Jeremiah 21:9

KJV

He that abideth in this city shall die by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth out, and falleth to the Chaldeans that besiege you, he shall live, and his life shall be unto him for a prey.

KJV (with Strong's)

He that abideth {H3427} in this city {H5892} shall die {H4191} by the sword {H2719}, and by the famine {H7458}, and by the pestilence {H1698}: but he that goeth out {H3318}, and falleth {H5307} to the Chaldeans {H3778} that besiege {H6696} you, he shall live {H2421}{H2421}, and his life {H5315} shall be unto him for a prey {H7998}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Anyone who stays in this city will die by sword, famine and plague. But he who leaves and surrenders to the Kasdim besieging you will stay alive; his own life will be his only 'spoils of war.'

Berean Standard Bible

Whoever stays in this city will die by sword and famine and plague, but whoever goes out and surrenders to the Chaldeans who besiege you will live; he will retain his life like a spoil of war.

American Standard Version

He that abideth in this city shall die by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence; but he that goeth out, and passeth over to the Chaldeans that besiege you, he shall live, and his life shall be unto him for a prey.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 21:9 presents a stark, divinely ordained ultimatum to the inhabitants of Jerusalem during its final siege by the Babylonians. Through the prophet Jeremiah, the Lord declares that those who remain within the besieged city will face certain death by sword, famine, and pestilence. Conversely, those who surrender to the besieging Chaldean forces will be spared, their lives preserved as if snatched from the jaws of destruction, a bare survival offered as a merciful, though costly, alternative to utter annihilation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 21:9 is a pivotal verse within a direct prophetic oracle delivered by Jeremiah to King Zedekiah and the people of Jerusalem. The preceding verses ([Jeremiah 21:1-2](/jeremiah/21-1 "Jeremiah 21:1-2 - Zedekiah's Inquiry to Jeremiah")) describe King Zedekiah's desperate plea to Jeremiah, asking him to inquire of the Lord whether God would miraculously intervene to save Jerusalem from Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian army. God's response, beginning in [Jeremiah 21:3](/jeremiah/21-3 "Jeremiah 21:3 - God's Stern Reply"), is shockingly contrary to Zedekiah's hopes. Instead of delivering Jerusalem, God declares that He Himself will fight *against* the city, turning the weapons of Judah back upon them ([Jeremiah 21:5](/jeremiah/21-5 "Jeremiah 21:5 - God Fights Against Jerusalem")). This sets the stage for the grim choice presented in verse 9, which elaborates on the two paths—certain death for those who resist God's judgment by remaining in the city, and a paradoxical, humble survival for those who obey His command to surrender. This message is consistent with Jeremiah's long-standing, unpopular prophecies of impending judgment and the necessity of submission to God's will, even when it manifests through foreign powers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Jeremiah 21:9 is the final, devastating siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon, which eventually led to the city's destruction in 586 BC. This period was marked by intense political instability, with Judah caught between the rising power of Babylon and the declining might of Egypt. King Zedekiah, a puppet king installed by Babylon, continually wavered between submission and rebellion, often seeking alliances with Egypt against God's explicit warnings through Jeremiah. The "sword, famine, and pestilence" were not merely abstract threats but the grim realities of ancient siege warfare. Starvation was inevitable as supplies ran out, disease spread rapidly in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions, and the sword of the besieging army or internal conflict claimed many lives. For the proud people of Judah, surrender to a pagan empire was an unthinkable disgrace, a betrayal of their national identity and their covenant with God. Jeremiah's command to "go out" and "fall to the Chaldeans" was therefore profoundly counter-cultural and politically treasonous in the eyes of many, yet it was God's singular path to preserving life amidst His judgment.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 21:9 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**. God is not merely a passive observer but actively orchestrates the consequences of Judah's persistent sin, using Babylon as His instrument of judgment. The three instruments of death—sword, famine, and pestilence—are often depicted in Scripture as divine judgments for covenant unfaithfulness (e.g., [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience")). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Paradoxical Nature of Obedience and Survival**. The path to life is not through valiant resistance, which human wisdom might dictate, but through a humiliating act of surrender to the very enemy God has raised up. This mirrors Jeremiah's consistent message that true security lies in submission to God's will, even when it appears counter-intuitive or costly ([Jeremiah 38:2](/jeremiah/38-2 "Jeremiah 38:2 - Jeremiah's Counsel to Zedekiah")). Finally, the concept of "life as a prey" introduces the theme of **Merciful Preservation Amidst Desolation**. Survival is not a triumph but a bare escape, a life snatched from destruction, emphasizing God's grace even in judgment. It signifies that life itself, apart from comfort or freedom, is a precious gift when everything else is lost.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **abideth (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** H3427, a primitive root meaning "to sit down," and by implication, "to dwell" or "to remain." In this context, it signifies a deliberate choice to stay put, to continue residing within the city walls, implicitly resisting the divine command to surrender. It conveys a sense of settled stubbornness or a false sense of security in their current position, despite the impending doom.
