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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Jeremiah 38:4 Then the officials said to the king, "This man ought to die, for he is discouraging the warriors who remain in this city, as well as all the people, by speaking such words to them; this man is not seeking the well-being of these people, but their ruin."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/jeremiah/38-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/24_Jer_38_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Jeremiah 38:4 - Jeremiah Cast Into the Cistern" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then the officials said to the king, This man ought to die, for he is discouraging the warriors who remain in this city, as well as all the people, by speaking such words to them; this man is not seeking the well-being of these people, but their ruin." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/jeremiah/38-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/jeremiah/38-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/jeremiah/">Jeremiah</a> > <a href="/jeremiah/38.htm">Chapter 38</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/jeremiah/38-3.htm" title="Jeremiah 38:3">◄</a> Jeremiah 38:4 <a href="/jeremiah/38-5.htm" title="Jeremiah 38:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/jeremiah/38.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/jeremiah/38.htm">New International Version</a> Then the officials said to the king, &#8220This man should be put to death. He is discouraging the soldiers who are left in this city, as well as all the people, by the things he is saying to them. This man is not seeking the good of these people but their ruin.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/jeremiah/38.htm">New Living Translation</a> So these officials went to the king and said, “Sir, this man must die! That kind of talk will undermine the morale of the few fighting men we have left, as well as that of all the people. This man is a traitor!” <a href="/esv/jeremiah/38.htm">English Standard Version</a> Then the officials said to the king, “Let this man be put to death, for he is weakening the hands of the soldiers who are left in this city, and the hands of all the people, by speaking such words to them. For this man is not seeking the welfare of this people, but their harm.” <a href="/bsb/jeremiah/38.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then the officials said to the king, “This man ought to die, for he is discouraging the warriors who remain in this city, as well as all the people, by speaking such words to them; this man is not seeking the well-being of these people, but their ruin.” <a href="/kjv/jeremiah/38.htm">King James Bible</a> Therefore the princes said unto the king, We beseech thee, let this man be put to death: for thus he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words unto them: for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt. <a href="/nkjv/jeremiah/38.htm">New King James Version</a> Therefore the princes said to the king, “Please, let this man be put to death, for thus he weakens the hands of the men of war who remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, by speaking such words to them. For this man does not seek the welfare of this people, but their harm.” <a href="/nasb_/jeremiah/38.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then the officials said to the king, “Please have this man put to death, since he is discouraging the men of war who are left in this city and all the people, by speaking words like these to them; for this man is not seeking the well-being of this people, but rather their harm.” <a href="/nasb/jeremiah/38.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then the officials said to the king, &#8220Now let this man be put to death, inasmuch as he is discouraging the men of war who are left in this city and all the people, by speaking such words to them; for this man is not seeking the well-being of this people but rather their harm.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/jeremiah/38.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then the officials said to the king, “Now let this man be put to death, inasmuch as he is discouraging the men of war who are left in this city and all the people, by speaking such words to them; for this man is not seeking the well-being of this people, but rather their harm.” <a href="/lsb/jeremiah/38.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then the officials said to the king, “Now let this man be put to death, inasmuch as he is making the hands of the men of war who remain in this city as well as the hands of all the people limp, by speaking such words to them; for this man is not seeking peace for this people but rather calamity.” <a href="/amp/jeremiah/38.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Therefore the princes (court officials) said to the king, “Please [we implore you] let this man [Jeremiah] be put to death; for [speaking] in this way he discourages and weakens [the will of] the soldiers who remain in this city and he discourages and weakens [the will of] all the people by speaking such words to them; for this man is not seeking the well-being of these people, but rather their harm.” <a href="/csb/jeremiah/38.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The officials then said to the king, “This man ought to die, because he is weakening the morale of the warriors who remain in this city and of all the people by speaking to them in this way. This man is not pursuing the welfare of this people, but their harm.” <a href="/hcsb/jeremiah/38.