Old Testament
Jeremiah 38:15
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Jeremiah replied to Zedekiah, "If I tell you, won't you surely put me to death? And if I give you advice, won't you refuse to listen to me?"
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Then Jeremiah said unto Zedekiah, If I declare it unto thee, wilt thou not surely put me to death? and if I give thee counsel, wilt thou not hearken unto me?
What Jeremiah 38:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking to King Zedekiah, expressing his fear of the king's reaction to his words. Jeremiah is aware that revealing the truth could lead to his death, as Zedekiah has previously shown hostility towards him. He also doubts the king's willingness to heed any advice he might offer, indicating a lack of trust in Zedekiah's openness to guidance. This moment highlights the tension between a prophet's duty to speak God's message and the potential consequences of doing so in a hostile environment. Jeremiah's hesitation reflects the broader theme of the struggle between truth and power, as well as the challenges faced by those who stand for righteousness in the face of authority that may not be receptive to it.
How to apply Jeremiah 38:15 to your life
This verse encourages us to consider the risks involved in speaking the truth, especially when it may not be well received. It reminds us to seek wisdom and discernment in our interactions with authority figures, and to be prepared for the possibility of rejection when we stand for what is right.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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Key themes
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 38:15 mean?
In Jeremiah 38:15, the prophet Jeremiah expresses his fear of King Zedekiah's reaction to the truth. He doubts that the king will listen to his advice and fears that revealing the truth could lead to his death.
What does Jeremiah doubt about King Zedekiah in this verse?
Jeremiah doubts that Zedekiah will heed his counsel, indicating a lack of trust in the king's willingness to accept guidance. This reflects the broader theme of rejection faced by those who speak truth to power.
How does Jeremiah 38:15 relate to the theme of truth vs. power?
This verse exemplifies the struggle between truth and power, as Jeremiah is caught between his duty to deliver God's message and the fear of retribution from the king. It underscores the risks involved in standing for righteousness.
What practical lesson can we learn from Jeremiah 38:15?
Jeremiah 38:15 teaches us to be cautious when speaking truth to authority, as it may not always be well received. It encourages seeking wisdom and being prepared for possible rejection when advocating for what is right.
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