Jeremiah 21:9 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Those who flee to the Chaldeans will live; those who stay will die.
The Context of Jeremiah 21:9
The two paths are clarified: death inside Jerusalem, life with the Babylonians.
What Does Jeremiah 21:9 Mean?
The choice becomes concrete and specific: remaining in Jerusalem means death through warfare, starvation, or disease. The city has become a death trap under siege. Departing to the Chaldean army, though it appears disloyal, is the path to survival.
God frames surrender to Babylon not as a shameful defeat but as the practical means of preservation. Surrender to God's will, expressed through the military reality before them, leads to life. Resistance leads only to death.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 21:9
What does Jeremiah 21:9 mean?
Those who flee to the Chaldeans will live; those who stay will die.
What is the context of Jeremiah 21:9?
The two paths are clarified: death inside Jerusalem, life with the Babylonians.