Old Testament
Jeremiah 38:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The LORD says: 'Anyone who stays in this city will die by the sword, famine, or disease. But anyone who goes out to the Chaldeans will live; they will have their life as a prize and will survive.'
Compare translations
Thus saith the LORD, He that remaineth in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth forth to the Chaldeans shall live; for he shall have his life for a prey, and shall live.
What Jeremiah 38:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God communicates a dire warning to the people of Jerusalem through the prophet Jeremiah. He emphasizes that those who choose to remain in the city during the siege will face certain death from violence, starvation, or illness. Conversely, those who surrender to the Chaldeans (Babylonians) will be spared and will find their lives preserved. This message highlights the importance of making wise choices in desperate times. It reflects God's sovereignty and the consequences of disobedience, urging the people to trust in His guidance even when it seems counterintuitive. The promise of survival for those who surrender serves as a reminder that sometimes, yielding to a difficult situation can lead to salvation. This verse encapsulates the tension between faith and fear, urging individuals to seek God's will rather than relying solely on their understanding of safety and security.
How to apply Jeremiah 38:2 to your life
In challenging situations, we often face tough choices. This verse encourages us to seek God's guidance and trust His plans, even when they seem risky. Surrendering to God's will can lead to unexpected safety and peace, reminding us to prioritize faith over fear.
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: In the Dungeon (Jeremiah 38:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
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 38:2
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 38:2
Related Bible verses
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 38:2 mean?
Jeremiah 38:2 conveys God's warning to the people of Jerusalem that staying in the city during the siege will lead to death from violence, famine, or disease. In contrast, those who surrender to the Chaldeans will be spared and find their lives preserved.
What is the significance of the Chaldeans in Jeremiah 38:2?
The Chaldeans, or Babylonians, represent the invading force threatening Jerusalem. Surrendering to them, as mentioned in Jeremiah 38:2, symbolizes a choice for survival over certain death in the besieged city.
What does 'life for a prey' mean in Jeremiah 38:2?
The phrase 'life for a prey' in Jeremiah 38:2 indicates that those who surrender to the Chaldeans will have their lives spared as a reward. It emphasizes the idea that yielding can lead to salvation in dire circumstances.
How does Jeremiah 38:2 relate to faith in difficult times?
Jeremiah 38:2 illustrates the tension between fear and faith, urging individuals to trust God's guidance even when it seems risky. It highlights that sometimes, surrendering to a challenging situation can lead to unexpected safety and peace.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.