Old Testament

Jeremiah 38:22

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, the prophet Jeremiah conveys a message about the fate of the women remaining in the royal palace of Judah.

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

All the women still left in the royal palace of Judah will be led out to the king of Babylon's commanders. And those women will say, 'Your friends have urged you on and have prevailed against you. Now your feet are stuck in the mud, and they've turned away.'

KJVKing James Version

And, behold, all the women that are left in the king of Judah’s house shall be brought forth to the king of Babylon’s princes, and those women shall say, Thy friends have set thee on, and have prevailed against thee: thy feet are sunk in the mire, and they are turned away back.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah conveys a message about the fate of the women remaining in the royal palace of Judah. They will be taken to the Babylonian leaders, where they will express that the king's friends have led him to his downfall. The imagery of being stuck in the mud symbolizes the king's helplessness and the consequences of his poor choices. The friends who once supported him have abandoned him, highlighting the theme of betrayal and the consequences of misplaced trust. This situation serves as a warning about the dangers of relying on the wrong people and the inevitable downfall that can follow such alliances. The women’s words reflect the reality of the king's situation, emphasizing that his support system has failed him, leaving him vulnerable and trapped in a dire circumstance. This verse illustrates the broader themes of judgment, the consequences of sin, and the importance of wise counsel in leadership.

How to apply Jeremiah 38:22 to your life

This verse reminds us to be cautious about who we trust and rely on for support. It encourages us to seek wise counsel and to be aware of the potential consequences of our associations. Building relationships with trustworthy individuals can help us avoid pitfalls in our lives.

Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Jeremiah 38:22 mean?

Jeremiah 38:22 describes the fate of the women in the royal palace of Judah, who will be taken to Babylonian leaders. They will express that the king's friends have led him to his downfall, highlighting themes of betrayal and the consequences of poor choices.

What is the significance of being 'stuck in the mud' in Jeremiah 38:22?

The phrase 'stuck in the mud' symbolizes the king's helplessness and the dire consequences of his decisions. It illustrates how his misplaced trust in friends has left him vulnerable and trapped in a difficult situation.

What themes are present in Jeremiah 38:22?

Key themes in Jeremiah 38:22 include betrayal, the consequences of poor choices, misplaced trust, judgment, and vulnerability in leadership. These themes emphasize the importance of wise counsel and the risks of relying on the wrong people.

What warning does Jeremiah 38:22 convey?

Jeremiah 38:22 serves as a warning about the dangers of trusting the wrong individuals. It highlights how such misplaced trust can lead to one's downfall and emphasizes the need for discernment in relationships.

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.

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