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The officials then said to the king, &#8220This man ought to die, because he is weakening the morale of the warriors who remain in this city and of all the people by speaking to them in this way. This man is not seeking the well-being of this people, but disaster.&#8221 <a href="/asv/jeremiah/38.htm">American Standard Version</a> Then the princes said unto the king, Let this man, we pray thee, be put to death; forasmuch as he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words unto them: for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt. <a href="/cev/jeremiah/38.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> So the four of them went to the king and said, "You should put Jeremiah to death, because he is making the soldiers and everyone else lose hope. He isn't trying to help our people; he's trying to harm them." <a href="/erv/jeremiah/38.htm">English Revised Version</a> Then the princes said unto the king, Let this man, we pray thee, be put to death; forasmuch as he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words unto them: for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt. <a href="/gwt/jeremiah/38.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then the officials said to the king, "Have this man put to death. He discourages the soldiers who are left in this city and all the people by telling them such things. This man is not trying to help these people; he's trying to hurt them." <a href="/gnt/jeremiah/38.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then the officials went to the king and said, "This man must be put to death. By talking like this he is making the soldiers in the city lose their courage, and he is doing the same thing to everyone else left in the city. He is not trying to help the people; he only wants to hurt them." <a href="/isv/jeremiah/38.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then the officials told the king, "Let this man be put to death because he's undermining the efforts of the soldiers who remain in this city and that of all the people by speaking words like these to them. Indeed, this man is not seeking the well-being of this people, but rather their harm." <a href="/msb/jeremiah/38.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then the officials said to the king, ?This man ought to die, for he is discouraging the warriors who remain in this city, as well as all the people, by speaking such words to them; this man is not seeking the well-being of these people, but their ruin.? <a href="/net/jeremiah/38.htm">NET Bible</a> So these officials said to the king, "This man must be put to death. For he is demoralizing the soldiers who are left in the city as well as all the other people there by these things he is saying. This man is not seeking to help these people but is trying to harm them." <a href="/nheb/jeremiah/38.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Then the officials said to the king, "Please let this man be put to death; because he weakens the hands of the men of war who remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words to them: for this man doesn't seek the welfare of this people, but the hurt." <a href="/wbt/jeremiah/38.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Therefore the princes said to the king, We beseech thee, let this man be put to death: for thus he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words to them: for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt. <a href="/web/jeremiah/38.htm">World English Bible</a> Then the princes said to the king, “Please let this man be put to death, because he weakens the hands of the men of war who remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words to them; for this man doesn’t seek the welfare of this people, but harm.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/jeremiah/38.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the heads say to the king, “Now let this man be put to death, because that he is making feeble the hands of the men of war who are left in this city, and the hands of all the people, by speaking to them according to these words, for this man is not seeking for the peace of this people, but for its calamity.” <a href="/ylt/jeremiah/38.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And the heads say unto the king, 'Let, we pray thee, this man be put to death, because that he is making feeble the hands of the men of war, who are left in this city, and the hands of all the people, by speaking unto them according to these words, for this man is not seeking for the peace of this people, but for its evil.' <a href="/slt/jeremiah/38.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the chiefs will say to the king, Now shall this man be put to death: for thus he is relaxing the hands of the men of war remaining in this city, and the hands of all the people to speak to them according to these words; for this man sought not for peace to this people but for evil.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/jeremiah/38.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the princes said to the king: We beseech thee that this man may be put to death: for on purpose he weakeneth the hands of the men of war, that remain in this city, and the hands of the people, speaking to them according to these words: for this man seeketh not peace to this people, but evil. <a href="/cpdv/jeremiah/38.