Jeremiah 38:9 Meaning and Explanation
“My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have cast into the dungeon; and he is like to die for hunger in the place where he is: for there is no more bread in the city.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Ebed-melech tells the king that the princes have committed evil and that Jeremiah will starve.
The Context of Jeremiah 38:9
Ebed-melech's words appeal to the king's conscience and sense of justice.
What Does Jeremiah 38:9 Mean?
Ebed-melech frames his plea by naming the act as evil—a moral judgment on the princes' deed. He does not hide behind diplomatic language but directly accuses them. His concern is both practical (Jeremiah is starving) and ethical (this imprisonment is wrong).
The additional detail—no bread in the city—heightens the urgency. The siege is biting so hard that even the palace has no grain to spare. Yet this scarcity makes Ebed-melech's later gift of rags (to protect Jeremiah during rescue) all the more meaningful; he acts with compassion amid want.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 38:9
What does Jeremiah 38:9 mean?
Ebed-melech tells the king that the princes have committed evil and that Jeremiah will starve.
What is the context of Jeremiah 38:9?
Ebed-melech's words appeal to the king's conscience and sense of justice.