Jeremiah 38:27
New International Version
All the officials did come to Jeremiah and question him, and he told them everything the king had ordered him to say. So they said no more to him, for no one had heard his conversation with the king.

New Living Translation
Sure enough, it wasn’t long before the king’s officials came to Jeremiah and asked him why the king had called for him. But Jeremiah followed the king’s instructions, and they left without finding out the truth. No one had overheard the conversation between Jeremiah and the king.

English Standard Version
Then all the officials came to Jeremiah and asked him, and he answered them as the king had instructed him. So they stopped speaking with him, for the conversation had not been overheard.

Berean Standard Bible
When all the officials came to Jeremiah and questioned him, he relayed to them the exact words the king had commanded him to say. So they said no more to him, for no one had overheard the conversation.

Berean Literal Bible
And all the princes came to Jeremiah, and asked him, and he declared to them according to all these words that the king had commanded. So they stopped speaking with him, for the matter had not been heard.

King James Bible
Then came all the princes unto Jeremiah, and asked him: and he told them according to all these words that the king had commanded. So they left off speaking with him; for the matter was not perceived.

New King James Version
Then all the princes came to Jeremiah and asked him. And he told them according to all these words that the king had commanded. So they stopped speaking with him, for the conversation had not been heard.

New American Standard Bible
Then all the officials came to Jeremiah and questioned him. So he reported to them in accordance with all these words which the king had commanded; and they stopped speaking with him, since the conversation had not been overheard.

NASB 1995
Then all the officials came to Jeremiah and questioned him. So he reported to them in accordance with all these words which the king had commanded; and they ceased speaking with him, since the conversation had not been overheard.

NASB 1977
Then all the officials came to Jeremiah and questioned him. So he reported to them in accordance with all these words which the king had commanded; and they ceased speaking with him, since the conversation had not been overheard.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then all the officials came to Jeremiah and questioned him. So he told them in accordance with all these words which the king had commanded; and they ceased speaking with him since the conversation had not been overheard.

Amplified Bible
Then all the princes (court officials) came to Jeremiah and asked him [just what King Zedekiah had anticipated they would ask], and he reported to them in accordance with all that the king had commanded. So they stopped questioning him, since the conversation [with the king] had not been overheard.

Berean Annotated Bible
When all the officials came to Jeremiah (whom YHWH has appointed) and questioned him, he relayed to them the exact words the king had commanded him to say. So they said no more to him, for no one had overheard the conversation.

Christian Standard Bible
All the officials did come to Jeremiah, and they questioned him. He reported the exact words to them the king had commanded, and they quit speaking with him because the conversation had not been overheard.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When all the officials came to Jeremiah and questioned him, he reported the exact words to them the king had commanded, and they quit speaking with him because nothing had been heard.

American Standard Version
Then came all the princes unto Jeremiah, and asked him; and he told them according to all these words that the king had commanded. So they left off speaking with him; for the matter was not perceived.

Contemporary English Version
The officials did come and question me about my meeting with the king, and I told them exactly what he had ordered me to say. They never spoke to me about the meeting again, since no one had heard us talking.

English Revised Version
Then came all the princes unto Jeremiah, and asked him: and he told them according to all these words that the king had commanded. So they left off speaking with him; for the matter was not perceived.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
All the officials came to Jeremiah and questioned him. He told them exactly what the king had told him to say. So they stopped questioning him, because they hadn't heard his conversation with the king.

Good News Translation
Then all the officials came and questioned me, and I told them exactly what the king had told me to say. There was nothing else they could do, because no one had overheard the conversation.

International Standard Version
When all the officials came to Jeremiah and questioned him, he replied to them exactly as the king had ordered him. So they stopped speaking with him because the conversation had not been overheard.

NET Bible
All the officials did indeed come and question Jeremiah. He told them exactly what the king had instructed him to say. They stopped questioning him any further because no one had actually heard their conversation.

New Heart English Bible
Then all the officials came to Jeremiah, and asked him; and he told them according to all these words that the king had commanded. So they left off speaking with him; for the matter was not perceived.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then came all the princes to Jeremiah, and asked him: and he told them according to all these words that the king had commanded. So they left off speaking with him; for the matter was not perceived.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
When all the officials came to Jeremiah and questioned him, he relayed to them the exact words the king had commanded him to say. So they said no more to him, for no one had overheard the conversation.

