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38</a> > Verse 16</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="/ad16.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/38-15.htm" title="Jeremiah 38:15">◄</a> Jeremiah 38:16 <a href="/jeremiah/38-17.htm" title="Jeremiah 38:17">►</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> But King Zedekiah swore this oath secretly to Jeremiah: &#8220As surely as the LORD lives, who has given us breath, I will neither kill you nor hand you over to those who want to kill you.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/jeremiah/38.htm">New Living Translation</a> So King Zedekiah secretly promised him, “As surely as the LORD our Creator lives, I will not kill you or hand you over to the men who want you dead.” <a href="/esv/jeremiah/38.htm">English Standard Version</a> Then King Zedekiah swore secretly to Jeremiah, “As the LORD lives, who made our souls, I will not put you to death or deliver you into the hand of these men who seek your life.” <a href="/bsb/jeremiah/38.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But King Zedekiah swore secretly to Jeremiah, “As surely as the LORD lives, who has given us this life, I will not kill you, nor will I deliver you into the hands of these men who are seeking your life.” <a href="/kjv/jeremiah/38.htm">King James Bible</a> So Zedekiah the king sware secretly unto Jeremiah, saying, As the LORD liveth, that made us this soul, I will not put thee to death, neither will I give thee into the hand of these men that seek thy life. <a href="/nkjv/jeremiah/38.htm">New King James Version</a> So Zedekiah the king swore secretly to Jeremiah, saying, “As the LORD lives, who made our very souls, I will not put you to death, nor will I give you into the hand of these men who seek your life.” <a href="/nasb_/jeremiah/38.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But King Zedekiah swore to Jeremiah in secret, saying, “As the LORD lives, who made this life for us, I certainly will not put you to death, nor will I hand you over to these men who are seeking your life.” <a href="/nasb/jeremiah/38.htm">NASB 1995</a> But King Zedekiah swore to Jeremiah in secret saying, &#8220As the LORD lives, who made this life for us, surely I will not put you to death nor will I give you over to the hand of these men who are seeking your life.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/jeremiah/38.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But King Zedekiah swore to Jeremiah in secret saying, “As the LORD lives, who made this life for us, surely I will not put you to death nor will I give you over to the hand of these men who are seeking your life.” <a href="/lsb/jeremiah/38.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But King Zedekiah swore to Jeremiah in secret saying, “As Yahweh lives, who made this life for us, surely I will not put you to death, nor will I give you over to the hand of these men who are seeking your life.” <a href="/amp/jeremiah/38.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But King Zedekiah swore secretly to Jeremiah, “As the LORD lives, who made our lives, be assured that I will not put you to death or put you into the hand of these men who are seeking your life.” <a href="/csb/jeremiah/38.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> King Zedekiah swore to Jeremiah in private, “As the LORD lives, who has given us this life, I will not kill you or hand you over to these men who intend to take your life.” <a href="/hcsb/jeremiah/38.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> King Zedekiah swore to Jeremiah in private, &#8220As the LORD lives, who has given us this life, I will not kill you or hand you over to these men who want to take your life.&#8221 <a href="/asv/jeremiah/38.htm">American Standard Version</a> So Zedekiah the king sware secretly unto Jeremiah, saying, As Jehovah liveth, that made us this soul, I will not put thee to death, neither will I give thee into the hand of these men that seek thy life. <a href="/cev/jeremiah/38.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> He said, "I swear in the name of the living LORD our Creator that I won't have you killed. No one else can hear what we say, and I won't let anyone kill you." <a href="/erv/jeremiah/38.htm">English Revised Version</a> So Zedekiah the king sware secretly unto Jeremiah, saying, As the LORD liveth, that made us this soul, I will not put thee to death, neither will I give thee into the hand of these men that seek thy life. <a href="/gwt/jeremiah/38.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> So King Zedekiah secretly swore an oath to Jeremiah, "The LORD gave us life. As the LORD lives, I will not kill you or hand you over to these men who want to kill you." <a href="/gnt/jeremiah/38.htm">Good News Translation</a> So King Zedekiah promised me in secret, "I swear by the living God, the God who gave us life, that I will not put you to death or hand you over to the men who want to kill you." <a href="/isv/jeremiah/38.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then King Zedekiah, in secret, swore an oath to Jeremiah: "As surely as the LORD lives, who gave us this life to live, I won't have you put to death, nor will I hand you over to these men who are seeking to kill you." <a href="/net/jeremiah/38.htm">NET Bible</a> So King Zedekiah made a secret promise to Jeremiah and sealed it with an oath. He promised, "As surely as the LORD lives who has given us life and breath, I promise you this: I will not kill you or hand you over to those men who want to kill you." <a href="/nheb/jeremiah/38.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> So Zedekiah the king swore secretly to Jeremiah, saying, "As the LORD lives, who made us this soul, I will not put you to death, neither will I give you into the hand of these men who seek your life." <a href="/wbt/jeremiah/38.