Now the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah, while he was shut up in the court of the prison, saying,

JEREMIAH 39:15KJV
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Jeremiah 39:15 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 39:15 mean?

Jeremiah 39:15 describes how God’s message came to Jeremiah while Jeremiah was confined in the courtyard of the guard, which was a part of the prison. The verse sets the scene for a specific word from God to Jeremiah during a time when he was imprisoned.

At this point in the story, Jerusalem has fallen to the Babylonians, and Jeremiah, the prophet, is being held under guard because of his prophecies. The verse highlights that even while Jeremiah was shut away and restricted, God still communicated directly with him. This moment prepares the reader for the message that follows, showing that Jeremiah’s circumstances did not prevent God from speaking to him.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 39:15

  • word (דָּבָר, davar): This word means “message” or “matter.” In this verse, it emphasizes that what Jeremiah receives is not just a thought or feeling, but a specific communication from God.
  • up (סָגַר, sagar): This verb means “to shut up” or “to confine.” It makes clear that Jeremiah was not just visiting the court but was actually imprisoned there, under restriction.
  • court (חָצֵר, chatser): This term refers to an enclosed area, often used for official or guarded purposes. Here, it points to the specific place within the prison complex where Jeremiah was held.
  • prison (מַטָּרָה, mattarah): This word can mean “guardhouse” or “confinement.” It clarifies that Jeremiah was not simply in a courtyard, but in a part of the prison used for holding people securely.

Why Jeremiah 39:15 matters

  • Jeremiah 39:15 shows that God’s communication is not limited by human circumstances; even in prison, Jeremiah receives God’s word.
  • The verse sets up the context for the next message Jeremiah will deliver, making it clear that his prophetic role continues despite his captivity.
  • By naming the exact place—“the court of the prison”—the verse underlines the reality of Jeremiah’s suffering and faithfulness, connecting his personal experience to the larger story of Jerusalem’s fall.

Where else these words appear

“prison” Hebrew H4307 · used in 15 verses

  • 1 Samuel 20:20 And I will shoot three arrows on the side thereof, as though I shot at a mark.
  • Jeremiah 32:2 For then the king of Babylon's army besieged Jerusalem: and Jeremiah the prophet was shut up in the court of the prison, which was in the king of Judah's house.
  • Jeremiah 38:6 Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah the son of Hammelech, that was in the court of the prison: and they let down Jeremiah with cords. And in the dungeon there was no water, but mire: so Jeremiah sunk in the mire.

“up” Hebrew H6113 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 16:2 And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.
  • 1 Kings 8:35 When heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou afflictest them:
  • 2 Chronicles 14:11 And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee.

“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;