Jeremiah 26:14

KJV

As for me, behold, I [am] in your hand: do with me as seemeth good and meet unto you.

KJV (with Strong's)

As for me, behold, I am in your hand {H3027}: do {H6213} with me as seemeth {H5869} good {H2896} and meet {H3477} unto you.

Complete Jewish Bible

But as for me, here, I am in your hands; do with me whatever seems good and right to you.

Berean Standard Bible

As for me, here I am in your hands; do to me what you think is good and right.

American Standard Version

But as for me, behold, I am in your hand: do with me as is good and right in your eyes.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 26:14 captures the prophet Jeremiah's profound declaration of submission and courage before a hostile crowd and the authorities in Jerusalem. Having delivered a divine message of judgment against the temple and the city, Jeremiah faces accusations of blasphemy and sedition, which carry a death penalty. In this pivotal moment, he does not retract his words but instead places himself entirely in the hands of his accusers, challenging them to act justly and righteously, implicitly appealing to a higher moral standard and the ultimate judgment of God. This verse encapsulates his unwavering obedience to God's call, even in the face of mortal danger, and his trust in divine sovereignty over human power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 26 is a dramatic narrative account of Jeremiah's prophetic ministry, specifically detailing a confrontation with the religious and political establishment. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 26:1-6) describe the Lord's command to Jeremiah to deliver a stark warning in the temple court: if the people do not repent, Jerusalem and its temple will suffer the same fate as Shiloh, a former sanctuary destroyed due to Israel's sin. This message, particularly the comparison to [Shiloh](/jeremiah/26-6 "Jeremiah 26:6 - The Fate of Shiloh"), was perceived as a direct assault on the temple's inviolability and a threat to national security, inciting outrage among the priests, prophets, and people (Jeremiah 26:7-9). Jeremiah's response in verses 12-15 is a steadfast reaffirmation of his divine commission, a call to genuine repentance, and a solemn warning against shedding innocent blood. Verse 14 is the heart of his defense, a bold act of surrender that simultaneously asserts his prophetic authority and places the moral burden on his accusers. The subsequent verses (Jeremiah 26:16-24) detail the outcome of this confrontation, where some elders intervene, recalling a similar prophecy by Micah, ultimately leading to Jeremiah's acquittal, though not without highlighting the danger he faced.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This event unfolds during the tumultuous early reign of King Jehoiakim (609-598 BC), a period characterized by political instability, increasing Babylonian dominance, and a widespread resurgence of idolatry and social injustice in Judah. Jehoiakim was a puppet king installed by Egypt, and his rule was marked by a defiant rejection of God's covenant, in stark contrast to his father Josiah's reforms. The temple in Jerusalem held immense cultural and theological significance, believed by many to be inviolable, a symbol of God's enduring presence and protection. Therefore, Jeremiah's prophecy of its destruction was not merely a theological statement but a perceived act of treason, undermining national confidence and religious security. Prophets who spoke against the prevailing political or religious sentiments often faced severe persecution, including imprisonment or execution, as seen in the fate of Uriah (Jeremiah 26:20-23). Jeremiah's willingness to stand his ground reflects the immense pressure and danger faced by true prophets who challenged the status quo, often at the risk of their lives.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 26:14 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah and biblical prophecy. It exemplifies **Prophetic Courage and Obedience**, as Jeremiah, despite facing a lynch mob and potential execution, steadfastly delivers God's message without compromise, echoing the Lord's earlier command to "speak all that I command you; do not be dismayed by them" ([Jeremiah 1:7](/jeremiah/1-7 "Jeremiah 1:7 - God's Command to Jeremiah")). The verse also highlights **Divine Sovereignty versus Human Authority**, as Jeremiah acknowledges the immediate power of his accusers ("in your hand") but implicitly trusts in God's ultimate control over his life and the nation's destiny. His appeal for them to act "good and meet" underscores the theme of **Justice and Accountability**, reminding his audience that their actions have moral weight and consequences, both before human law and, more importantly, before God. This aligns with Jeremiah's broader prophetic ministry, which consistently calls Judah to repentance and warns of the inevitable judgment for their unrighteousness and rejection of God's covenant, as seen in his temple sermon in [Jeremiah 7](/jeremiah/7 "Jeremiah 7 - The Temple Sermon").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** From H3027, this primitive word signifies the open hand, indicating power, means, or direction. In this context, "in your hand" is a common Hebrew idiom denoting being under someone's control, power, or authority. It vividly portrays Jeremiah's physical vulnerability and helplessness before the enraged crowd and the governing authorities. Yet, for a prophet of God, this expression also carries a deeper theological nuance: while human hands may wield temporary power, the prophet's life and ultimate destiny are ultimately in God's sovereign hand, a subtle challenge to the human perception of absolute control.
