Jeremiah 38:2 Meaning and Explanation
“Thus saith the LORD, He that remaineth in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth forth to the Chaldeans shall live; for he shall have his life for a prey, and shall live.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God declares that staying in Jerusalem means death, but surrendering to Babylon means survival.
The Context of Jeremiah 38:2
This is the message that provokes the princes' anger.
What Does Jeremiah 38:2 Mean?
Jeremiah proclaims a divine message: Jerusalem's siege will bring sword, famine, and plague to those who remain. This is not Jeremiah's opinion but a declaration attributed directly to God. Those who flee to the Babylonian forces will be spared.
The phrase 'have his life for a prey' means to escape with life itself—nothing more, but life preserved. Jeremiah offers this not as political strategy but as God's ordained outcome. The audience hears it as defeatist propaganda threatening the city's will to resist.
Jeremiah 38:2 in the Original Language
shephal (שְׁפַל), 'remain'—to be brought low or diminished, reflecting the plight of those trapped in the besieged city.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 38:2
What does Jeremiah 38:2 mean?
God declares that staying in Jerusalem means death, but surrendering to Babylon means survival.
What is the context of Jeremiah 38:2?
This is the message that provokes the princes' anger.