* **live (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** H2421, a primitive root meaning "to live," whether literally or figuratively; causatively, "to revive." This word stands in stark contrast to "die" (H4191, _mûwth_). It signifies the preservation of physical life, a miraculous act of sustenance in the face of overwhelming odds. It's the promise of continued existence, however humble or difficult, offered as a direct result of obedience.
* **prey (Hebrew, _shâlâl'_):** H7998, derived from a root meaning "to plunder," referring to "booty" or "spoil." In the phrase "his life shall be unto him for a prey," it vividly illustrates that life itself would be salvaged or snatched from destruction, much like valuable plunder is seized from an enemy. It emphasizes that survival would be a gift of mercy, not a victory, a bare escape rather than a comfortable existence, highlighting the preciousness of life itself when all else is lost.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that abideth in this city shall die by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence":** This clause presents the dire consequence for those who choose to remain within Jerusalem's walls. Their decision to stay, implicitly defying God's command to surrender, will result in certain death. The three instruments—the sword (warfare, direct killing), famine (starvation due to siege), and pestilence (disease, often a result of unsanitary siege conditions)—represent the comprehensive and inescapable nature of God's judgment against the city. This is not merely a prediction but a divine decree, emphasizing the severity of their rebellion.
* **"but he that goeth out, and falleth to the Chaldeans that besiege you":** This clause introduces the alternative path to survival, one that is counter-intuitive and humiliating. "Goeth out" implies abandoning the perceived security of the city, while "falleth to" (or surrenders to) the Chaldeans signifies a complete submission to the enemy. This act of surrender, which would have been seen as treasonous and cowardly by many, is paradoxically presented as the only means of physical preservation. It requires a profound trust in God's word over human reason or national pride.
* **"he shall live, and his life shall be unto him for a prey":** This final clause states the outcome of obedience to the divine command: physical preservation. The promise "he shall live" is a direct contrast to the death promised to those who remain. The phrase "his life shall be unto him for a prey" further qualifies this survival. It means life would be snatched from destruction, like plunder or spoils of war. It's not a promise of prosperity, freedom, or comfort, but a stark image of bare survival, emphasizing that life itself, preserved from utter annihilation, is a precious, undeserved gift, a testament to God's mercy even in judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 21:9 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is **Antithesis** or **Contrast**, setting up a clear dichotomy between two opposing choices and their respective outcomes: remaining in the city leads to death, while going out and surrendering leads to life. This stark contrast emphasizes the gravity of the decision and the absolute nature of God's decree. **Symbolism** is also evident in the "sword, famine, and pestilence," which are not merely literal threats but also symbolic instruments of divine judgment, representing the comprehensive and inescapable nature of God's wrath against Judah's sin. Furthermore, the phrase "his life shall be unto him for a prey" is a vivid **Metaphor** or **Simile** (depending on interpretation), comparing the preservation of life to the snatching of valuable spoils. This imagery underscores the idea that survival is a rescue, a bare escape from destruction, rather than a comfortable existence or a victory earned. The verse functions as a divine **Ultimatum**, presenting a non-negotiable choice with immediate and severe consequences, highlighting God's sovereignty and the necessity of immediate, counter-intuitive obedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 21:9 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that God's judgments are just and inevitable when His people persist in rebellion, yet He always provides a path for those willing to humble themselves and obey, even if that path seems paradoxical or humiliating from a human perspective. This passage underscores God's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating His control not only over the destiny of His chosen people but also over the nations He uses as instruments of His will. True life, in this context, is found not in self-preservation through resistance but in surrender to God's ordained plan, even when it involves suffering and loss. It foreshadows the broader biblical truth that genuine life, both physical and spiritual, often requires a radical reorientation of values and a willingness to relinquish what the world deems secure or honorable.

