Jeremiah 38:22 Meaning and Explanation
“And, behold, all the women that are left in the king of Judah's house shall be brought forth to the king of Babylon's princes, and those women shall say, Thy friends have set thee on, and have prevailed against thee: thy feet are sunk in the mire, and they are turned away back.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The women of the king's household will be brought to Babylon's rulers and will accuse him of being misled into destruction.
The Context of Jeremiah 38:22
Jeremiah describes the desolation of the royal household if the king refuses.
What Does Jeremiah 38:22 Mean?
The vision begins with the fate of the royal household's women—a detail that emphasizes the total collapse of the kingdom and the king's dynasty. These women, brought before Babylon's leaders, will accuse Zedekiah not of treason against Babylon but of having been manipulated by counselors ('thy friends') who led him to ruin.
The accusation 'thy feet are sunk in the mire' echoes Jeremiah's own miry dungeon. The metaphor connects the king's fate to that of the prophet he imprisoned: both will be brought low, both will sink. Yet the king's wives will have seen it coming; their indictment suggests that Zedekiah's destruction was avoidable had he heeded true wisdom.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 38:22
What does Jeremiah 38:22 mean?
The women of the king's household will be brought to Babylon's rulers and will accuse him of being misled into destruction.
What is the context of Jeremiah 38:22?
Jeremiah describes the desolation of the royal household if the king refuses.