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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 38:2 "This is what the LORD says: Whoever stays in this city will die by sword and famine and plague, but whoever surrenders to the Chaldeans will live; he will retain his life like a spoil of war, and he will live.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/jeremiah/38-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/24_Jer_38_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Jeremiah 38:2 - Jeremiah Cast Into the Cistern" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="This is what the LORD says: Whoever stays in this city will die by sword and famine and plague, but whoever surrenders to the Chaldeans will live; he will retain his life like a spoil of war, and he will live." /><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/38-2.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/38-2.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 2</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="/ad2.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/38-1.htm" title="Jeremiah 38:1">◄</a> Jeremiah 38:2 <a href="/jeremiah/38-3.htm" title="Jeremiah 38:3">►</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> &#8220This is what the LORD says: &#8216Whoever stays in this city will die by the sword, famine or plague, but whoever goes over to the Babylonians will live. They will escape with their lives; they will live.&#8217 <a href="/nlt/jeremiah/38.htm">New Living Translation</a> “This is what the LORD says: ‘Everyone who stays in Jerusalem will die from war, famine, or disease, but those who surrender to the Babylonians will live. Their reward will be life. They will live!’ <a href="/esv/jeremiah/38.htm">English Standard Version</a> “Thus says the LORD: He who stays in this city shall die by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence, but he who goes out to the Chaldeans shall live. He shall have his life as a prize of war, and live. <a href="/bsb/jeremiah/38.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “This is what the LORD says: Whoever stays in this city will die by sword and famine and plague, but whoever surrenders to the Chaldeans will live; he will retain his life like a spoil of war, and he will live. <a href="/kjv/jeremiah/38.htm">King James Bible</a> Thus saith the LORD, He that remaineth in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth forth to the Chaldeans shall live; for he shall have his life for a prey, and shall live. <a href="/nkjv/jeremiah/38.htm">New King James Version</a> “Thus says the LORD: ‘He who remains in this city shall die by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence; but he who goes over to the Chaldeans shall live; his life shall be as a prize to him, and he shall live.’ <a href="/nasb_/jeremiah/38.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “This is what the LORD says: ‘Anyone who stays in this city will die by the sword, by famine, or by plague; but anyone who surrenders to the Chaldeans will live and have his own life as plunder, and stay alive.’ <a href="/nasb/jeremiah/38.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Thus says the LORD, &#8216He who stays in this city will die by the sword and by famine and by pestilence, but he who goes out to the Chaldeans will live and have his own life as booty and stay alive.&#8217 <a href="/nasb77/jeremiah/38.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Thus says the LORD, ‘He who stays in this city will die by the sword and by famine and by pestilence, but he who goes out to the Chaldeans will live and have his own life as booty and stay alive.’ <a href="/lsb/jeremiah/38.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “Thus says Yahweh, ‘He who stays in this city will die by the sword and by the famine and by the pestilence, but he who goes out to the Chaldeans will live and have his own life as spoil and stay alive.’ <a href="/amp/jeremiah/38.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “So says the LORD, ‘He who remains in this city will die by the sword, by famine, and by virulent disease (pestilence), but he who goes out to the Chaldeans [of Babylon] will live and have his [own] life as a reward and stay alive.’ <a href="/csb/jeremiah/38.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “This is what the LORD says: ‘Whoever stays in this city will die by the sword, famine, and plague, but whoever surrenders to the Chaldeans will live. He will retain his life like the spoils of war and will live.’ <a href="/hcsb/jeremiah/38.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> &#8220This is what the LORD says: &#8216Whoever stays in this city will die by the sword, famine, and plague, but whoever surrenders to the Chaldeans will live. He will keep his life like the spoils of war and will live.&#8217 <a href="/asv/jeremiah/38.htm">American Standard Version</a> Thus saith Jehovah, He that abideth in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence; but he that goeth forth to the Chaldeans shall live, and his life shall be unto him for a prey, and he shall live. <a href="/erv/jeremiah/38.htm">English Revised Version</a> Thus saith the LORD, He that abideth in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth forth to the Chaldeans shall live, and his life shall be unto him for a prey, and he shall live. <a href="/gwt/jeremiah/38.