World English Bible
Then all the princes came to Jeremiah, and asked him; and he told them according to all these words that the king had commanded. So they stopped speaking with him, for the matter was not perceived.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And all the heads come to Jeremiah, and ask him, and he declares to them according to all these words that the king commanded, and they keep silent from him, for the matter was not heard;

Berean Literal Bible
And all the princes came to Jeremiah, and asked him, and he declared to them according to all these words that the king had commanded. So they stopped speaking with him, for the matter had not been heard.

Young's Literal Translation
And all the heads come in unto Jeremiah, and ask him, and he declareth to them according to all these words that the king commanded, and they keep silent from him, for the matter was not heard;

Smith's Literal Translation
And all the chiefs will come to Jeremiah, and they will ask him: and he will announce to them according to all these words which the king commanded. And they will be silent from him, for the word was not heard.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
So all the princes came to Jeremias, and asked him: and he spoke to them according to all the words that the king had commanded him: and they left him: for nothing had been heard.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then all the leaders came to Jeremiah, and they questioned him. And he spoke to them in accord with all the words that the king had commanded him. And they withdrew from him, for they had learned nothing.

New American Bible
When all the princes came to Jeremiah and questioned him, he answered them with the very words the king had commanded. They said no more to him, for nothing had been overheard of the conversation.

New Revised Standard Version
All the officials did come to Jeremiah and questioned him; and he answered them in the very words the king had commanded. So they stopped questioning him, for the conversation had not been overheard.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then came all the princes to Jeremiah and asked him; and he told them according to all these words that the king had commanded him. So they ceased conversing with him because the matter was not made known.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And all the Princes came to Jeremiah and they asked him and he told them all the words that the King commanded him, and they silenced themselves toward him, because the matter was not heard
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then came all the princes unto Jeremiah, and asked him; and he told them according to all these words that the king had commanded. So they left off speaking with him; for the matter was not reported.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And all the princes came to Jeremias, and asked him: and he told them according to all these words, which the king had commanded him. And they were silent, because the word of the Lord was not heard.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jeremiah Rescued
26then tell them, ‘I was presenting to the king my petition that he not return me to the house of Jonathan to die there.’ ” 27When all the officials came to Jeremiah and questioned him, he relayed to them the exact words the king had commanded him to say. So they said no more to him, for no one had overheard the conversation. 28And Jeremiah remained in the courtyard of the guard until the day Jerusalem was captured.…

Cross References
When all the officials came to Jeremiah and questioned him,

Matthew 21:23
When Jesus returned to the temple courts and began to teach, the chief priests and elders of the people came up to Him. “By what authority are You doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave You this authority?”

Mark 11:27-28
After their return to Jerusalem, Jesus was walking in the temple courts, and the chief priests, scribes, and elders came up to Him. / “By what authority are You doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave You the authority to do them?”

Luke 20:1-2
One day as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple courts and proclaiming the gospel, the chief priests and scribes, together with the elders, came up to Him. / “Tell us,” they said, “by what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?”
he relayed to them the exact words the king had commanded him to say.

Exodus 7:2
You are to speak all that I command you, and your brother Aaron is to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go out of his land.

Deuteronomy 18:18
I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him.

John 12:49
I have not spoken on My own, but the Father who sent Me has commanded Me what to say and how to say it.
So they said no more to him,

Matthew 22:46
No one was able to answer a word, and from that day on no one dared to question Him any further.

Mark 12:34
When Jesus saw that the man had answered wisely, He said, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And no one dared to question Him any further.

Luke 20:40
And they did not dare to question Him any further.
for no one had overheard the conversation.

Matthew 10:26-27
So do not be afraid of them. For there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, and nothing hidden that will not be made known. / What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops.

Luke 12:2-3
There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, and nothing hidden that will not be made known. / What you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the housetops.

Proverbs 25:9-10
Argue your case with your neighbor without betraying another’s confidence, / lest he who hears you bring shame upon you, and your infamy never go away.
Jeremiah 37:14-16
“That is a lie,” Jeremiah replied. “I am not deserting to the Chaldeans!” But Irijah would not listen to him; instead, he arrested Jeremiah and took him to the officials. / The officials were angry with Jeremiah, and they beat him and placed him in jail in the house of Jonathan the scribe, for it had been made into a prison. / So Jeremiah went into a cell in the dungeon and remained there a long time.

Jeremiah 21:2-7
“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.” / But Jeremiah answered, “You are to tell Zedekiah that / this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I will turn against you the weapons of war in your hands, with which you are fighting the king of Babylon and the Chaldeans who besiege you outside the wall, and I will assemble their forces in the center of this city. …

Jeremiah 34:2-5
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. / Yet hear the word of the LORD, O Zedekiah king of Judah. This is what the LORD says concerning you: You will not die by the sword; …

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.’”


