Old Testament
Jeremiah 38:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then they pulled Jeremiah up out of the dungeon with the ropes. After that, Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison.
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So they drew up Jeremiah with cords, and took him up out of the dungeon: and Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison.
What Jeremiah 38:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jeremiah, a prophet of God, is rescued from a dungeon where he had been imprisoned. The officials used ropes to pull him out, showing their concern for his well-being despite the opposition he faced for delivering God's messages. After his rescue, Jeremiah was placed in the court of the prison, which was a less harsh environment than the dungeon. This act of pulling him out signifies a moment of mercy and highlights the struggle between the prophet's message and the political climate of the time. Jeremiah's situation reflects the challenges faced by those who stand for truth, often finding themselves in difficult circumstances. However, this rescue also illustrates that God can provide a way out, even in dire situations, and that there are people who may act to help those who are suffering for their beliefs.
How to apply Jeremiah 38:13 to your life
This verse encourages us to remain steadfast in our beliefs, even when facing opposition. It reminds us that help can come from unexpected places and that we should be open to receiving support. We can also be inspired to offer assistance to those who are struggling for their faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jeremiah's story: In the Dungeon (Jeremiah 38:1–13)
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Jeremiah

Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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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 38:13 mean?
Jeremiah 38:13 describes the moment when Jeremiah is rescued from a dungeon by officials who use ropes to pull him out. This act shows their concern for his well-being despite the political opposition he faced for his prophetic messages.
What does the court of the prison represent in Jeremiah 38:13?
The court of the prison represents a less harsh environment compared to the dungeon. It symbolizes a temporary relief for Jeremiah, allowing him to continue his prophetic work under somewhat better conditions.
How does Jeremiah 38:13 relate to the theme of divine rescue?
This verse exemplifies the theme of divine rescue by showing that God can provide a way out for those who are suffering for their beliefs. Jeremiah's situation reflects the idea that help can come from unexpected sources.
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