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And the leaders said to the king: “We petition you to put this man to death. For he is deliberately weakening the hands of the men of war, who have remained in this city, and the hands of the people, by speaking to them with these words. For this man is certainly not seeking peace for this people, but evil.” <a href="/nabre/jeremiah/38.htm">New American Bible</a> Then the princes said to the king, “This man ought to be put to death. He is weakening the resolve of the soldiers left in this city and of all the people, by saying such things to them; he is not seeking the welfare of our people, but their ruin.” <a href="/nrsvce/jeremiah/38.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then the officials said to the king, “This man ought to be put to death, because he is discouraging the soldiers who are left in this city, and all the people, by speaking such words to them. For this man is not seeking the welfare of this people, but their harm.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/jeremiah/38.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then the princes said to the king, Let this man be put to death; for it is he who is weakening the hands of the men of war who remain in this city and the hands of all the people in speaking such words to them; for this man is not seeking the welfare of this people, but the hurt. <a href="/hpbt/jeremiah/38.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the Princes said to the King: “Let this man be killed, because he is weakening the hands of the men the Servants of war who are left in this city and the hands of all the people to whom he spoke this message, because this man does not desire peace for this people, but only evil”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/jeremiah/38.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Then the princes said unto the king: 'Let this man, we pray thee, be put to death; forasmuch as he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words unto them; for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt.' <a href="/sep/jeremiah/38.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And they said to the king. Let that man, wee pray thee, be slain, for he weakens the hands of the fighting men that are left in the city, and the hands of all the people, speaking to them according to these words: for this man does not prophesy peace to this people, but evil. <a href="/parallel/jeremiah/38-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5k55c51ZGhs?start=11781" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/jeremiah/38.htm">Jeremiah Cast Into the Cistern</a> …3This is what the LORD says: This city will surely be delivered into the hands of the army of the king of Babylon, and he will capture it.” 4<a href="/hebrew/8269.htm" title="8269: haś·śā·rîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince. From sarar; a head person.">Then the officials</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">“This</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: hā·’îš (Art:: N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">man</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: yū·maṯ (V-Hofal-Imperf-3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">ought to die,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4994.htm" title="4994: nā (Interjection) -- I (we) pray, now. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: kên (Pro-3ms) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū- (V-Piel-Prtcpl-ms) -- He, she, it. ">he</a> <a href="/hebrew/7503.htm" title="7503: mə·rap·pê (DirObjM) -- Sink, relax. A primitive root; to slacken.">is discouraging</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (N-fdc) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yə·ḏê (N-mpc) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)"></a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: ’an·šê (Art:: N-fs) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">the warriors</a> <a href="/hebrew/4421.htm" title="4421: ham·mil·ḥā·māh (Art:: V-Nifal-Prtcpl-mp) -- A battle, war. From lacham; a battle; generally, war."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7604.htm" title="7604: han·niš·’ā·rîm (Prep, Art:: N-fs) -- To remain, be left over. A primitive root; properly, to swell up, i.e. Be redundant.">who remain</a> <a href="/hebrew/2063.htm" title="2063: haz·zōṯ (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that. Irregular feminine of zeh; this.">in this</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’êṯ (N-fdc) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yə·ḏê (N-msc) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)"></a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: bā·‘îr (Art:: Pro-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">city,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: ḵāl (Art:: N-ms) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">as well as all</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Prep:: V-Piel-Inf) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the people,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: lə·ḏab·bêr (Prep:: 3mp) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">by speaking</a> <a href="/hebrew/428.htm" title="428: hā·’êl·leh (Conj) -- These. Prolonged from 'el; these or those.">such</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: kad·də·ḇā·rîm (Art:: Pro-cp) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">words</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ă·lê·hem (Prep, Art:: N-mp) -- To, into, towards. ">to them;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Art:: N-ms) -- That, for, when. