Old Testament
Jeremiah 37:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Please listen to me, my lord the king. I'm begging you — don't send me back to the house of Jonathan the scribe. I'll die if you send me there."
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Therefore hear now, I pray thee, O my lord the king: let my supplication, I pray thee, be accepted before thee; that thou cause me not to return to the house of Jonathan the scribe, lest I die there.
What Jeremiah 37:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jeremiah, the prophet, is pleading with King Zedekiah not to send him back to the house of Jonathan the scribe. Jeremiah fears for his life if he returns there, as he has been imprisoned and mistreated. His request highlights the dire situation he is in, where his safety is at risk due to the political turmoil and the hostility he faces for delivering God's messages. Jeremiah's desperation reflects the broader theme of suffering for one's faith and the challenges faced by those who stand for truth in difficult times. His appeal to the king shows his hope for mercy and protection, emphasizing the importance of seeking help in times of distress. This moment captures the tension between the prophet's role and the authority of the king, illustrating the struggles of faith amidst adversity.
How to apply Jeremiah 37:20 to your life
This verse encourages us to seek help when we are in distress and to be honest about our fears. It reminds us that it is okay to express our vulnerabilities to those in authority. In our own lives, we can find strength in reaching out for support during challenging times, trusting that others may help us navigate our struggles.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jeremiah's story: Arrested at the Gate (Jeremiah 37:11–21)
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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.
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Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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Keep studying Jeremiah 37:20
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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 37:20 reveal about Jeremiah's situation?
Jeremiah 37:20 highlights the dire circumstances Jeremiah faced as a prophet during a time of political upheaval. He was imprisoned and feared for his life, particularly if he were to return to the house of Jonathan the scribe, where he had previously suffered mistreatment. This verse underscores the challenges and dangers that come with delivering God's messages, especially in a hostile environment.
Why does Jeremiah plead not to return to Jonathan's house?
Jeremiah pleads not to return to Jonathan's house because he fears for his life. His previous experiences there were filled with suffering and imprisonment, and he believes that returning would lead to his death. This plea illustrates the intense pressure and danger prophets faced when their messages were unpopular or threatening to those in power.
What can we learn from Jeremiah's appeal to King Zedekiah?
Jeremiah's appeal to King Zedekiah teaches us the importance of seeking help and expressing our fears to those in authority. It shows that vulnerability is a part of the human experience, and it is okay to ask for mercy and protection during difficult times. This act of reaching out can be a source of strength and support in our own lives.
How does Jeremiah 37:20 reflect the theme of prophetic suffering?
Jeremiah 37:20 reflects the theme of prophetic suffering by illustrating the personal cost of being a messenger of God. Jeremiah's desperation and fear highlight the struggles prophets endure when their messages challenge the status quo or threaten the powerful. This verse serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who stand for truth and righteousness in the face of adversity.
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