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> They heard Jeremiah say, "This is what the LORD says: Those who stay in this city will die in wars, famines, or plagues. But those who surrender to the Babylonians will live. They will escape with their lives. <a href="/gnt/jeremiah/38.htm">Good News Translation</a> the LORD had said, "Whoever stays on in the city will die in war or of starvation or disease. But those who go out and surrender to the Babylonians will not be killed; they will at least escape with their life." <a href="/isv/jeremiah/38.htm">International Standard Version</a> "This is what the LORD says: 'Whoever stays in this city will die by the sword, by famine, and by the plague, but the one who goes over to the Chaldeans will live. His life will be spared, and he will live.' <a href="/msb/jeremiah/38.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?This is what the LORD says: Whoever stays in this city will die by sword and famine and plague, but whoever surrenders to the Chaldeans will live; he will retain his life like a spoil of war, and he will live. <a href="/net/jeremiah/38.htm">NET Bible</a> "The LORD says, 'Those who stay in this city will die in battle or of starvation or disease. Those who leave the city and surrender to the Babylonians will live. They will escape with their lives.'" <a href="/nheb/jeremiah/38.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "Thus says the LORD, 'He who remains in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence; but he who goes forth to the Chaldeans shall live, and his life shall be to him for a prey, and he shall live.' <a href="/wbt/jeremiah/38.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Thus saith the LORD, He that remaineth in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth forth to the Chaldeans shall live; for he shall have his life for a prey, and shall live. <a href="/web/jeremiah/38.htm">World English Bible</a> “Yahweh says, ‘He who remains in this city will die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence, but he who goes out to the Chaldeans will live. He will escape with his life and he will live.’ <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/jeremiah/38.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> “Thus said YHWH: He who is remaining in this city dies, by sword, by famine, and by pestilence, and he who is going forth to the Chaldeans lives, and his soul has been to him for a prey, and he lives. <a href="/ylt/jeremiah/38.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'Thus said Jehovah: He who is remaining in this city dieth, by sword, by famine, and by pestilence, and he who is going forth unto the Chaldeans liveth, and his soul hath been to him for a prey, and he liveth. <a href="/slt/jeremiah/38.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Thus said Jehovah, He dwelling in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by death; and he going forth to the Chaldeans shall live; and his soul was to him for booty, and he lived.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/jeremiah/38.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Thus saith the Lord: Whosoever shell remain in this city, shall die by the sword, and by famine, and by pestilence : but he that shall go forth to the Chaldeans, shall live, and his life shall be safe, and he shall live. <a href="/cpdv/jeremiah/38.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> “Thus says the Lord: Whoever will remain in this city will die by the sword, and by famine, and by pestilence. But whoever will flee away from the Chaldeans, will live, and his soul will dwell in safety. <a href="/nabre/jeremiah/38.htm">New American Bible</a> Thus says the LORD: Those who remain in this city shall die by means of the sword, starvation, and disease; but those who go out to the Chaldeans shall live. Their lives shall be spared them as spoils of war that they may live. <a href="/nrsvce/jeremiah/38.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Thus says the LORD, Those who stay in this city shall die by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence; but those who go out to the Chaldeans shall live; they shall have their lives as a prize of war, and live.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/jeremiah/38.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Thus says the LORD: He who remains in this city shall die by sword, by famine, and by pestilence; but he who goes forth to the Chaldeans shall live: and shall save his life. <a href="/hpbt/jeremiah/38.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Thus says LORD JEHOVAH: “He who dwells in this city shall die by the sword or by starvation or by plague, and whoever goes out to the Chaldeans lives and saves himself<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/jeremiah/38.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Thus saith the LORD: He that remaineth in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence; but he that goeth forth to the Chaldeans shall live, and his life shall be unto him for a prey, and he shall live. <a href="/sep/jeremiah/38.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Thus saith the Lord; He that remains in this city shall die by the sword, and by the famine: but he that goes out to the Chaldeans shall live; and his soul shall be given him for a found treasure, and he shall live. <a href="/parallel/jeremiah/38-2.