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Adv:: 3ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">this</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: hā·’îš (Art:: Pro-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">man</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: ’ê·nen·nū (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">is not</a> <a href="/hebrew/1875.htm" title="1875: ḏō·rêš (Prep:: N-ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow; by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship.">seeking</a> <a href="/hebrew/7965.htm" title="7965: lə·šā·lō·wm (Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- Or shalom; from shalam; safe, i.e. well, happy, friendly; also welfare, i.e. Health, prosperity, peace.">the well-being</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Conj) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">of these</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: lā·‘ām (Art:: Pro-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">people,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">but</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!"></a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: lə·rā·‘āh (Prep-l:: Adj-fs) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">their ruin.”</a> 5“Here he is,” replied King Zedekiah. “He is in your hands, since the king can do nothing to stop you.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/jeremiah/26-11.htm">Jeremiah 26:11</a> Then the priests and prophets said to the officials and all the people, “This man is worthy of death, for he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears!” <a href="/jeremiah/37-13.htm">Jeremiah 37:13-15</a> But when he reached the Gate of Benjamin, the captain of the guard, whose name was Irijah son of Shelemiah, the son of Hananiah, seized him and said, “You are deserting to the Chaldeans!” / “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. <a href="/1_kings/18-17.htm">1 Kings 18:17-18</a> When Ahab saw Elijah, he said to him, “Is that you, O troubler of Israel?” / “I have not troubled Israel,” Elijah replied, “but you and your father’s house have, for you have forsaken the commandments of the LORD and have followed the Baals. <a href="/1_kings/22-8.htm">1 Kings 22:8</a> The king of Israel answered, “There is still one man through whom we can inquire of the LORD, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good for me, but only bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.” “The king should not say that!” Jehoshaphat replied. <a href="/amos/7-10.htm">Amos 7:10-13</a> Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent word to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, “Amos has conspired against you in the midst of the house of Israel. The land cannot bear all his words, / for this is what Amos has said: ‘Jeroboam will die by the sword, and Israel will surely go into exile, away from their homeland.’” / And Amaziah said to Amos, “Go away, you seer! Flee to the land of Judah; earn your bread there and do your prophesying there. ... <a href="/matthew/27-1.htm">Matthew 27:1-2</a> When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people conspired against Jesus to put Him to death. / They bound Him, led Him away, and handed Him over to Pilate the governor. <a href="/john/11-47.htm">John 11:47-53</a> Then the chief priests and Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. / If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” / But one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! ... <a href="/acts/6-12.htm">Acts 6:12-14</a> So they stirred up the people, elders, and scribes and confronted Stephen. They seized him and brought him before the Sanhedrin, / where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. / For we have heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.” <a href="/acts/21-28.htm">Acts 21:28-31</a> crying out, “Men of Israel, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and against our law and against this place. Furthermore, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.” / For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple. / The whole city was stirred up, and the people rushed together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut. ... <a href="/luke/23-1.htm">Luke 23:1-2</a> Then the whole council rose and led Jesus away to Pilate. / And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar, and proclaiming Himself to be Christ, a King.” <a href="/mark/14-55.htm">Mark 14:55-64</a> Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but they did not find any. / For many bore false witness against Jesus, but their testimony was inconsistent. / Then some men stood up and testified falsely against Him: ... <a href="/john/19-12.htm">John 19:12-16</a> From then on, Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who declares himself a king is defying Caesar.” / When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat on the judgment seat at a place called the Stone Pavement, which in Hebrew is Gabbatha. / It was the day of Preparation for the Passover, about the sixth hour. And Pilate said to the Jews, “Here is your King!” ... <a href="/acts/24-5.htm">Acts 24:5-9</a> We have found this man to be a pestilence, stirring up dissension among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, / and he even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. / but Lysias the commander came with great force and took him out of our hands, ... <a href="/2_chronicles/24-20.htm">2 Chronicles 24:20-21</a> Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest, who stood up before the people and said to them, “This is what God says: ‘Why do you transgress the commandments of the LORD so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the LORD, He has forsaken you.’” / But they conspired against Zechariah, and by order of the king, they stoned him in the courtyard of the house of the LORD. <a href="/nehemiah/6-6.htm">Nehemiah 6:6-7</a> that read: “It is reported among the nations—and Geshem agrees—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and this is why you are building the wall. According to these reports, you are to become their king, / and you have even appointed prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim on your behalf: ‘There is a king in Judah.’ Soon these rumors will reach the ears of the king. So come, let us confer together.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Therefore the princes said to the king, We beseech you, let this man be put to death: for thus he weakens the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words to them: for this man seeks not the welfare of this people, but the hurt.the princes.<a href="/jeremiah/26-11.htm">Jeremiah 26:11,21-23</a> Then spake the priests and the prophets unto the princes and to all the people, saying, This man is worthy to die; for he hath prophesied against this city, as ye have heard with your ears… <a href="/jeremiah/36-12.htm">Jeremiah 36:12-16</a> Then he went down into the king's house, into the scribe's chamber: and, lo, all the princes sat there, even Elishama the scribe, and Delaiah the son of Shemaiah, and Elnathan the son of Achbor, and Gemariah the son of Shaphan, and Zedekiah the son of Hananiah, and all the princes… <a href="/2_chronicles/24-21.htm">2 Chronicles 24:21</a> And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the LORD.thus.<a href="/exodus/5-4.htm">Exodus 5:4</a> And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens.<a href="/1_kings/18-17.htm">1 Kings 18:17,18</a> And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel? … <a href="/1_kings/21-20.htm">1 Kings 21:20</a> And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found thee: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the LORD.welfare.<a href="/jeremiah/29-7.htm">Jeremiah 29:7</a> And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/jeremiah/37-3.htm">Beseech</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-3.htm">City</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-2.htm">Death</a> <a href="/jeremiah/31-32.htm">Forasmuch</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-3.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/jeremiah/30-15.htm">Hurt</a> <a href="/jeremiah/37-15.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/jeremiah/34-21.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-1.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-2.htm">War</a> <a href="/jeremiah/29-11.htm">Welfare</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-1.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/jeremiah/38-20.htm">Beseech</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-9.htm">City</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-9.htm">Death</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-8.htm">Forasmuch</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-5.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/ezekiel/28-24.htm">Hurt</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-17.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-16.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-20.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/jeremiah/39-4.htm">War</a> <a href="/luke/6-28.htm">Welfare</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-24.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jeremiah 38</div>1. <a href="/jeremiah/38-1.htm">Jeremiah, by a false suggestion, is put into the dungeon of Malchiah.</a> 7. <a href="/jeremiah/38-7.htm">Ebed-Melech, by suit, gets him some enlargement.</a> 14. <a href="/jeremiah/38-14.htm">Upon secret conference, he counsels the king by yielding to save his life.</a> 24. <a href="/jeremiah/38-24.htm">By the king's instructions he conceals the conference from the princes.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/jeremiah/38.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/jeremiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/jeremiah/38.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Then the officials said to the king The officials in this context are the princes or leaders of Judah, who held significant influence over the king. This reflects the political structure of ancient Judah, where the king often relied on the counsel of his officials. Historically, these officials were often more concerned with political stability and their own power than with spiritual or prophetic truth. This mirrors other instances in the Bible where leaders sought to silence prophets, such as in the cases of Elijah and Micaiah.