Jeremiah 37:20 Meaning and Explanation
“Therefore hear now, I pray thee, O my lord the king: let my supplication, I pray thee, be accepted before thee; that thou cause me not to return to the house of Jonathan the scribe, lest I die there.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jeremiah begs the king not to return him to prison, fearing he will die there.
The Context of Jeremiah 37:20
Jeremiah begs the king not to return him to harsh imprisonment.
What Does Jeremiah 37:20 Mean?
After confronting the king with truth, Jeremiah made a personal plea. He asked the king to accept his petition and not send him back to the dungeon at Jonathan's house. The conditions were severe enough that Jeremiah believed prolonged imprisonment would kill him. His plea was both personal and dignified—he did not deny his message or try to bargain his way free by compromising truth.
This moment showed Jeremiah as fully human: faithful to God yet fearing for his life, speaking truth yet vulnerable to suffering. His plea acknowledged the king's authority even while holding fast to God's word. He asked for mercy without offering false hope or recanting his message.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 37:20
What does Jeremiah 37:20 mean?
Jeremiah begs the king not to return him to prison, fearing he will die there.
What is the context of Jeremiah 37:20?
Jeremiah begs the king not to return him to harsh imprisonment.