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> So Zedekiah the king swore secretly to Jeremiah, saying, As the LORD liveth, that made us this soul, I will not put thee to death, neither will I give thee into the hand of these men that seek thy life.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/jeremiah/38.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But King Zedekiah swore secretly to Jeremiah, “As surely as the LORD lives, who has given us this life, I will not kill you, nor will I deliver you into the hands of these men who are seeking your life.” <a href="/web/jeremiah/38.htm">World English Bible</a> So Zedekiah the king swore secretly to Jeremiah, saying, “As Yahweh lives, who made our souls, I will not put you to death, neither will I give you into the hand of these men who seek your life.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/jeremiah/38.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And King Zedekiah swears to Jeremiah in secret, saying, “YHWH lives, He who made this soul for us, I do not put you to death, nor give you into the hand of these men who are seeking your soul.” <a href="/ylt/jeremiah/38.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And the king Zedekiah sweareth unto Jeremiah in secret, saying, 'Jehovah liveth, He who made for us this soul, I do not put thee to death, nor give thee unto the hand of these men who are seeking thy soul.' <a href="/slt/jeremiah/38.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And king Zedekiah will swear to Jeremiah in secret, saying, Jehovah lives who made to us this soul, if I shall put thee to death, and if I shall give thee into the hand of these men who are seeking thy soul.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/jeremiah/38.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Then king Sedecias swore to Jeremias, in private, saying: As the Lord liveth, that made us this soul, I will not put thee to death, nor will I deliver thee into the hands of these men that seek thy life. <a href="/cpdv/jeremiah/38.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then king Zedekiah swore to Jeremiah, secretly, saying: “As the Lord lives, who made this soul for us, I will not kill you, nor will I deliver you into the hands of those men who are seeking your life.” <a href="/nabre/jeremiah/38.htm">New American Bible</a> But King Zedekiah swore to Jeremiah secretly: “As the LORD lives who gave us our lives, I will not kill you, nor will I hand you over to those men who seek your life.” <a href="/nrsvce/jeremiah/38.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> So King Zedekiah swore an oath in secret to Jeremiah, “As the LORD lives, who gave us our lives, I will not put you to death or hand you over to these men who seek your life.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/jeremiah/38.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> So King Zedekiah swore secretly to Jeremiah in the palace, saying, As the LORD lives, who created soul in us, I will not put you to death, neither will I deliver you into the hand of these men who seek your life. <a href="/hpbt/jeremiah/38.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And King Tsedeqia swore to Jeremiah in the house secretly, and said: “Living is LORD JEHOVAH who made a soul in us, that I shall not kill you, and I shall not hand you over into the hand of those men who seek your life!”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/jeremiah/38.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> So Zedekiah the king swore secretly unto Jeremiah, saying: 'As the LORD liveth, that made us this soul, I will not put thee to death, neither will I give thee into the hand of these men that seek thy life.' <a href="/sep/jeremiah/38.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the king swore to him, saying, As the Lord lives who gave us this soul, I will not slay thee, neither will I give thee into the hands of these men. <a href="/parallel/jeremiah/38-16.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=11932" 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 Rescued</a> …15“If I tell you,” Jeremiah replied, “you will surely put me to death. And even if I give you advice, you will not listen to me.” 16<a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">But King</a> <a href="/hebrew/6667.htm" title="6667: ṣiḏ·qî·yā·hū (N-proper-ms) -- Yah is righteousness, six Isr. Or Tsidqiyahuw; from tsedeq and Yahh; right of Jah; Tsidkijah, the name of six Israelites.">Zedekiah</a> <a href="/hebrew/7650.htm" title="7650: way·yiš·šā·ḇa‘ (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; propr. To be complete, but used only as a denominative from sheba'; to seven oneself, i.e. Swear.">swore</a> <a href="/hebrew/5643.htm" title="5643: bas·sê·ṯer (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- A covering, hiding place, secrecy. Or cithrah,; from cathar; a cover.">secretly</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/3414.htm" title="3414: yir·mə·yā·hū (N-proper-ms) -- Or Yirmyahuw; from ruwm and Yahh; Jah will rise; Jirmejah, the name of eight or nine Israelites.">Jeremiah,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></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.">“As surely as the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥay- (N-ms) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">lives,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ṯ (Prep) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Adv-NegPrt) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śāh- (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">has given</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- ">us</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/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.">this</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: han·ne·p̄eš (Art:: N-fs) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">life,</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">I will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: ’ă·mî·ṯe·ḵā (V-Hifil-Imperf-1cs:: 2ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">kill you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: wə·’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">nor</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: ’et·ten·ḵā (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs:: 2ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">will I deliver you</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: bə·yaḏ (Prep-b:: N-fsc) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">into the hands</a> <a href="/hebrew/428.htm" title="428: hā·’êl·leh (Art:: Pro-cp) -- These. Prolonged from 'el; these or those.">of these</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: hā·’ă·nā·šîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">men</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/1245.htm" title="1245: mə·ḇaq·šîm (V-Piel-Prtcpl-mp) -- To seek. A primitive root; to search out; by implication, to strive after.">are seeking</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/5315.htm" title="5315: nap̄·še·ḵā (N-fsc:: 2ms) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">your life.”</a> 17Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “This is what the LORD God of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘If you indeed surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, then you will live, this city will not be burned down, and you and your household will survive.…<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="/1_samuel/19-6.htm">1 Samuel 19:6</a> Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan and swore an oath: “As surely as the LORD lives, David will not be put to death.” <a href="/1_kings/2-23.htm">1 Kings 2:23-24</a> Then King Solomon swore by the LORD: “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if Adonijah has not made this request at the expense of his life. / And now, as surely as the LORD lives—the One who established me, who set me on the throne of my father David, and who founded for me a dynasty as He promised—surely Adonijah shall be put to death today!” <a href="/2_kings/6-31.htm">2 Kings 6:31</a> He announced, “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if the head of Elisha son of Shaphat remains on his shoulders through this day!” <a href="/2_kings/25-24.htm">2 Kings 25:24</a> And Gedaliah took an oath before them and their men, assuring them, “Do not be afraid of the servants of the Chaldeans. Live in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will be well with you.” <a href="/2_chronicles/36-13.htm">2 Chronicles 36:13</a> He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God. But Zedekiah stiffened his neck and hardened his heart against turning to the LORD, the God of Israel. <a href="/nehemiah/6-11.htm">Nehemiah 6:11</a> But I replied, “Should a man like me run away? Should one like me go into the temple to save his own life? I will not go!” <a href="/psalms/15-4.htm">Psalm 15:4</a> who despises the vile but honors those who fear the LORD, who does not revise a costly oath, <a href="/psalms/24-4.htm">Psalm 24:4</a> He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear deceitfully. <a href="/psalms/50-14.htm">Psalm 50:14</a> Sacrifice a thank offering to God, and fulfill your vows to the Most High. <a href="/psalms/76-11.htm">Psalm 76:11</a> Make and fulfill your vows to the LORD your God; let all the neighboring lands bring tribute to Him who is to be feared. <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:4-5</a> When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow. / It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. <a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">Matthew 5:33-37</a> Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’ / But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; / or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. ... <a href="/matthew/14-9.htm">Matthew 14:9</a> The king was grieved, but because of his oaths and his guests, he ordered that her wish be granted <a href="/mark/6-26.htm">Mark 6:26</a> The king was consumed with sorrow, but because of his oaths and his guests, he did not want to refuse her. <a href="/acts/23-12.htm">Acts 23:12-14</a> When daylight came, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. / More than forty of them were involved in this plot. / They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have bound ourselves with a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>So Zedekiah the king swore secretly to Jeremiah, saying, As the LORD lives, that made us this soul, I will not put you to death, neither will I give you into the hand of these men that seek your life.sware.<a href="/jeremiah/37-17.htm">Jeremiah 37:17</a> Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took him out: and the king asked him secretly in his house, and said, Is there any word from the LORD? And Jeremiah said, There is: for, said he, thou shalt be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon.<a href="/john/3-2.htm">John 3:2</a> The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.that made.<a href="/numbers/16-22.htm">Numbers 16:22</a> And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation?<a href="/numbers/27-16.htm">Numbers 27:16</a> Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation,<a href="/ecclesiastes/12-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:7</a> Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.of these.<a href="/jeremiah/38-1.htm">Jeremiah 38:1-6</a> Then Shephatiah the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah the son of Pashur, and Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashur the son of Malchiah, heard the words that Jeremiah had spoken unto all the people, saying, … <a href="/jeremiah/34-20.htm">Jeremiah 34:20</a> I will even give them into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of them that seek their life: and their dead bodies shall be for meat unto the fowls of the heaven, and to the beasts of the earth.