* [Deuteronomy 30:19](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19 - Choose Life")
* [Proverbs 16:25](/proverbs/16-25 "Proverbs 16:25 - The Way That Seems Right")
* [Luke 9:24](/luke/9-24 "Luke 9:24 - Losing Life to Save It")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 21:9, while rooted in a specific historical judgment, offers timeless spiritual lessons for believers today. It challenges us to consider where we might be stubbornly "abiding in the city"—clinging to our own plans, comforts, or perceived securities—when God is calling us to "go out" and surrender. This "going out" often means relinquishing control, letting go of pride, or abandoning worldly wisdom for the sake of divine wisdom. God's path to true life is frequently counter-intuitive, demanding a radical trust that His ways, however difficult or humiliating they may seem, are ultimately for our good and His glory. The concept of life as "prey" reminds us that salvation, both physical and spiritual, is a merciful rescue, not an earned right or a comfortable existence. It calls us to a posture of humility and gratitude for the sheer gift of life, recognizing that our very existence is a spoil snatched from the jaws of destruction by God's grace. This passage compels us to examine our obedience, asking if we are truly willing to follow God's commands even when they defy logic, challenge our comfort zones, or demand a costly surrender.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "cities" or areas of perceived security in my life might God be calling me to "go out" from, even if it feels like surrender or loss?**
* **In what ways might God's path to "life" for me currently feel like "prey"—a bare, humble survival rather than a comfortable or victorious existence?**
* **How does this passage challenge my understanding of obedience, especially when God's commands seem counter-intuitive or demand personal sacrifice?**

### FAQ
**Was God truly fighting against His own people, Judah, in this prophecy?**

Answer: Yes, Jeremiah 21:9 explicitly states that God Himself would fight against Jerusalem. This was not an act of arbitrary cruelty but a severe, disciplinary judgment for Judah's persistent idolatry, covenant unfaithfulness, and rejection of His prophets. Throughout the Old Testament, God warns His people that disobedience would lead to curses, including defeat by their enemies and exile ([Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). God used the Babylonian empire as His instrument of judgment, demonstrating His sovereignty over all nations and His commitment to upholding His covenant, even through painful discipline.

**Does "his life shall be unto him for a prey" imply a miserable existence for those who surrendered?**

Answer: The phrase "his life shall be unto him for a prey" (Hebrew: *nephesh l'shalal*) signifies that life itself would be salvaged or snatched from destruction, much like valuable plunder is seized. It does not necessarily imply a miserable existence, but rather a bare, humble survival. It highlights that their lives would be preserved by God's mercy, not by their own strength or victory. They would be captives, losing their freedom and possessions, but they would live. It emphasizes the sheer preciousness of life itself when everything else is lost, a stark contrast to the utter annihilation faced by those who remained.

**Why would God command His people to surrender to a pagan enemy like the Chaldeans?**

Answer: God commanded surrender as an act of obedience and an acknowledgment of His divine sovereignty. By surrendering to the Chaldeans, the people would be submitting to God's ordained judgment, recognizing that He was using Babylon as His instrument. This was the only path to physical preservation in the face of divinely appointed judgment. It was a test of faith, requiring them to trust God's word over their nationalistic pride or military strategy. Prophets like Isaiah also spoke of God using pagan nations as His "rod" to punish His people ([Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Rod")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 21:9, with its stark choice between death and a life preserved through paradoxical surrender, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. Jesus Christ Himself embodies the ultimate "going out" and "surrender" for the sake of true life. He did not cling to His divine prerogatives or earthly security, but "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")), ultimately surrendering to the cross, a path that human wisdom would deem foolish and humiliating. Yet, through this ultimate act of surrender, He secured life—eternal life—for all who believe. The call to follow Christ echoes Jeremiah's ultimatum: "Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it" ([Matthew 10:39](/matthew/10-39 "Matthew 10:39 - Losing Life for Christ")). Just as the Israelites were called to abandon their false security in Jerusalem, believers are called to abandon their self-reliance, worldly ambitions, and sinful desires, surrendering to Christ's Lordship. Our spiritual life is indeed "for a prey," a precious gift "snatched" from the dominion of sin and death not by our merit, but by God's grace through faith ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Grace Through Faith")). Our true life is now "hidden with Christ in God" ([Colossians 3:3](/colossians/3-3 "Colossians 3:3 - Hidden Life in Christ")), a life preserved by His sacrifice and resurrection, a testament to His merciful rescue.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 38:2

Thus saith the LORD, He that remaineth in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth forth to the Chaldeans shall live; for he shall have his life for a prey, and shall live.

Jeremiah 45:5

And seekest thou great things for thyself? seek [them] not: for, behold, I will bring evil upon all flesh, saith the LORD: but thy life will I give unto thee for a prey in all places whither thou goest.

Jeremiah 39:18

For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 38:17

Then said Jeremiah unto Zedekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of hosts, the God of Israel; If thou wilt assuredly go forth unto the king of Babylon's princes, then thy soul shall live, and this city shall not be burned with fire; and thou shalt live, and thine house:

Jeremiah 38:23

So they shall bring out all thy wives and thy children to the Chaldeans: and thou shalt not escape out of their hand, but shalt be taken by the hand of the king of Babylon: and thou shalt cause this city to be burned with fire.

Jeremiah 14:12

When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and an oblation, I will not accept them: but I will consume them by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence.

Jeremiah 27:13

Why will ye die, thou and thy people, by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence, as the LORD hath spoken against the nation that will not serve the king of Babylon?