Jeremiah 38:25 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 38:25 mean?

Jeremiah 38:25 records King Zedekiah warning Jeremiah that if the officials (the "princes") discover their private conversation, they will demand to know exactly what was said, insisting that Jeremiah not hide anything and promising not to kill him if he tells the truth. The verse shows the king's concern about secrecy and the pressure from the officials.

In this scene, King Zedekiah is speaking to the prophet Jeremiah after a private meeting. The king fears that the other leaders will suspect something important was discussed and will interrogate Jeremiah about it. The verse highlights the tense political situation in Jerusalem, where the king feels threatened by his own officials and Jeremiah is at risk for simply speaking with the king.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 38:25

• "Princes" (שָׂרֵי, sarim): This word refers to the leading officials or rulers in Jerusalem, not just generic leaders. Their power and influence are central to the tension in this verse.
• "Hide" (כָּחַד, kachad): The word means to conceal or cover up. The officials are demanding full disclosure, showing their suspicion and lack of trust.
• "Death" (מוּת, muth): The officials promise not to put Jeremiah to death if he tells them everything. This shows how real the threat to Jeremiah's life is, even for simply speaking with the king.

Why Jeremiah 38:25 matters

• Jeremiah 38:25 shows the dangerous position Jeremiah was in, even when speaking to the king, and how political intrigue threatened his life.
• The verse highlights the lack of trust and fear among Jerusalem’s leaders, with the king himself worried about his officials’ reactions.
• This moment is key in the story, showing how Jeremiah’s prophetic mission put him at odds with powerful people, and how truth-telling came with real risks.