Jeremiah 37:21 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 37:21 mean?

Jeremiah 37:21 describes how King Zedekiah ordered that the prophet Jeremiah be kept in the court of the prison and given a daily piece of bread from the bakers’ street, as long as there was bread left in the city. This verse shows that Jeremiah remained confined but was provided with basic food during a time when supplies were running low.

In this scene, King Zedekiah is responding to Jeremiah’s difficult situation after he had been imprisoned for his prophecies. The king does not release Jeremiah but tries to ensure his survival by giving him a daily ration of bread, even as the city of Jerusalem faces scarcity during the Babylonian siege. The verse highlights both Jeremiah’s restricted freedom and the desperate conditions in Jerusalem at that time.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 37:21

• "court" (חָצֵר, ḥatser): This word refers to an open area or courtyard, here meaning the specific section of the prison where Jeremiah was kept. It suggests Jeremiah was not in a dungeon but in a more accessible, though still confined, space.
• "prison" (מַטָּרָה, mattarah): This term can mean a guardhouse or place of confinement, emphasizing that Jeremiah was under watch but not in the harshest part of the prison.
• "piece" (כִּכָּר, kikkar): This word means a round loaf or portion, indicating Jeremiah received a set amount of bread each day, not just scraps.
• "bakers' street" (רְחוֹב הָאֹפִים, reḥov ha’ofim): This phrase points to a specific area in the city where bread was made and sold, showing that Jeremiah’s food came from the public supply, which would dwindle as the siege continued.

Why Jeremiah 37:21 matters

• Jeremiah 37:21 clarifies that even though Jeremiah was imprisoned, King Zedekiah took some steps to protect him, showing a measure of respect or fear toward the prophet.
• The verse highlights the dire situation in Jerusalem, where bread was rationed and supplies were nearly gone, giving a glimpse into the city’s suffering during the siege.
• This detail connects to the wider narrative of Jeremiah’s faithfulness and the challenges he faced for delivering God’s message, even when it led to personal hardship.