Old Testament

Jeremiah 38:2

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, God communicates a dire warning to the people of Jerusalem through the prophet Jeremiah.

Author
Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
Written
Around 600 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
CBTClear Bible Translation

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.'

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

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. Explore related divine.

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

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.

The Book of Jeremiah
Book Summary

The Book of Jeremiah

Jeremiah 1: The Call of Jeremiah

The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, a priest from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, are recorded. The word of the LORD comes to him in the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign over Judah. It continues to come to him through the reign of King Jehoiakim and until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, when Jerusalem is carried into captivity. The LORD states that before He formed Jeremiah in the womb, He knew him and ordained him as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah responds that he cannot speak because he is a child. The LORD commands him not to say he is a child, for he will go where the LORD sends him and speak what the LORD commands.

Premium

Unlock the full Jeremiah summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Jeremiah — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 52 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Jeremiah summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.