremiah, Let no man know of these words, and thou shalt not die.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, "Don't let anyone know about this conversation, or you will die.

Good News Translation
Zedekiah replied, "Don't let anyone know about this conversation, and your life will not be in danger.

International Standard Version
Then Zedekiah told Jeremiah, "Don't let anyone know about these words and you won't die.

NET Bible
Then Zedekiah told Jeremiah, "Do not let anyone know about the conversation we have had. If you do, you will die.

New Heart English Bible
Then Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, "Let no man know of these words, and you shall not die.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then said Zedekiah to Jeremiah, Let no man know of these words, and thou shalt not die.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Then Zedekiah warned Jeremiah, “Do not let anyone know about this conversation, or you will die.

World English Bible
Then Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “Let no man know of these words, and you won’t die.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Zedekiah says to Jeremiah, “Let no man know of these words, and you do not die;

Berean Literal Bible
And Zedekiah said to Jeremiah: “Let no man know of these words, and you will not die.

Young's Literal Translation
And Zedekiah saith unto Jeremiah, 'Let no man know of these words, and thou dost not die;

Smith's Literal Translation
And Zedekiah will say to Jeremiah, No man shall know of these words, and thou shalt not die.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Then Sedecias said to Jeremias: Let no man know these words, and thou shalt not die.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then Zedekiah said to Jeremiah: “Let no one know of these words, and you will not die.

New American Bible
Then Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “Let no one know about this conversation, or you shall die.

New Revised Standard Version
Then Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “Do not let anyone else know of this conversation, or you will die.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, Let no man know of these words and you shall not die.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Tsedeqia said to Jeremiah: “Let no man know these words, that you will not die!
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then said Zedekiah unto Jeremiah: 'Let no man know of these words, and thou shalt not die.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Then the king said to him, Let no man know any of these words, and certainly thou shalt not die.

Additional Translations ...



Context
Jeremiah Rescued
23All your wives and children will be brought out to the Chaldeans. And you yourself will not escape their grasp, for you will be seized by the king of Babylon, and this city will be burned down.” 24Then Zedekiah warned Jeremiah, “Do not let anyone know about this conversation, or you will die. 25If the officials hear that I have spoken with you, and they come and demand of you, ‘Tell us what you said to the king and what he said to you; do not hide it from us, or we will kill you,’…

Cross References
Then Zedekiah warned Jeremiah,

1 Samuel 19:2
so he warned David, saying, “My father Saul intends to kill you. Be on your guard in the morning; find a secret place and hide there.

Matthew 2:12
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they withdrew to their country by another route.

2 Kings 6:10
So the king of Israel sent word to the place the man of God had pointed out. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places.
“Do not let anyone know about this conversation,

Acts 23:22
So the commander dismissed the young man and instructed him, “Do not tell anyone that you have reported this to me.”

Matthew 9:30
And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one finds out about this!”

Luke 8:56
Her parents were astounded, but Jesus ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.
or you will die.”

1 Kings 2:42
the king summoned Shimei and said to him, “Did I not make you swear by the LORD and warn you, ‘On the day you leave and go elsewhere, know for sure that you will die’? And you told me, ‘The sentence is fair; I will comply.’

Exodus 10:28
“Depart from me!” Pharaoh said to Moses. “Make sure you never see my face again, for on the day you see my face, you will die.”

Genesis 2:17
but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; for in the day that you eat of it, you will surely die.”
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.”

Jeremiah 21:2
“Please inquire of the LORD on our behalf, since Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon is waging war against us. Perhaps the LORD will perform for us something like all His past wonders, so that Nebuchadnezzar will withdraw from us.”

Jeremiah 34:2-3
The LORD, the God of Israel, told Jeremiah to go and speak to Zedekiah king of Judah and tell him that this is what the LORD says: “Behold, I am about to deliver this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he will burn it down. / And you yourself will not escape his grasp, but will surely be captured and delivered into his hand. You will see the king of Babylon eye to eye and speak with him face to face; and you will go to Babylon.

Jeremiah 32:3-5
For Zedekiah king of Judah had imprisoned him, saying: “Why are you prophesying like this? You claim that the LORD says, ‘Behold, I am about to deliver this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he will capture it. / Zedekiah king of Judah will not escape from the hands of the Chaldeans, but he will surely be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon, and will speak with him face to face and see him eye to eye. / He will take Zedekiah to Babylon, where he will stay until I attend to him, declares the LORD. If you fight against the Chaldeans, you will not succeed.’”

Jeremiah 1:17-19
Get yourself ready. Stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not be intimidated by them, or I will terrify you before them. / Now behold, this day I have made you like a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land. / They will fight against you but will never overcome you, since I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.

2 Kings 25:4-7
Then the city was breached; and though the Chaldeans had surrounded the city, all the men of war fled by night by way of the gate between the two walls near the king’s garden. They headed toward the Arabah, / but the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho, and his whole army deserted him. / The Chaldeans seized the king and brought him up to the king of Babylon at Riblah, where they pronounced judgment on him. …

2 Kings 24:18-20
Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. His mother’s name was Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah; she was from Libnah. / And Zedekiah did evil in the sight of the LORD, just as Jehoiakim had done. / For because of the anger of the LORD, all this happened in Jerusalem and Judah, until He finally banished them from His presence. And Zedekiah also rebelled against the king of Babylon.


