Did Hezekiah king of Judah and all Judah put him at all to death? did he not fear the LORD, and besought the LORD, and the LORD repented him of the evil which he had pronounced against them? Thus might we procure great evil against our souls.

JEREMIAH 26:19KJV
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Jeremiah 26:19 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 26:19 mean?

Jeremiah 26:19 recalls how King Hezekiah and the people of Judah did not put the prophet Micah to death when he warned them of disaster, but instead feared the LORD and prayed, so the LORD changed His mind about bringing the threatened evil. The verse warns that ignoring such a response could bring great harm upon themselves.

In this verse, the leaders are speaking to the people and officials of Judah, reminding them of a past situation where a prophet’s warning led to repentance, not punishment. The context is a debate about whether Jeremiah should be executed for his prophecies of judgment; the speakers argue that, like in Hezekiah’s time, listening to God’s warning and turning to Him is the wiser path.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 26:19

  • "Feared" — יָרֵא (yare’): This word means to have reverence or deep respect, not just terror. The verse points out that Hezekiah’s response to God’s warning was rooted in genuine respect for God’s authority.
  • "Repented" — נָחַם (nacham): Here, the word means that the LORD changed His course of action, showing that God responds to people’s choices and prayers.
  • "Evil" — רָעָה (ra’ah): This word often means disaster or calamity, not moral evil. The verse clarifies that the threatened "evil" was about coming judgment, not wrongdoing by God.
  • "Procure" — עָשָׂה (asah): This verb means to do or bring about. The warning is that by acting rashly, they could bring great harm upon themselves.

Why Jeremiah 26:19 matters

  • Jeremiah 26:19 highlights that God’s warnings are invitations to repentance, not automatic sentences of doom; the people’s response can change the outcome.
  • The verse connects Jeremiah’s situation to a respected moment in Judah’s history, urging leaders to consider mercy and humility rather than reacting with violence.
  • It clarifies that fearing the LORD and seeking Him is a path to mercy, while ignoring prophetic warnings can lead to self-inflicted disaster.

Where else these words appear

“Thus” Hebrew H587 · used in 6 verses

  • Genesis 19:13 For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it.
  • Numbers 32:17 But we ourselves will go ready armed before the children of Israel, until we have brought them unto their place: and our little ones shall dwell in the fenced cities because of the inhabitants of the land.
  • 2 Chronicles 20:12 O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.

“fear” Hebrew H3373 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 22:12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
  • Psalms 15:4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
  • Psalms 119:79 Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.

“besought” Hebrew H2470 · used in 73 verses

  • Genesis 48:1 And it came to pass after these things, that one told Joseph, Behold, thy father is sick: and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.
  • 2 Kings 20:1 In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.
  • Isaiah 38:9 The writing of Hezekiah king of Judah, when he had been sick, and was recovered of his sickness:

“Hezekiah” Hebrew H2396 · used in 78 verses

  • 2 Kings 16:20 And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Kings 20:3 I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.
  • Isaiah 36:15 Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, The LORD will surely deliver us: this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.