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** From H2896, this word is broad in meaning, encompassing what is beautiful, best, pleasant, right, and morally upright. When Jeremiah says, "do with me as seemeth good," he is not passively accepting any outcome. Rather, he is challenging his accusers to act in a way that is ethically sound, just, and consistent with divine standards, rather than out of rage, political expediency, or personal malice. It is an appeal to their conscience, urging them to consider the moral implications of their decision.
* **Meet (Hebrew, _yâshâr'_):** From H3477, this word means straight, literally or figuratively, implying what is convenient, equitable, just, or upright. Paired with "good," it reinforces the call for righteous judgment. Jeremiah is not just asking them to do what feels pleasant, but what is objectively right and fitting according to a standard of justice that transcends their immediate desires. It implies a demand for integrity and a warning against perverting justice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As for me, behold, I am in your hand":** This clause is a powerful declaration of Jeremiah's physical submission and vulnerability. He acknowledges the immediate power and authority of his accusers—the priests, prophets, and people who demand his execution. It signifies his willingness to face whatever judgment they impose, without resistance or flight. However, it is not an admission of guilt, but rather a profound act of trust in God's ultimate sovereignty, even in the face of human injustice. It highlights his prophetic courage to stand firm, knowing his life is ultimately in God's hands.
* **"do with me as seemeth good and meet unto you":** This is a profound and challenging statement. Jeremiah is not passively inviting any action. Instead, he is placing the moral burden squarely on their shoulders. By appealing to what is "good and meet" (or "right and just" in other translations), he challenges them to act according to their conscience and to a higher standard of righteousness. He implicitly warns them that their decision will have consequences, particularly the shedding of innocent blood, which would bring guilt upon the city, as he explicitly states in the following verse ([Jeremiah 26:15](/jeremiah/26-15 "Jeremiah 26:15 - The Consequence of Shedding Innocent Blood")). This phrase transforms his submission into a powerful rhetorical challenge, forcing his accusers to confront the implications of their potential injustice.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 26:14 employs several potent literary devices. The phrase "I am in your hand" is a clear **Idiom**, a common Hebrew expression signifying being under someone's power or control. This idiom effectively conveys Jeremiah's physical helplessness and vulnerability before the hostile crowd. The entire statement functions as a **Rhetorical Challenge**, where Jeremiah, by seemingly surrendering, actually places the moral and legal burden back onto his accusers. He forces them to consider the righteousness of their actions, rather than merely reacting with anger. There is also an element of **Prophetic Declaration** embedded within his submission; by stating his willingness to accept their judgment, he simultaneously affirms the divine origin of his message and implicitly warns them of the consequences of rejecting God's word through His messenger. Furthermore, a subtle **Irony** is present: the prophet, who appears powerless, wields immense spiritual authority, and his "submission" becomes a powerful act of defiance against injustice, ultimately leading to his deliverance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah's stance in this verse resonates deeply with the biblical understanding of prophetic ministry, divine sovereignty, and human responsibility. His willingness to submit to human authority while simultaneously appealing to a higher moral standard exemplifies the tension between earthly power and heavenly truth. The prophet, as God's messenger, is called to deliver the divine word faithfully, regardless of personal cost, trusting that God will ultimately vindicate His truth and His servant. This act of courageous submission underscores the principle that true obedience to God may lead to suffering at the hands of men, but such suffering is always within the bounds of God's sovereign plan. Jeremiah's declaration is not one of despair, but of profound faith, placing his life not merely in the hands of his accusers, but ultimately in the hands of the Almighty, who alone is the supreme judge.