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=11753" 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> 1Now Shephatiah son of Mattan, Gedaliah son of Pashhur, Jucal son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur son of Malchijah heard that Jeremiah had been telling all the people: 2<a href="/hebrew/3541.htm" title="3541: kōh (Adv) -- Thus, here. From the prefix k and huw'; properly, like this, i.e. By implication, thus; also here; or now.">“This is what</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mar (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">says:</a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: hay·yō·šêḇ (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">Whoever stays</a> <a href="/hebrew/2063.htm" title="2063: haz·zōṯ (Art:: Pro-fs) -- 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/5892.htm" title="5892: bā·‘îr (Prep-b, Art:: N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">city</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: yā·mūṯ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">will die</a> <a href="/hebrew/2719.htm" title="2719: ba·ḥe·reḇ (Prep-b, Art:: N-fs) -- A sword. From charab; drought; also a cutting instrument, as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement.">by sword</a> <a href="/hebrew/7458.htm" title="7458: bā·rā·‘āḇ (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Famine, hunger. From ra'eb; hunger.">and famine</a> <a href="/hebrew/1698.htm" title="1698: ū·ḇad·dā·ḇer (Conj-w, Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Pestilence. From dabar; a pestilence.">and plague,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: wə·hay·yō·ṣê (Conj-w, Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">but whoever surrenders</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/3778.htm" title="3778: hak·kaś·dîm (Art:: N-proper-mp) -- A region of S. Bab. and its inhab. (occasionally with enclitic) Kasdiymah; towards the Kasdites.">the Chaldeans</a> <a href="/hebrew/2421.htm" title="2421: yiḥ·yɛh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To live, to revive. A primitive root; to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive.">will live;</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yə·ṯāh- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3fs) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">he will retain</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: nap̄·šōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">his life</a> <a href="/hebrew/7998.htm" title="7998: lə·šā·lāl (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- A prey, spoil, plunder, booty. From shalal; booty.">like a spoil of war,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2421.htm" title="2421: wā·ḥāy (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To live, to revive. A primitive root; to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive.">and he will live.</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.”…<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/21-9.htm">Jeremiah 21:9</a> Whoever stays in this city will die by sword and famine and plague, but whoever goes out and surrenders to the Chaldeans who besiege you will live; he will retain his life like a spoil of war. <a href="/jeremiah/27-12.htm">Jeremiah 27:12-13</a> And to Zedekiah king of Judah I spoke the same message: “Put your necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon; serve him and his people, and live! / Why should you and your people die by sword and famine and plague, as the LORD has decreed against any nation that does not serve the king of Babylon? <a href="/jeremiah/29-16.htm">Jeremiah 29:16-17</a> this is what the LORD says about the king who sits on David’s throne and all the people who remain in this city, your brothers who did not go with you into exile— / this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “I will send against them sword and famine and plague, and I will make them like rotten figs, so bad they cannot be eaten. <a href="/jeremiah/21-8.htm">Jeremiah 21:8</a> Furthermore, you are to tell this people that this is what the LORD says: ‘Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death. <a href="/jeremiah/24-8.htm">Jeremiah 24:8-10</a> But like the bad figs, so bad they cannot be eaten,’ says the LORD, ‘so will I deal with Zedekiah king of Judah, his officials, and the remnant of Jerusalem—those remaining in this land and those living in the land of Egypt. / I will make them a horror and an offense to all the kingdoms of the earth, a disgrace and an object of scorn, ridicule, and cursing wherever I have banished them. / And I will send against them sword and famine and plague, until they have perished from the land that I gave to them and their fathers.’” <a href="/jeremiah/34-17.htm">Jeremiah 34:17</a> Therefore this is what the LORD says: You have not obeyed Me; you have not proclaimed freedom, each man for his brother and for his neighbor. So now I proclaim freedom for you, declares the LORD—freedom to fall by sword, by plague, and by famine! I will make you a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth. <a href="/jeremiah/39-18.htm">Jeremiah 39:18</a> For I will surely rescue you so that you do not fall by the sword. Because you have trusted in Me, you will escape with your life like a spoil of war, declares the LORD.’” <a href="/jeremiah/45-5.htm">Jeremiah 