Treasury of Scripture

Then came all the princes to Jeremiah, and asked him: and he told them according to all these words that the king had commanded. So they left off speaking with him; for the matter was not perceived.

and he told.

1 Samuel 10:15,16
And Saul's uncle said, Tell me, I pray thee, what Samuel said unto you…

1 Samuel 16:2-5
And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the LORD said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the LORD…

2 Kings 6:19
And Elisha said unto them, This is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek. But he led them to Samaria.

left off speaking with him.

Jump to Previous
Accordance Ceased Commanded Conversation Declareth Heads Heard Instructed Jeremiah Matter Officials Ordered Orders Overheard Perceived Princes Public Questioned Questioning Quietly Reported Rulers Speaking Withdrew Words
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Accordance Ceased Commanded Conversation Declareth Heads Heard Instructed Jeremiah Matter Officials Ordered Orders Overheard Perceived Princes Public Questioned Questioning Quietly Reported Rulers Speaking Withdrew Words
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.












When all the officials came to Jeremiah and questioned him
This phrase highlights the political tension in Jerusalem during the Babylonian siege. The officials, likely high-ranking members of the Judean government, were concerned about Jeremiah's influence and his prophecies of doom. Historically, these officials were often at odds with Jeremiah, as his messages from God contradicted their desires for political stability and resistance against Babylon. This reflects the broader theme of conflict between God's prophets and political powers, seen throughout the Old Testament.

he relayed to them the exact words the king had commanded him to say
Jeremiah's obedience to King Zedekiah's command demonstrates his complex position as a prophet. While he was ultimately loyal to God's message, he also navigated the political landscape carefully. This moment underscores the tension between divine truth and human authority. It also reflects the biblical theme of God's servants being placed in difficult situations where they must balance truth-telling with wisdom, similar to Daniel in the Babylonian court.

So they said no more to him
The officials' silence indicates their acceptance of Jeremiah's response, at least outwardly. This could suggest their recognition of the futility in opposing God's will, or simply their inability to act against Jeremiah without evidence. This moment can be seen as a temporary reprieve for Jeremiah, who often faced persecution for his prophecies. It also illustrates the theme of God's protection over His prophets, as seen in other biblical narratives like Elijah's encounters with Ahab and Jezebel.

for no one had overheard the conversation
This detail emphasizes the secrecy and sensitivity of the situation. The private nature of the conversation between Jeremiah and the king suggests the precariousness of the political environment. It also highlights the theme of divine providence, as God often works through hidden and unexpected means. This secrecy ensured Jeremiah's safety, allowing him to continue his prophetic ministry. The idea of hidden conversations and divine plans is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus often spoke in parables to reveal truths to those with ears to hear.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah, often facing persecution and imprisonment for his prophecies.

2. The Officials
These were the leaders or princes of Judah who were involved in the political and social governance of the nation. They were often skeptical or hostile towards Jeremiah's prophecies.

3. King Zedekiah
The last king of Judah before the Babylonian exile, who often sought Jeremiah's counsel but struggled with fear and indecision.

4. The Royal Palace
The setting for this event, where Jeremiah was questioned by the officials after his private conversation with King Zedekiah.

5. The Siege of Jerusalem
The broader context of this passage, where Jerusalem was under siege by the Babylonians, leading to a time of great distress and uncertainty for the people of Judah.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Obedience to God
Jeremiah's faithfulness in delivering God's message, despite personal risk, serves as a model for obedience to God's calling in our lives.

The Dangers of Fear and Compromise
King Zedekiah's fear of his officials led to compromised decisions. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's wisdom rather than succumbing to the fear of human opinion.

The Role of Integrity in Leadership
The officials' questioning of Jeremiah highlights the need for integrity and truthfulness in leadership, both in spiritual and secular contexts.

God's Sovereignty in Difficult Times
The siege of Jerusalem and the events surrounding it remind us of God's control over history and His purposes, even in times of national crisis.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Jeremiah 38:27?

2. How does Jeremiah 38:27 demonstrate the importance of speaking truth under pressure?

3. What can we learn from Jeremiah's obedience to God's instructions in this passage?

4. How does Jeremiah 38:27 connect with Proverbs 12:22 about honesty?

5. How can we apply Jeremiah's courage in our daily conversations about faith?

6. What strategies can we use to remain truthful when facing difficult situations?

7. Why did Jeremiah choose to obey the officials in Jeremiah 38:27?

8. How does Jeremiah 38:27 reflect on the theme of truth versus deception?

9. What historical context influenced the events in Jeremiah 38:27?

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

11. Does Jeremiah 27:7 contradict other biblical prophecies by suggesting a succession of Babylonian kings long after Nebuchadnezzar?

