Then said Jeremiah, It is false; I fall not away to the Chaldeans. But he hearkened not to him: so Irijah took Jeremiah, and brought him to the princes.

JEREMIAH 37:14KJV
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Jeremiah 37:14 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 37:14 mean?

Jeremiah 37:14 shows the prophet Jeremiah denying an accusation that he is defecting to the Chaldeans (Babylonians), but his protest is ignored, and he is taken to the authorities. The verse highlights a moment when Jeremiah is falsely accused and not believed, leading to his arrest.

In this scene, Jeremiah is speaking to Irijah, a guard who suspects him of betraying his people by going over to the enemy. Despite Jeremiah’s clear denial, Irijah refuses to listen and brings Jeremiah before the princes (officials). This verse sets up the injustice Jeremiah faces and the suspicion surrounding him during a time of national crisis.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 37:14

  • "false" (שֶׁקֶר, sheqer): This word means a lie or falsehood. Jeremiah uses it to directly reject the accusation, making it clear he is being wrongly accused.
  • "hearkened" (שָׁמַע, shama‘): This word means to listen or pay attention. The verse points out that Irijah does not listen to Jeremiah, emphasizing the unfairness of the situation.
  • "took" (תָּפַשׂ, tafas): This verb means to seize or capture. It shows that Jeremiah is not just questioned but physically apprehended, underlining the seriousness of the accusation.
  • "princes" (שַׂרִים, sarim): This term refers to the officials or leaders of Judah. Being brought to them means Jeremiah’s case is treated as a matter of high importance.

Why Jeremiah 37:14 matters

  • This verse clears up that Jeremiah is not a traitor, even though he is accused of siding with the Chaldeans; his loyalty is questioned because of his unpopular prophecies.
  • The verse highlights the theme of injustice and misunderstanding that runs through Jeremiah’s life, showing how even a prophet can be falsely accused and mistreated.
  • Jeremiah 37:14 connects to the larger story of Jeremiah’s suffering and the resistance he faces from his own people, which is a key part of his prophetic ministry.

Where else these words appear

“Irijah” Hebrew H3376 · used in 2 verses

  • Jeremiah 37:13 And when he was in the gate of Benjamin, a captain of the ward was there, whose name was Irijah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Hananiah; and he took Jeremiah the prophet, saying, Thou fallest away to the Chaldeans.

“took” Hebrew H8610 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 4:21 And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ.
  • 2 Kings 14:13 And Jehoash king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash the son of Ahaziah, at Bethshemesh, and came to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim unto the corner gate, four hundred cubits.
  • Jeremiah 50:16 Cut off the sower from Babylon, and him that handleth the sickle in the time of harvest: for fear of the oppressing sword they shall turn every one to his people, and they shall flee every one to his own land.

“Chaldeans” Hebrew H3778 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 11:28 And Haran died before his father Terah in the land of his nativity, in Ur of the Chaldees.
  • Jeremiah 32:4 And Zedekiah king of Judah shall not escape out of the hand of the Chaldeans, but shall surely be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon, and shall speak with him mouth to mouth, and his eyes shall behold his eyes;
  • Jeremiah 50:1 The word that the LORD spake against Babylon and against the land of the Chaldeans by Jeremiah the prophet.

“false” Hebrew H8267 · used in 109 verses

  • Exodus 5:9 Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words.
  • Psalms 144:8 Whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood.
  • Jeremiah 7:9 Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not;