45:5</a> But as for you, do you seek great things for yourself? Stop seeking! For I will bring disaster on every living creature, declares the LORD, but wherever you go, I will grant your life as a spoil of war.” <a href="/ezekiel/33-11.htm">Ezekiel 33:11</a> Say to them: ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’ <a href="/ezekiel/18-31.htm">Ezekiel 18:31-32</a> Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel? / For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live! <a href="/2_kings/25-4.htm">2 Kings 25:4-7</a> 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. ... <a href="/2_chronicles/36-17.htm">2 Chronicles 36:17-20</a> So He brought up against them the king of the Chaldeans, who put their young men to the sword in the sanctuary, sparing neither young men nor young women, neither elderly nor infirm. God gave them all into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, / who carried off everything to Babylon—all the articles of the house of God, both large and small, and the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the king and his officials. / Then the Chaldeans set fire to the house of God and broke down the wall of Jerusalem. They burned down all the palaces and destroyed every article of value. ... <a href="/isaiah/1-19.htm">Isaiah 1:19-20</a> If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best of the land. / But if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken. <a href="/isaiah/55-3.htm">Isaiah 55:3</a> Incline your ear and come to Me; listen, so that your soul may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant—My loving devotion promised to David. <a href="/matthew/10-39.htm">Matthew 10:39</a> Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Thus said the LORD, He that remains in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goes forth to the Chaldeans shall live; for he shall have his life for a prey, and shall live.He.<a href="/jeremiah/38-17.htm">Jeremiah 38:17-23</a> Then said Jeremiah unto Zedekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of hosts, the God of Israel; If thou wilt assuredly go forth unto the king of Babylon's princes, then thy soul shall live, and this city shall not be burned with fire; and thou shalt live, and thine house: … <a href="/jeremiah/21-8.htm">Jeremiah 21:8,9</a> And unto this people thou shalt say, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I set before you the way of life, and the way of death… <a href="/jeremiah/24-8.htm">Jeremiah 24:8</a> And as the evil figs, which cannot be eaten, they are so evil; surely thus saith the LORD, So will I give Zedekiah the king of Judah, and his princes, and the residue of Jerusalem, that remain in this land, and them that dwell in the land of Egypt:shall have.<a href="/jeremiah/21-9.htm">Jeremiah 21:9</a> He that abideth in this city shall die by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth out, and falleth to the Chaldeans that besiege you, he shall live, and his life shall be unto him for a prey.<a href="/jeremiah/39-18.htm">Jeremiah 39:18</a> For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the LORD.<a href="/jeremiah/45-5.htm">Jeremiah 45:5</a> And seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not: for, behold, I will bring evil upon all flesh, saith the LORD: but thy life will I give unto thee for a prey in all places whither thou goest.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/7-21.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/jeremiah/20-11.htm">Attackers</a> <a href="/jeremiah/37-14.htm">Babylonians</a> <a href="/jeremiah/21-9.htm">Booty</a> <a href="/jeremiah/37-14.htm">Chaldaeans</a> <a href="/jeremiah/37-14.htm">Chaldeans</a> <a href="/jeremiah/37-14.htm">Chalde'ans</a> <a href="/jeremiah/37-21.htm">City</a> <a href="/jeremiah/34-4.htm">Death</a> <a href="/jeremiah/37-20.htm">Die</a> <a href="/jeremiah/28-17.htm">Dieth</a> <a href="/jeremiah/30-12.htm">Disease</a> <a href="/jeremiah/35-11.htm">Escape</a> <a href="/jeremiah/34-17.htm">Famine</a> <a href="/jeremiah/34-20.htm">Food</a> <a href="/jeremiah/37-12.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-17.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/jeremiah/35-9.htm">Live</a> <a href="/jeremiah/32-36.htm">Need</a> <a href="/jeremiah/34-17.htm">Pestilence</a> <a href="/jeremiah/32-36.htm">Plague</a> <a href="/jeremiah/32-17.htm">Power</a> <a href="/jeremiah/30-16.htm">Prey</a> <a href="/jeremiah/21-9.htm">Prize</a> <a href="/jeremiah/34-7.htm">Remaining</a> <a href="/jeremiah/34-21.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/jeremiah/21-9.htm">Stays</a> <a href="/jeremiah/34-17.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/jeremiah/37-8.htm">War</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/jeremiah/49-11.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/jeremiah/39-18.htm">Attackers</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-18.htm">Babylonians</a> <a href="/jeremiah/39-18.htm">Booty</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-18.htm">Chaldaeans</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-18.htm">Chaldeans</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-18.htm">Chalde'ans</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-3.htm">City</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-4.htm">Death</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-9.htm">Die</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-10.htm">Dieth</a> <a href="/jeremiah/42-22.htm">Disease</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-18.htm">Escape</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-9.htm">Famine</a> <a href="/jeremiah/40-5.htm">Food</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-8.