Treasury of Scripture

Then said Zedekiah to Jeremiah, Let no man know of these words, and you shall not die.

No references listed for this verse

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Jeremiah 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.












Then Zedekiah warned Jeremiah,

Zedekiah, Judah’s final king, feared both the Babylonian threat outside Jerusalem and the powerful officials within his court. Though he had sought Jeremiah’s counsel, he lacked the courage to follow God openly and protect the prophet from his enemies.

1Sa 19:2 My father Saul intends to kill you. Be on guard…
Mat 2:12 And having been warned in a dream not to return…
2Ki 6:10 So the king of Israel sent word to the place…

“Do not let anyone know about this conversation,

Zedekiah wanted Jeremiah’s words kept hidden because his officials opposed the prophet and favored resistance to Babylon. His secrecy exposed the divided leadership of Jerusalem as the siege tightened around the city.

Act 23:22 So the commander dismissed the young man and instructed him…
Mat 9:30 And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly…
Luk 8:56 Her parents were astounded, but Jesus ordered them…

or you will die.

Jeremiah’s life remained in danger because he faithfully announced God’s judgment and called Judah to submit to Babylon. Zedekiah understood that his officials might kill Jeremiah if they learned of the private meeting, yet he still would not confront their rebellion.

1Ki 2:42 The king summoned Shimei and said to him, …
Exo 10:28 “Depart from me!” Pharaoh said to Moses.…
Gen 2:17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Zedekiah
The last king of Judah, who reigned during the time of the Babylonian siege. He was a weak ruler, often swayed by his officials and fearful of public opinion.

2. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. Known for his perseverance in the face of persecution.

3. The Siege of Jerusalem
A significant event where Babylon, under King Nebuchadnezzar, besieged Jerusalem, leading to its eventual fall and the exile of its people.

4. The Royal Palace
The setting of this private conversation between Zedekiah and Jeremiah, highlighting the king's fear and desperation.

5. The Officials of Judah
Influential figures who opposed Jeremiah's prophecies and sought to silence him, reflecting the political tension of the time.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Fearful Leadership
Zedekiah's fear of his officials led him to make poor decisions. Leaders today must seek God's wisdom and courage rather than succumbing to the fear of man.

The Cost of Compromise
Zedekiah's attempt to keep his conversation with Jeremiah secret shows the danger of compromising truth for safety. Believers are called to stand firm in their convictions.

The Role of the Prophet
Jeremiah's faithfulness in delivering God's message, despite personal risk, serves as a model for Christians to speak truth in love, regardless of opposition.

The Importance of Private Integrity
Zedekiah's private conversation with Jeremiah highlights the need for integrity in both public and private life. Our private decisions often have public consequences.

Trusting God's Sovereignty
Despite the dire circumstances, Jeremiah trusted in God's plan. Believers are encouraged to trust God's sovereignty, even when facing trials.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Jeremiah 38:24?

2. How does Jeremiah 38:24 demonstrate King Zedekiah's fear of public opinion?

3. What can we learn about courage from Jeremiah's response to Zedekiah's request?

4. How does Zedekiah's secrecy compare to Proverbs 29:25 about fearing man?

5. How can we apply Jeremiah's steadfastness in truth to our daily lives?

6. What does Jeremiah 38:24 teach about the consequences of fearing human judgment over God?

7. Why did Zedekiah fear the officials more than God's prophet in Jeremiah 38:24?

8. How does Jeremiah 38:24 reflect the theme of fear versus faith?

9. What does Jeremiah 38:24 reveal about leadership and accountability?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 38?


Jeremiah 38:24 spotlights a king ruled by fear rather than faith. Zedekiah hushes God’s prophet to protect himself, yet the very secrecy he demands foreshadows the ruin he will face. The verse warns that concealing God’s revealed truth—out of fear, politics, or self-preservation—leads not to safety but to judgment, while open obedience brings life.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then Zedekiah
צִדְקִיָּ֜הוּ (ṣiḏ·qî·yā·hū)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6667: Zedekiah -- 'Yah is righteousness', six Israelites

warned
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

Jeremiah,
יִרְמְיָ֗הוּ (yir·mə·yā·hū)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3414: Jeremiah -- 'Yah loosens', the name of a number of Israelites

“Do not
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

let anyone
אִ֛ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

know
יֵדַ֥ע (yê·ḏa‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3045: To know

about this
הָאֵ֖לֶּה (hā·’êl·leh)
Article | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

conversation,
בַּדְּבָֽרִים־ (bad·də·ḇā·rîm-)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

or
וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

you will die.
תָמֽוּת׃ (ṯā·mūṯ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill


Additonal Resources
Jeremiah 38:24 Blue Letter Bible
Jeremiah 38:24 Bible Gateway
Jeremiah 38:24 Bible.com

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Jeremiah 38:24 Study Bible
Jeremiah 38:24 Biblia Paralela
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Jeremiah 38:24 Catholic Bible

OT Prophets: Jeremiah 38:24 Then said Zedekiah to Jeremiah Let no (Jer.)

Jeremiah 38:23
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