* [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Obedience to God Over Man")
* [1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Suffering")
* [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant's Silence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 26:14 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers navigating a world often hostile to biblical truth. In an age where conviction can be met with fierce opposition, Jeremiah's courage to stand firm, even when facing death, serves as a powerful model. We are called to speak God's truth with faithfulness and integrity, not compromising our convictions for popularity or safety. This verse reminds us that true courage is not the absence of fear, but obedience in the face of it, trusting that our lives are ultimately in God's sovereign hands, not subject to the whims of human power. It challenges us to examine our own willingness to sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel and to maintain our moral integrity when under pressure. Furthermore, Jeremiah's appeal to "good and meet" reminds us to always call for justice and righteousness, even from those who oppose us, placing the burden of moral accountability squarely on their shoulders. Our witness, like Jeremiah's, should be characterized by both steadfastness in truth and a humble reliance on God's ultimate control, knowing that He will vindicate His purposes in His time.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you called to speak truth, even when it is unpopular or challenging?**
* **How does Jeremiah's submission to human authority, while appealing to a higher standard, inform your understanding of trust in God's sovereignty amidst difficult circumstances?**
* **What does it mean to act with integrity and "do what is good and meet" when faced with opposition or injustice?**
* **How can Jeremiah's example encourage you to stand firm in your faith, even when you feel vulnerable or "in the hands" of others?**

### FAQ
**Was Jeremiah truly passive in this situation?**

Answer: No, Jeremiah was not passive. While he declared himself "in your hand," signifying his physical vulnerability and non-resistance, his statement was a powerful rhetorical challenge rather than a passive surrender. By urging them to "do with me as seemeth good and meet unto you," he appealed to their conscience and to a higher standard of justice. He was implicitly warning them against shedding innocent blood, which he explicitly states would bring guilt upon the city in [Jeremiah 26:15](/jeremiah/26-15 "Jeremiah 26:15 - The Consequence of Shedding Innocent Blood"). His stance was an act of profound prophetic courage and trust in God's ultimate sovereignty, placing the moral burden of their decision squarely on his accusers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah's courageous submission in Jeremiah 26:14, where he places himself in the hands of those who seek his life, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate self-giving of Jesus Christ. Like Jeremiah, Jesus stood before hostile authorities, innocent of any wrongdoing, yet willingly submitted to their power. The prophet's declaration, "I am in your hand: do with me as seemeth good and meet unto you," echoes the perfect obedience of the Son of God, who, though possessing all power, humbled Himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Jesus, the true Lamb of God, did not resist His captors ([John 18:11](/john/18-11 "John 18:11 - Jesus' Willing Submission")), nor did He open His mouth in protest, fulfilling the prophecy of the suffering servant who was "led like a lamb to the slaughter" ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant")). His submission was not born of weakness but of divine purpose, for He had the power to lay down His life and the power to take it up again ([John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus' Authority Over His Life")). Jeremiah's willingness to suffer for speaking God's truth finds its ultimate and redemptive fulfillment in Christ, whose voluntary sacrifice secured salvation for all who believe, transforming human injustice into divine triumph.

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

Joshua 9:25

And now, behold, we [are] in thine hand: as it seemeth good and right unto thee to do unto us, do.

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.

2 Samuel 15:26

But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, [here am] I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him.

Daniel 3:16

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we [are] not careful to answer thee in this matter.