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/jeremiah/48-44.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-17.htm">Live</a> <a href="/jeremiah/42-14.htm">Need</a> <a href="/jeremiah/42-17.htm">Pestilence</a> <a href="/jeremiah/42-17.htm">Plague</a> <a href="/jeremiah/46-24.htm">Power</a> <a href="/jeremiah/39-18.htm">Prey</a> <a href="/jeremiah/39-18.htm">Prize</a> <a href="/jeremiah/44-7.htm">Remaining</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-16.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/ezekiel/47-23.htm">Stays</a> <a href="/jeremiah/39-18.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-4.htm">War</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>This is what the LORD says: This phrase emphasizes the divine authority behind the message. In the context of Jeremiah, the prophet often begins his declarations with this phrase to assert that the message is not his own but from God. This underscores the role of prophets as messengers of God's will, a theme consistent throughout the Old Testament.Whoever stays in this city will die by sword and famine and plague: Jeremiah is speaking about Jerusalem during the Babylonian siege. The triad of sword, famine, and plague is a common biblical motif representing comprehensive judgment (see <a href="/ezekiel/5-12.htm">Ezekiel 5:12</a>). Historically, sieges often led to these conditions as the besieged city was cut off from supplies. This warning reflects the dire situation in Jerusalem and serves as a call to heed God's warning.But whoever surrenders to the Chaldeans will live: The Chaldeans, another name for the Babylonians, were the dominant power at the time. This statement is counterintuitive to the nationalistic hopes of Judah, as surrendering to a foreign power was seen as defeat. However, Jeremiah's message is one of survival through submission to God's plan, even if it means surrendering to enemies. This reflects a recurring biblical theme where true life is found in obedience to God's will, even when it seems contrary to human wisdom.He will retain his life like a spoil of war: The imagery of life as a spoil of war suggests that survival itself is a victory. In ancient warfare, spoils were the rewards of victory. Here, the reward is life, emphasizing the value of life over national pride or resistance. This phrase also highlights the mercy of God, offering a way of escape amidst judgment.And he will live: The repetition of the promise of life underscores its certainty and importance. In the broader biblical narrative, life is often associated with obedience to God (<a href="/deuteronomy/30-19.htm">Deuteronomy 30:19-20</a>). This promise of life through surrender can be seen as a type of Christ, who offers eternal life through surrender to Him (<a href="/matthew/16-25.htm">Matthew 16:25</a>). The assurance of life for those who heed God's warning is a testament to His faithfulness and mercy.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jeremiah.htm">Jeremiah</a> A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah. Known for his perseverance in the face of opposition. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a> The covenant God of Israel, who communicates His will through the prophets. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_city.htm">The City (Jerusalem)</a> The capital of Judah, under siege by the Babylonians (Chaldeans) during this time. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_chaldeans.htm">The Chaldeans (Babylonians)</a> The empire led by King Nebuchadnezzar, used by God as an instrument of judgment against Judah. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_siege.htm">The Siege</a> The military blockade and assault on Jerusalem by the Babylonian forces, leading to severe conditions within the city.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_word.htm">Obedience to God's Word</a> God's instructions, even when difficult, are for our ultimate good. Trusting and obeying His word leads to life. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_disobedience.htm">The Consequences of Disobedience</a> Ignoring God's warnings can lead to destruction. The people of Jerusalem faced dire consequences for their refusal to surrender. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_judgment.htm">God's Sovereignty in Judgment</a> God uses nations and events to accomplish His purposes. Recognizing His sovereignty helps us trust His plans. <a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_surrender.htm">The Call to Surrender</a> Surrendering to God’s will, even when it seems counterintuitive, is a path to true life and peace. <a href="/topical/h/hope_in_dire_circumstances.htm">Hope in Dire Circumstances</a> Even in judgment, God provides a way of escape. His mercy is evident in the offer of life to those who surrender.<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/how_does_jer._38_2_align_with_god's_promises.htm">In Jeremiah 38:2, how could Jeremiah’s prediction of the city’s fall be harmonized with God’s previous promises of protection for Jerusalem? </a> <a href="/q/why_did_nebuchadnezzar_care_about_jeremiah.htm">Jeremiah 39:11–14: Why would Nebuchadnezzar personally care about Jeremiah, and does this detail align with known Babylonian policies toward conquered prophets or officials?