Jeremiah 38:17 Meaning and Explanation
“Then said Jeremiah unto Zedekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of hosts, the God of Israel; If thou wilt assuredly go forth unto the king of Babylon's princes, then thy soul shall live, and this city shall not be burned with fire; and thou shalt live, and thine house:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jeremiah proclaims that if Zedekiah surrenders to Babylon, he and his family will survive and the city will be spared burning.
The Context of Jeremiah 38:17
Jeremiah states God's condition for the king's survival.
What Does Jeremiah 38:17 Mean?
Jeremiah gives the same counsel he has repeated for years, now directly to the king. 'If thou wilt assuredly go forth'—the condition is Zedekiah's decisive action to submit to Babylon. The promise is threefold: his soul shall live, the city shall not burn, and his house shall be preserved. These are not Jeremiah's terms but God's covenant offer.
The word 'assuredly' (certainty) contrasts with Zedekiah's vacillation. The king's survival depends on resolved, unconditional surrender. This is the hard choice: accept humiliation and live, or resist and perish. The prophet offers life as the consequence of yielding to what God has already determined.
Jeremiah 38:17 in the Original Language
yatsa (יָצָא), 'go forth'—to depart, exit, withdraw; the verb implies military retreat and desertion of the besieged city.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 38:17
What does Jeremiah 38:17 mean?
Jeremiah proclaims that if Zedekiah surrenders to Babylon, he and his family will survive and the city will be spared burning.
What is the context of Jeremiah 38:17?
Jeremiah states God's condition for the king's survival.