Moreover Jeremiah said unto king Zedekiah, What have I offended against thee, or against thy servants, or against this people, that ye have put me in prison?

JEREMIAH 37:18KJV
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Jeremiah 37:18 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 37:18 mean?

Jeremiah 37:18 shows the prophet Jeremiah questioning King Zedekiah about the reason for his imprisonment, asking what wrong he has done against the king, his officials, or the people to deserve being put in prison. Jeremiah is defending his innocence and challenging the fairness of his treatment.

In this verse, Jeremiah is speaking directly to King Zedekiah after being imprisoned for delivering messages from God that the leaders did not want to hear. Jeremiah’s question highlights that he has not committed any crime or offense (as the word “offended” suggests) against the king, the king’s servants, or the people. The verse captures a moment of confrontation and appeals to justice, showing Jeremiah’s courage in standing up for the truth even when it leads to personal suffering.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 37:18

  • "offended" (חָטָא, ḥāṭā’): This word often means "to sin" or "to miss the mark." Here, Jeremiah is asking if he has done anything morally or legally wrong, not just made a mistake.
  • "servants" (עֶבֶד, ‘eḇeḏ): This word refers to the king’s officials or attendants, showing that Jeremiah is including all levels of authority in his question, not just the king himself.
  • "people" (עָם, ‘ām): Jeremiah mentions the general population, making it clear he is innocent in relation to everyone, not just those in power.
  • "put" (נָתַן, nāṯan) and "prison" (בֵּית הַכֵּלֶא, bêt hakkele’): The phrase literally means "given into the house of confinement," emphasizing that Jeremiah’s imprisonment is a deliberate act by those in authority.

Why Jeremiah 37:18 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jeremiah’s imprisonment was not because of any wrongdoing on his part, but because of his unpopular message, highlighting the cost of speaking truth to power.
  • Jeremiah’s direct question to the king reveals his boldness and integrity, even when facing unjust treatment, which is a key theme throughout his life and ministry.
  • The verse connects to the larger narrative in Jeremiah, where the prophet’s suffering is contrasted with the leaders’ refusal to listen to God’s warnings, underlining the tension between true prophecy and political authority.

Where else these words appear

“prison” Hebrew H3608 · used in 10 verses

  • 1 Kings 22:27 And say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I come in peace.
  • 2 Kings 25:29 And changed his prison garments: and he did eat bread continually before him all the days of his life.
  • Isaiah 42:22 But this is a people robbed and spoiled; they are all of them snared in holes, and they are hid in prison houses: they are for a prey, and none delivereth; for a spoil, and none saith, Restore.

“Zedekiah” Hebrew H6667 · used in 62 verses

  • 1 Kings 22:11 And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made him horns of iron: and he said, Thus saith the LORD, With these shalt thou push the Syrians, until thou have consumed them.
  • Jeremiah 27:12 I spake also to Zedekiah king of Judah according to all these words, saying, Bring your necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him and his people, and live.
  • Jeremiah 38:14 Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took Jeremiah the prophet unto him into the third entry that is in the house of the LORD: and the king said unto Jeremiah, I will ask thee a thing; hide nothing from me.

“Jeremiah” Hebrew H3414 · used in 133 verses

  • 2 Kings 23:31 Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.
  • Jeremiah 28:15 Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah; The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie.
  • Jeremiah 38:9 My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have cast into the dungeon; and he is like to die for hunger in the place where he is: for there is no more bread in the city.