Jeremiah 38:16 Meaning and Explanation
“So Zedekiah the king sware secretly unto Jeremiah, saying, As the LORD liveth, that made us this soul, we will not put thee to death, neither will I give thee into the hand of these men that seek thy life.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Zedekiah swears by God's life that he will not harm Jeremiah or deliver him to his enemies.
The Context of Jeremiah 38:16
Zedekiah swears to preserve Jeremiah's life.
What Does Jeremiah 38:16 Mean?
The king swears an oath invoking God ('As the LORD liveth') and acknowledging God as creator ('that made us'). This oath is sacred in Judah's legal tradition; to break it would be to defy God directly. Zedekiah binds himself to protect Jeremiah and to refuse his enemies.
Yet the oath is made 'secretly,' suggesting Zedekiah wishes to hide this covenant from the princes who oppose Jeremiah. The secrecy itself signals the king's awareness that he cannot openly protect the prophet. Despite his oath, Zedekiah remains trapped between factions and fearful of both. The silence around his promise is itself a weakness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 38:16
What does Jeremiah 38:16 mean?
Zedekiah swears by God's life that he will not harm Jeremiah or deliver him to his enemies.
What is the context of Jeremiah 38:16?
Zedekiah swears to preserve Jeremiah's life.