Old Testament
Jeremiah 37:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Jeremiah protested, "That's a lie! I'm not deserting to the Chaldeans!" But Irijah refused to listen. He arrested Jeremiah and brought him to the officials.
Compare translations
Then said Jeremiah, It is false; I fall not away to the Chaldeans. But he hearkened not to him: so Irijah took Jeremiah, and brought him to the princes.
What Jeremiah 37:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jeremiah is falsely accused of trying to defect to the Chaldeans, who were enemies of Israel. He vehemently denies the accusation, asserting that it is a lie. Despite his protest, Irijah, the officer who apprehends him, does not believe Jeremiah and takes him to the officials. This moment highlights the challenges Jeremiah faced as a prophet, including misunderstanding and persecution. It illustrates the difficulty of standing firm in truth when others are quick to judge or act on false information. Jeremiah's commitment to his message and his integrity are evident, even in the face of wrongful accusations. This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of truth and the potential consequences of being misunderstood or misrepresented. Jeremiah's experience reflects the broader theme of suffering for righteousness and the struggle to maintain one's integrity in a hostile environment.
How to apply Jeremiah 37:14 to your life
When faced with false accusations or misunderstandings, it is crucial to remain steadfast in the truth. Like Jeremiah, we should not be afraid to speak up for ourselves and clarify our intentions. Trusting in God during these trials can provide strength and guidance.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jeremiah's story: Arrested at the Gate (Jeremiah 37:11–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jeremiah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Jeremiah 37:14
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Jeremiah 37:14
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 37:14 mean?
Jeremiah 37:14 describes a moment where the prophet Jeremiah is falsely accused of trying to defect to the Chaldeans. He denies the accusation, but the officer Irijah does not believe him and takes him to the officials, highlighting the challenges Jeremiah faced as a prophet.
What is the significance of Irijah in Jeremiah 37:14?
Irijah is the officer who arrests Jeremiah in this verse. His refusal to listen to Jeremiah's protest underscores the theme of misunderstanding and the consequences of false accusations against those who stand for truth.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 37:14?
Jeremiah 37:14 touches on themes such as false accusation, integrity, persecution, and the struggle for truth. It illustrates the difficulties faced by prophets and the importance of standing firm in one's convictions despite opposition.
How does Jeremiah respond to the accusation in Jeremiah 37:14?
In Jeremiah 37:14, Jeremiah vehemently denies the accusation of deserting to the Chaldeans, stating, 'That's a lie!' His response reflects his commitment to the truth and his integrity as a prophet.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.