12. 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?

13. In Jeremiah 37:2, how can we reconcile the claim that King Zedekiah and his officials refused to listen to God's word with other passages suggesting they occasionally sought Jeremiah's counsel?

14. Why does Jeremiah 27 seem to indicate Nebuchadnezzar's absolute power over all nations, despite historical evidence that other empires and rulers thrived during the same period?
What Does Jeremiah 38:27 Mean
When all the officials came to Jeremiah

- The princes who had earlier pushed for Jeremiah’s imprisonment (Jeremiah 38:4-6) now return, showing the persistent scrutiny God’s prophet endured (see also Jeremiah 37:11-15).

- Their approach fulfills the Lord’s warning that faithful servants often face repeated opposition (Matthew 10:16-18).

- Jeremiah does not avoid them; he stands ready, embodying Proverbs 28:1, “The righteous are as bold as a lion.”


and questioned him

- Interrogation was meant to expose any collusion with King Zedekiah or to find grounds for further punishment (cf. Acts 4:5-7 where Peter and John are likewise questioned).

- Jeremiah’s calm stance reflects Psalm 56:4, trusting God amid fear.

- The scene reveals that godly integrity invites examination but also supplies strength to endure it (1 Peter 3:15-16).


he relayed to them the exact words the king had commanded him to say

- Jeremiah honors Zedekiah’s directive without embellishment or omission, illustrating the ninth commandment’s demand for truthful speech (Exodus 20:16; Ephesians 4:25).

- His obedience does not compromise God’s earlier message; it fulfills a legitimate request for confidentiality while keeping prior prophecy intact (compare 2 Kings 6:19 where Elisha speaks truthfully yet wisely).

- Faithfulness includes respecting proper authority so long as it does not contradict God’s revealed will (Acts 5:29).


so they said no more to him

- Jeremiah’s precise, consistent testimony leaves the officials with nothing further to accuse, echoing Daniel 6:4-5 where enemies “could find no ground for complaint.”

- Truth has a silencing effect on unjust critics (Titus 2:7-8).

- God vindicates His servant by constraining the adversaries’ words (Psalm 31:18).


for no one had overheard the conversation

- Because the private exchange with Zedekiah lacked witnesses, the princes cannot prove deception; in God’s providence, this protects Jeremiah (Psalm 91:3-4).

- The verse reminds us that the Lord can use even secrecy to preserve His messengers’ mission (John 7:10, where Jesus goes in secret to avoid premature arrest).

- Integrity before God stands even when human verification is absent (Job 31:4).


summary

Jeremiah 38:27 shows the prophet’s unwavering integrity under pressure. He meets relentless officials, answers honestly, obeys lawful authority, and is shielded by God’s providential details—no eavesdroppers, no grounds for accusation. The passage assures believers that truthful speech, respect for proper order, and confidence in divine protection silence adversaries and advance God’s purposes.

Verse 27. - He told them according to all these words. A controversy has arisen as to whether Jeremiah was justified in concealing the truth. But is a man bound to confess the truth to a murderer?

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
When all
כָל־ (ḵāl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the officials
הַשָּׂרִ֤ים (haś·śā·rîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

came
וַיָּבֹ֨אוּ (way·yā·ḇō·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

to
אֶֽל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

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

and questioned him,
וַיִּשְׁאֲל֣וּ (way·yiš·’ă·lū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7592: To inquire, to request, to demand

he reported
וַיַּגֵּ֤ד (way·yag·gêḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

to them
לָהֶם֙ (lā·hem)
Preposition-l | Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992: They

the exact
כְּכָל־ (kə·ḵāl-)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

words
הַדְּבָרִ֣ים (had·də·ḇā·rîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

the king
הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

had commanded.
צִוָּ֖ה (ṣiw·wāh)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order

So they said no more
וַיַּחֲרִ֣שׁוּ (way·ya·ḥă·ri·šū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 2790: To cut in, engrave, plow, devise

to him,
מִמֶּ֔נּוּ (mim·men·nū)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

for
כִּ֥י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

no one
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

had overheard
נִשְׁמַ֖ע (niš·ma‘)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

the conversation.
הַדָּבָֽר׃ (had·dā·ḇār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause


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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 38:27 Then came all the princes to Jeremiah (Jer.)
Jeremiah 38:26
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