Jeremiah 38:20 Meaning and Explanation
“But Jeremiah said, They shall not deliver thee. Obey, I beseech thee, the voice of the LORD, which I speak unto thee: so it shall be well unto thee, and thy soul shall live.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jeremiah assures Zedekiah that the defectors will not betray him and urges him to obey God's word.
The Context of Jeremiah 38:20
Jeremiah urges the king to overcome fear and obey God.
What Does Jeremiah 38:20 Mean?
Jeremiah directly addresses the king's fear: the defectors will not hand him over. This assurance is grounded in God's promise, not in political calculation. If Zedekiah obeys, he will be under divine protection, even among his former subjects who have chosen Babylon.
Jeremiah's tone shifts to urgent pleading: 'I beseech thee.' The prophet sees the king standing at a threshold; one choice leads to life, the other to destruction. Jeremiah cannot remove Zedekiah's fear, but he can reframe it: obeying God's word is the path to both survival and well-being, not shame and loss.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 38:20
What does Jeremiah 38:20 mean?
Jeremiah assures Zedekiah that the defectors will not betray him and urges him to obey God's word.
What is the context of Jeremiah 38:20?
Jeremiah urges the king to overcome fear and obey God.