“This man ought to die The call for Jeremiah's death highlights the severe opposition prophets often faced when delivering God's messages. This reflects a recurring theme in the Bible where true prophets are persecuted for speaking God's truth, as seen with prophets like Isaiah and later with John the Baptist. It also foreshadows the ultimate rejection and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, who was also condemned by religious leaders for His teachings.for he is discouraging the warriors who remain in this city Jeremiah's message was one of surrender to the Babylonians, which was seen as demoralizing to the soldiers defending Jerusalem. This reflects the tension between faithfulness to God's word and the perceived need for national defense. The discouragement of warriors can be compared to the fear and dismay seen in other biblical battles where faith was tested, such as the story of Gideon.as well as all the people Jeremiah's influence extended beyond the military to the general populace, indicating his significant role as a prophet. His message was intended to lead the people to repentance and trust in God's plan, even when it seemed counterintuitive. This echoes the broader biblical theme of God's ways being higher than human ways, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">Isaiah 55:8-9</a>.by speaking such words to them The words Jeremiah spoke were directly from God, emphasizing the role of the prophet as God's mouthpiece. This phrase underscores the power of spoken words in the biblical narrative, where words can bring life or death, blessing or curse. It also highlights the responsibility of the prophet to speak truth, regardless of the consequences.this man is not seeking the well-being of these people The officials accused Jeremiah of not having the people's best interests at heart, which was a misinterpretation of his prophetic mission. This accusation is reminiscent of the way Jesus was misunderstood and accused of being against the people, despite His mission to save them. It highlights the theme of true well-being being found in obedience to God, rather than in human plans.but their ruin.” The officials believed Jeremiah's message would lead to the destruction of Jerusalem, not realizing that ignoring his message would actually bring about their ruin. This reflects the biblical principle that true safety and prosperity come from following God's will, even when it seems contrary to human wisdom. It also serves as a prophetic warning of the coming destruction of Jerusalem, which ultimately occurred because of the people's disobedience.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jeremiah.htm">Jeremiah</a> A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. In this context, he is seen as a threat by the officials because of his prophecies. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_officials.htm">The Officials</a> These are the leaders and advisors to King Zedekiah who perceive Jeremiah's prophecies as demoralizing and dangerous to the city's defense. 3. <a href="/topical/k/king_zedekiah.htm">King Zedekiah</a> The last king of Judah, who is caught between the demands of his officials and the prophetic messages of Jeremiah. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_city.htm">The City</a> Refers to Jerusalem, which is under siege by the Babylonians. The city's fate is central to the conflict between Jeremiah and the officials. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_soldiers_and_people.htm">The Soldiers and People</a> The inhabitants of Jerusalem, whose morale and future are at stake in the unfolding events.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/c/courage_in_truth-telling.htm">Courage in Truth-Telling</a> Jeremiah's steadfastness in delivering God's message, despite opposition, encourages believers to speak truthfully and boldly in their own lives. <a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_leadership.htm">Discernment in Leadership</a> The officials' reaction to Jeremiah's message serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ignoring divine guidance in favor of political expediency. <a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_disobedience.htm">The Cost of Disobedience</a> The siege of Jerusalem is a direct consequence of the people's disobedience to God, reminding us of the importance of aligning our lives with God's will. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_amidst_persecution.htm">Faithfulness Amidst Persecution</a> Jeremiah's experience teaches us about remaining faithful to God's calling, even when it leads to personal suffering or persecution. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_prophets.htm">The Role of Prophets</a> Understanding the role of prophets in the Bible helps us appreciate the importance of listening to God's messengers today, whether through Scripture or spiritual leaders.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_jeremiah_38.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 38</a> <a href="/q/why_did_leaders_want_to_kill_jeremiah.htm">In Jeremiah 38:4, why would seemingly devoted leaders seek to kill a prophet whom God had consistently used to speak truth? </a> <a href="/q/are_there_external_sources_on_ezekiel_11.htm">Ezekiel 11:1–3 mentions city leaders plotting “evil” against Jerusalem; are there any external historical or archaeological sources confirming such conspiracies?</a> <a href="/q/is_jeremiah_38_15-16's_account_reliable.htm">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? </a> <a href="/q/why_isn't_ezekiel_39_17-20_in_history.htm">If Ezekiel 39:17-20 literally depicts birds and beasts feasting on armies, why is there no clear corroboration of such a catastrophic event in historical records?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/jeremiah/38.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) Let this man be put to death.--The hatred of the princes of Judah becomes more bitter than ever, and they seek to overcome the king's lingering reverence for the prophet. In the reign of Jehoiakim they had said that he was worthy of death (<a href="/jeremiah/26-11.htm" title="Then spoke the priests and the prophets to the princes and to all the people, saying, This man is worthy to die; for he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your ears.">Jeremiah 26:11</a>). Within the last few weeks he had been thrown into a loathsome dungeon, from which the king had but just delivered him. Now they press for a yet severer sentence. The weak king, conscious of his want of power to resist, yields a reluctant consent. The whole history reminds us of Pilate's conduct in circumstances more or less analogous.