Then said Zedekiah unto Jeremiah, Let no man know of these words, and thou shalt not die.

JEREMIAH 38:24KJV
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Jeremiah 38:24 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 38:24 mean?

Jeremiah 38:24 records King Zedekiah telling the prophet Jeremiah not to let anyone know about the conversation they just had, assuring Jeremiah that if he keeps it secret, he will not be put to death. The verse shows Zedekiah’s concern for secrecy and his attempt to protect Jeremiah’s life by keeping their discussion hidden from others.

In this scene, Zedekiah, the king of Judah, is speaking privately with Jeremiah during a tense time when Jerusalem is under threat. Zedekiah fears the reaction of his officials if they find out what Jeremiah has said, so he urges Jeremiah to keep their words confidential. The verse highlights the king’s anxiety and the danger Jeremiah faces for speaking honestly in a hostile environment.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 38:24

  • "man" (אִישׁ, ’ish): This word refers to any person or individual, emphasizing that Zedekiah wants no one at all—not just specific people—to know about the conversation.
  • "know" (יָדַע, yada‘): This verb means to know or become aware of something. Zedekiah is concerned about information being discovered, showing the seriousness of keeping the conversation hidden.
  • "words" (דָּבָר, davar): This word can mean words, matters, or things spoken. Here, it stresses that the content of their conversation is what must remain secret.
  • "die" (מוּת, muth): This verb means to die or be killed. Zedekiah’s use of it shows the real threat to Jeremiah’s life if the conversation becomes public.

Why Jeremiah 38:24 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Zedekiah is not only afraid for himself but is also trying to protect Jeremiah from the political dangers of speaking the truth during a crisis.
  • It highlights the atmosphere of fear and mistrust in Jerusalem at the time, where even private conversations could lead to deadly consequences.
  • This moment connects to the larger story, showing Zedekiah’s indecision and the risks Jeremiah faced as a prophet bringing unpopular messages.

Where else these words appear

“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 38:5 Then Zedekiah the king said, Behold, he is in your hand: for the king is not he that can do any thing against you.

“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 38:7 Now when Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs which was in the king's house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon; the king then sitting in the gate of Benjamin;