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/jeremiah/38-15.htm">Death</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-5.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-15.htm">Jeremiah</a> <a href="/jeremiah/34-21.htm">Life</a> <a href="/jeremiah/22-5.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/jeremiah/37-17.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/jeremiah/37-17.htm">Secretly</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-4.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/jeremiah/34-21.htm">Seeking</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-2.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/jeremiah/26-19.htm">Souls</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-15.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/jeremiah/11-5.htm">Sware</a> <a href="/jeremiah/32-22.htm">Swore</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-15.htm">Zedekiah</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-15.htm">Zedeki'ah</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/jeremiah/38-24.htm">Death</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-18.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-17.htm">Jeremiah</a> <a href="/jeremiah/39-18.htm">Life</a> <a href="/jeremiah/40-9.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/jeremiah/49-10.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/jeremiah/40-15.htm">Secretly</a> <a href="/jeremiah/44-30.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/jeremiah/45-5.htm">Seeking</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-17.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/jeremiah/42-20.htm">Souls</a> <a href="/jeremiah/39-18.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/jeremiah/40-9.htm">Sware</a> <a href="/jeremiah/40-9.htm">Swore</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-17.htm">Zedekiah</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-19.htm">Zedeki'ah</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>But King Zedekiah swore secretly to Jeremiah Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, ruled during a tumultuous period marked by the Babylonian siege. His secretive oath to Jeremiah highlights the political tension and fear of public opinion. Zedekiah's clandestine actions reflect his weak leadership and fear of his officials, who opposed Jeremiah's prophecies. This secrecy contrasts with the boldness of prophets like Jeremiah, who openly declared God's messages despite personal risk.“As surely as the LORD lives, who has given us this life” The invocation of the LORD's name in an oath underscores the seriousness and solemnity of Zedekiah's promise. It reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of swearing by a deity to affirm truthfulness. The phrase acknowledges God as the giver of life, a common biblical theme (<a href="/genesis/2-7.htm">Genesis 2:7</a>, <a href="/job/33-4.htm">Job 33:4</a>). This acknowledgment of God's sovereignty is ironic, given Zedekiah's general disobedience to God's commands through Jeremiah.I will not kill you Zedekiah's promise not to kill Jeremiah is significant, as it shows his recognition of Jeremiah's prophetic authority, despite his reluctance to heed his warnings. This assurance of safety is crucial, given the hostile environment Jeremiah faced, including imprisonment and threats from officials (<a href="/jeremiah/37-15.htm">Jeremiah 37:15-16</a>). It reflects the tension between Zedekiah's fear of his officials and his awareness of Jeremiah's divine mission.nor will I deliver you into the hands of these men who are seeking your life.” The "men who are seeking your life" refers to the princes and officials of Judah who viewed Jeremiah as a traitor for his prophecies of Jerusalem's fall (<a href="/jeremiah/38-4.htm">Jeremiah 38:4</a>). Zedekiah's promise to protect Jeremiah from them highlights the prophet's precarious position and the king's internal conflict. This protection is a temporary reprieve, as Zedekiah's eventual capture by the Babylonians fulfills Jeremiah's prophecies, demonstrating the futility of resisting God's will.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/k/king_zedekiah.htm">King Zedekiah</a> The last king of Judah, who reigned during the time of the Babylonian siege. He is depicted as a weak leader, often swayed by his officials and fearful of public opinion. 2. <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. Known for his perseverance in the face of persecution. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a> The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is the ultimate authority and giver of life, as acknowledged by Zedekiah in his oath. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_men_seeking_jeremiah's_life.htm">The Men Seeking Jeremiah's Life</a> Officials and others in Judah who opposed Jeremiah's prophecies and sought to silence him, viewing his messages as treasonous. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_secret_oath.htm">The Secret Oath</a> An event where Zedekiah privately assures Jeremiah of his safety, highlighting the king's internal conflict and fear of his own officials.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_fear_of_man_vs._the_fear_of_god.htm">The Fear of Man vs. the Fear of God</a> Zedekiah's actions reveal the struggle between fearing human opinion and fearing God. Believers are called to prioritize God's will over human approval. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_protection.htm">God's Sovereignty and Protection</a> Despite human threats, God's sovereignty ensures the fulfillment of His purposes. Jeremiah's life is preserved as part of God's plan. <a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_leadership.htm">Integrity in Leadership</a> Zedekiah's secret oath contrasts with the integrity expected of leaders. Christian leaders are called to be transparent and courageous in their convictions. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_a_secret_commitment.htm">The Power of a Secret Commitment</a> Zedekiah's private assurance to Jeremiah shows the impact of personal commitments. Believers are encouraged to make and keep commitments to God and others, even when not publicly acknowledged.<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_did_zedekiah_ignore_yet_seek_jeremiah.htm">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?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_jer._6_16_align_with_deut..htm">How does Jeremiah 6:16's call for following the 'ancient paths' align or conflict with similar instructions elsewhere in Scripture, such as Deuteronomy's repeated emphasis on covenant law?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_jer._16_2_align_with_'be_fruitful'.htm">Jeremiah 16:2 forbids Jeremiah from marrying or having children--how does this reconcile with earlier Biblical commands to 'be fruitful and multiply'?</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>(16) As the Lord liveth, that made us this soul.--The formula of the oath was obviously intended to be one of unusual solemnity; more so even than the simpler form of "The Lord liveth" (<a href="/context/jeremiah/16-14.htm" title="Therefore, behold, the days come, said the LORD, that it shall no more be said, The LORD lives, that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt;">Jeremiah 16:14-15</a>). The king swears by Jehovah as the living God, author and giver of his own life. The two-fold promise shows that the king felt the implied reproof of Jeremiah's question. He separates himself from those who sought the prophet's life, and declares that for the future he will not give them even the sanction of acquiescence. It is characteristic of his weakness that even now the oath is given secretly.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/jeremiah/38.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 16. - That made us this soul. A very unusual formula (comp. <a href="/isaiah/57-16.htm">Isaiah 57:16</a>). <a href="/commentaries/jeremiah/38-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>But King הַמֶּ֧לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king Zedekiah צִדְקִיָּ֛הוּ (ṣiḏ·qî·yā·hū) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6667.htm">Strong's 6667: </a> Zedekiah -- 'Yah is righteousness', six Israelites swore וַיִּשָּׁבַ֞ע (way·yiš·šā·ḇa‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7650.htm">Strong's 7650: </a> To seven oneself, swear to אֶֽל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to Jeremiah יִרְמְיָ֖הוּ (yir·mə·yā·hū) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3414.htm">Strong's 3414: </a> Jeremiah -- 'Yah loosens', the name of a number of Israelites secretly, בַּסֵּ֣תֶר (bas·sê·ṯer) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5643.htm">Strong's 5643: </a> A covering, hiding place, secrecy “As surely as the LORD יְהוָ֞ה (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 lives, חַי־ (ḥay-) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life who אֲשֶׁר֩ (’ă·šer) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that has given עָשָׂה־ (‘ā·śāh-) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make us this הַזֹּאת֙ (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, life, הַנֶּ֤פֶשׁ (han·ne·p̄eš) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion I will not אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not kill you אֲמִיתֶ֔ךָ (’ă·mî·ṯe·ḵā) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> To die, to kill or hand you over to אֶתֶּנְךָ֗ (’et·ten·ḵā) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> To give, put, set these הָאֵ֔לֶּה (hā·’êl·leh) Article | Pronoun - common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_428.htm">Strong's 428: </a> These, those men הָאֲנָשִׁ֣ים (hā·’ă·nā·šîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person who אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that are seeking מְבַקְשִׁ֖ים (mə·ḇaq·šîm) Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1245.htm">Strong's 1245: </a> To search out, to strive after your life.? נַפְשֶֽׁךָ׃ (nap̄·še·ḵā) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/jeremiah/38-16.htm">Jeremiah 38:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/jeremiah/38-16.htm">Jeremiah 38:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/jeremiah/38-16.htm">Jeremiah 38:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/jeremiah/38-16.htm">Jeremiah 38:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/jeremiah/38-16.htm">Jeremiah 38:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/jeremiah/38-16.htm">Jeremiah 38:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/jeremiah/38-16.htm">Jeremiah 38:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/jeremiah/38-16.htm">Jeremiah 38:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/jeremiah/38-16.htm">Jeremiah 38:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/jeremiah/38-16.htm">Jeremiah 38:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-16.htm">OT Prophets: Jeremiah 38:16 So Zedekiah the king swore secretly (Jer.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/jeremiah/38-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Jeremiah 38:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 38:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/jeremiah/38-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Jeremiah 38:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 38:17" /></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>