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_jer._52_12-14_and_2_kgs_25_8-10_differ.htm">Why does Jeremiah 52:12-14 seem to conflict with 2 Kings 25:8-10 regarding the exact timing of Jerusalem's destruction?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_jeremiah_21_2_contradict_divine_protection.htm">How can Jeremiah 21:2 claim the Lord would not rescue Jerusalem when other passages promise divine protection for the city?</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>(2) Thus saith the Lord.--The words carry us back to <a href="/jeremiah/21-9.htm" title="He that stays in this city shall die by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goes out, and falls to the Chaldeans that besiege you, he shall live, and his life shall be to him for a prey.">Jeremiah 21:9</a>, and in any chronological arrangement of the book the one chapter would follow the other. It is obvious that to all who did not recognise the divine mission of the prophet, words like those which he had then spoken would seem to come from the lips of a traitor. Desertion to the enemy was represented as the only way of safety, and this was the counsel given to those who were defending the city of their fathers against an alien invader. What made it appear worse was that the prophet himself had been caught in an act which, though he denied the charge, might not unnaturally seem like an act of treacherous desertion.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/jeremiah/38.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 2, 3. - He that remaineth, etc. Jeremiah repeats what he had said to Zedekiah's embassy in <a href="/jeremiah/21-9.htm">Jeremiah 21:9, 10</a>. <a href="/commentaries/jeremiah/38-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>“This is what כֹּה֮ (kōh) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3541.htm">Strong's 3541: </a> Like this, thus, here, now the LORD יְהוָה֒ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel says: אָמַ֣ר (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say Whoever stays הַיֹּשֵׁב֙ (hay·yō·šêḇ) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry in this הַזֹּ֔את (haz·zōṯ) Article | Pronoun - feminine singular <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) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> Excitement will die יָמ֕וּת (yā·mūṯ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> To die, to kill by sword, בַּחֶ֖רֶב (ba·ḥe·reḇ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2719.htm">Strong's 2719: </a> Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword famine, בָּרָעָ֣ב (bā·rā·‘āḇ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7458.htm">Strong's 7458: </a> Famine, hunger and plague, וּבַדָּ֑בֶר (ū·ḇad·dā·ḇer) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1698.htm">Strong's 1698: </a> A pestilence but whoever surrenders וְהַיֹּצֵ֤א (wə·hay·yō·ṣê) Conjunctive waw, Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> To go, bring, out, direct and proxim to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the Chaldeans הַכַּשְׂדִּים֙ (hak·kaś·dîm) Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> Chaldeans -- a region of southern Babylon and its inhab will live. וְחָיָ֔ה (wə·ḥā·yāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2421.htm">Strong's 2421: </a> To live, to revive He will escape וְהָיְתָה־ (wə·hā·yə·ṯāh-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be with his life נַפְשׁ֛וֹ (nap̄·šōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion as a reward לְשָׁלָ֖ל (lə·šā·lāl) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7998.htm">Strong's 7998: </a> A prey, spoil, plunder, booty and will live. וָחָֽי׃ (wā·ḥāy) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2421.htm">Strong's 2421: </a> To live, to revive <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/jeremiah/38-2.htm">Jeremiah 38:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/jeremiah/38-2.htm">Jeremiah 38:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/jeremiah/38-2.htm">Jeremiah 38:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/jeremiah/38-2.htm">Jeremiah 38:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/jeremiah/38-2.htm">Jeremiah 38:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/jeremiah/38-2.htm">Jeremiah 38:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/jeremiah/38-2.htm">Jeremiah 38:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/jeremiah/38-2.htm">Jeremiah 38:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/jeremiah/38-2.htm">Jeremiah 38:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/jeremiah/38-2.htm">Jeremiah 38:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-2.htm">OT Prophets: Jeremiah 38:2 Thus says Yahweh He who remains (Jer.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/jeremiah/38-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Jeremiah 38:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 38:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/jeremiah/38-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Jeremiah 38:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 38:3" /></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>