Jeremiah 39:17 Meaning and Explanation
“But I will deliver thee in that day, saith the LORD: and thou shalt not be given into the hand of the men of whom thou art afraid.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Lord promises Ebed-melech personal deliverance on the day of judgment and safety from those he fears.
The Context of Jeremiah 39:17
God promises Ebed-melech personal deliverance and protection from danger.
What Does Jeremiah 39:17 Mean?
Amid the city's fall and general judgment, God singles out Ebed-melech for specific protection and deliverance. The promise is precise: not only will he be saved, but he will not be handed over to 'the men of whom thou art afraid'—likely referring to powerful Babylonian soldiers or perhaps those in Jerusalem who might mistreat him. God provides both safety and assurance.
This promise reveals God's intimate knowledge of and care for an individual foreigner—an Ethiopian eunuch serving in a foreign court—who had simply done what was right. Ebed-melech's one recorded act of faithfulness was rescuing Jeremiah from the cistern. Now God honors that faithfulness with an explicit promise of divine protection. This teaches that no act of obedience to God is too small to be noticed or rewarded.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 39:17
What does Jeremiah 39:17 mean?
The Lord promises Ebed-melech personal deliverance on the day of judgment and safety from those he fears.
What is the context of Jeremiah 39:17?
God promises Ebed-melech personal deliverance and protection from danger.