Jeremiah 38:15 Meaning and Explanation
“Then Jeremiah said unto Zedekiah, If I declare it unto thee, wilt thou not surely put me to death? and if I give thee counsel, wilt thou not hearken unto me?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jeremiah asks Zedekiah whether he will honor his safety and actually follow the counsel given.
The Context of Jeremiah 38:15
Jeremiah tests Zedekiah's willingness to receive and act on true counsel.
What Does Jeremiah 38:15 Mean?
Jeremiah's response is cautious and realistic. He has just been pulled from a dungeon where the king allowed his imprisonment. Now the king asks for truth, but Jeremiah tests the sincerity: Will Zedekiah protect him if he speaks? Will the king act on prophetic counsel, or merely listen?
These questions expose the central problem of Judah's crisis. The king desires guidance but lacks the will to act on it. Jeremiah has learned that words alone, even God's words, cannot compel Zedekiah to choose rightly. The prophet must know whether the king is capable of genuine change before risking more truth-telling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 38:15
What does Jeremiah 38:15 mean?
Jeremiah asks Zedekiah whether he will honor his safety and actually follow the counsel given.
What is the context of Jeremiah 38:15?
Jeremiah tests Zedekiah's willingness to receive and act on true counsel.