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/jeremiah/38.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - For thus; literally, for therefore; i.e. because he is left in impunity (camp. the use of the phrase in <a href="/jeremiah/29-28.htm">Jeremiah 29:28</a>). He weakeneth the hands of the men of war; i.e. he dispirits them. It is important to get this "outside view" of the preaching of Jeremiah. There is evidently some excuse for the opponents of Jeremiah. It was a matter of life and death to resist the Chaldeans, and Jeremiah was, according to the politicians, playing into the hands of the enemy (see further in general Introduction). The addition of the words, that remain, shows that the bitter end of the resistance was fast approaching. <a href="/commentaries/jeremiah/38-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Then the officials הַשָּׂרִ֜ים (haś·śā·rîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8269.htm">Strong's 8269: </a> Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince said וַיֹּאמְר֨וּ (way·yō·mə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the king, הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king “This הַזֶּה֒ (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that man הָאִ֣ישׁ (hā·’îš) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person ought to die, י֣וּמַת (yū·maṯ) Verb - Hofal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> To die, to kill for כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction he הֽוּא־ (hū-) Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are is discouraging מְרַפֵּ֡א (mə·rap·pê) Direct object marker <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7503.htm">Strong's 7503: </a> Sink, relax the warriors אַנְשֵׁ֨י (’an·šê) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person who remain הַֽנִּשְׁאָרִ֣ים ׀ (han·niš·’ā·rîm) Preposition, Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7604.htm">Strong's 7604: </a> To swell up, be, redundant in this הַזֹּ֗את (haz·zōṯ) Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2063.htm">Strong's 2063: </a> Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that, city, בָּעִ֣יר (bā·‘îr) Article | Pronoun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> Excitement as well as all כָל־ (ḵāl) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every the people, הָעָ֔ם (hā·‘ām) Preposition | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock by speaking לְדַבֵּ֣ר (lə·ḏab·bêr) Preposition | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> To arrange, to speak, to subdue such הָאֵ֑לֶּה (hā·’êl·leh) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_428.htm">Strong's 428: </a> These, those words כַּדְּבָרִ֖ים (kad·də·ḇā·rîm) Article | Pronoun - common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> A word, a matter, thing, a cause to them; אֲלֵיהֶ֔ם (’ă·lê·hem) Preposition, Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to this הַזֶּ֗ה (haz·zeh) Adverb | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that man הָאִ֣ישׁ (hā·’îš) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person is not אֵינֶ֨נּוּ (’ê·nen·nū) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> A non-entity, a negative particle seeking דֹרֵ֧שׁ (ḏō·rêš) Preposition | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1875.htm">Strong's 1875: </a> To tread, frequent, to follow, to seek, ask, to worship the well-being לְשָׁל֛וֹם (lə·šā·lō·wm) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7965.htm">Strong's 7965: </a> Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace of these הַזֶּ֖ה (haz·zeh) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that people, לָעָ֥ם (lā·‘ām) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock but כִּ֣י ׀ (kî) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction their ruin.? לְרָעָֽה׃ (lə·rā·‘āh) Preposition-l | Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> Bad, evil <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/jeremiah/38-4.htm">Jeremiah 38:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/jeremiah/38-4.htm">Jeremiah 38:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/jeremiah/38-4.htm">Jeremiah 38:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/jeremiah/38-4.htm">Jeremiah 38:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/jeremiah/38-4.htm">Jeremiah 38:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/jeremiah/38-4.htm">Jeremiah 38:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/jeremiah/38-4.htm">Jeremiah 38:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/jeremiah/38-4.htm">Jeremiah 38:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/jeremiah/38-4.htm">Jeremiah 38:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/jeremiah/38-4.htm">Jeremiah 38:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-4.htm">OT Prophets: Jeremiah 38:4 Then the princes said to the king (Jer.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/jeremiah/38-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Jeremiah 38:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 38:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/jeremiah/38-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Jeremiah 38:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 38:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>