Jeremiah 26:16

KJV

¶ Then said the princes and all the people unto the priests and to the prophets; This man [is] not worthy to die: for he hath spoken to us in the name of the LORD our God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} the princes {H8269} and all the people {H5971} unto the priests {H3548} and to the prophets {H5030}; This man {H376} is not worthy {H4941} to die {H4194}: for he hath spoken {H1696} to us in the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068} our God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The officials and all the people then said to the cohanim and prophets, "This man does not deserve a death sentence, because he has spoken to us in the name of ADONAI our God."

Berean Standard Bible

Then the officials and all the people told the priests and prophets, “This man is not worthy of death, for he has spoken to us in the name of the LORD our God!”

American Standard Version

Then said the princes and all the people unto the priests and to the prophets: This man is not worthy of death; for he hath spoken to us in the name of Jehovah our God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 26:16 marks a pivotal moment in Jeremiah's prophetic ministry, where despite facing a death sentence for his dire prophecy against Jerusalem and the Temple, the princes and a significant portion of the people surprisingly declare him innocent. Their verdict is based on the crucial recognition that Jeremiah's message, however unpopular or unsettling, was not his own but delivered "in the name of the LORD our God," thereby affirming his divine commission and protecting him from the wrath of the priests and false prophets who sought his life. This verse highlights the tension between human authority and divine mandate, showcasing God's sovereign protection over His faithful messengers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 26 is strategically placed, following Jeremiah's famous Temple Sermon in [Jeremiah 7](/jeremiah/7 "Jeremiah 7 - The Temple Sermon"), which it closely parallels and expands upon. The chapter recounts a dramatic confrontation where Jeremiah delivers a prophecy of destruction for Jerusalem and the Temple if the people do not repent, echoing the fate of Shiloh ([Jeremiah 26:6](/jeremiah/26-6 "Jeremiah 26:6 - Prophecy of Shiloh's Fate")). This message provokes outrage among the priests, prophets, and all the people, who seize Jeremiah and demand his execution ([Jeremiah 26:8-9](/jeremiah/26-8 "Jeremiah 26:8-9 - Jeremiah's Arrest")). In his defense, Jeremiah boldly asserts that he was sent by the Lord and that killing him would bring innocent blood upon the city ([Jeremiah 26:12-15](/jeremiah/26-12 "Jeremiah 26:12-15 - Jeremiah's Defense")). Verse 16 then presents the surprising outcome of this trial, where the civil authorities and the general populace override the religious establishment's call for his death, acknowledging the divine source of his words. This narrative serves as a stark example of the perils and vindication inherent in true prophetic ministry.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This event occurred early in the reign of King Jehoiakim (c. 609-598 BC), a period marked by political instability and spiritual decline in Judah. Jehoiakim was a vassal of Egypt, and later Babylon, and his reign was characterized by idolatry, injustice, and a general disregard for the Mosaic covenant, contrasting sharply with the reforms of his father, Josiah. The Temple in Jerusalem held immense significance, not merely as a place of worship but as a symbol of God's presence and Judah's national security. To prophesy its destruction, as Jeremiah did, was perceived as an act of treason and blasphemy, challenging both religious and political authority. The legal proceedings described in this chapter, involving "princes" (sars) and "people" (am), reflect a formal, albeit tense, judicial process, highlighting the role of both civil and religious leaders in determining a prophet's legitimacy and fate according to Deuteronomic law concerning false prophets (e.g., [Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20 "Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - Distinguishing True from False Prophets")).

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 26:16 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **prophetic authenticity and divine authority**. The princes and people's declaration that Jeremiah "hath spoken to us in the name of the LORD our God" is the ultimate validation of his true prophetic calling, distinguishing him from the many false prophets who offered comforting but deceitful messages. This moment underscores the **sovereignty of God** in protecting His messenger, even amidst intense opposition and a death threat. It also highlights the **power of God's word** itself; despite its harshness, the truth of Jeremiah's message, coupled with his courageous delivery, carried an inherent weight that swayed the assembly. Furthermore, the chapter illustrates the **conflict between true and false prophecy**, a recurring motif in Jeremiah, where God's challenging truth is often rejected in favor of popular lies, yet ultimately vindicated, as seen in the later destruction of Jerusalem prophesied by Jeremiah (e.g., [Jeremiah 39:1-10](/jeremiah/39-1 "Jeremiah 39:1-10 - The Fall of Jerusalem")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Worthy (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** This word, H4941, primarily means "judgment," "verdict," or "justice." In this context, "not worthy to die" (literally, "there is not judgment of death for this man") signifies a legal verdict of innocence, a declaration that he has not committed a capital offense according to the law. It implies a formal legal determination of his standing before the law, rather than a mere opinion. The princes and people are asserting that, based on the evidence (his claim to speak for the LORD), he is legally absolved from the death penalty.
* **Spoken (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** H1696, "dâbar," is a fundamental verb meaning "to speak," "to declare," or "to command." It often carries the nuance of authoritative or divinely inspired speech, as opposed to mere chatter. Here, it emphasizes that Jeremiah's words were not casual remarks or personal opinions, but a deliberate and authoritative utterance, understood by the assembly to be a direct communication from God. The use of this verb highlights the weight and source of Jeremiah's message.
* **Name (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** H8034, "shêm," refers to an "appellation," "mark," "memorial," or "individuality." When used in the phrase "in the name of the LORD," it signifies acting under the authority, character, and commission of that person. It is not merely invoking a title but representing the very essence and power of the one whose name is invoked. For the princes and people, Jeremiah speaking "in the name of the LORD our God" meant he was acting as God's authorized representative, making his words carry divine weight and protection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said the princes and all the people unto the priests and to the prophets;":** This clause sets the scene of the verdict. It highlights the surprising alignment of the civil authorities ("princes") and the general populace ("all the people") against the religious establishment ("priests and to the prophets"). This demonstrates a rare moment where the secular leadership and the common people recognized a truth that the religious leaders, perhaps out of self-interest or spiritual blindness, failed to acknowledge. It signifies a public declaration, a formal pronouncement in a judicial setting.
* **"This man [is] not worthy to die:":** This is the core verdict. It is a legal declaration of Jeremiah's innocence regarding the capital charges leveled against him. The phrase "not worthy to die" (literally, "there is no judgment of death for this man") indicates that his actions, though controversial, did not warrant the death penalty under their legal framework, specifically because of the divine source of his message. This stands in stark contrast to the demands of the priests and prophets, who had called for his execution.
* **"for he hath spoken to us in the name of the LORD our God.":** This final clause provides the crucial justification for the verdict. It is the reason for Jeremiah's acquittal. The assembly concluded that Jeremiah was a true prophet because his message was delivered with the legitimate authority and commission of Yahweh, the God of Israel. This acknowledges the divine origin of his words, which, according to Deuteronomic law, protected a true prophet even if their message was unpopular or challenging. It implies a discernment of divine inspiration, overriding the human desire for a more palatable message.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Jeremiah 26:16 is **Irony**. The very people who initially joined in the clamor against Jeremiah, demanding his death (as implied by the preceding verses where "all the people" gather against him), are now the ones who declare him innocent. Furthermore, the religious leaders (priests and prophets) who should have been the first to discern God's true word are the ones advocating for the prophet's death, while the civil authorities and the general populace, often depicted as prone to idolatry and disobedience, surprisingly recognize the divine authority behind Jeremiah's challenging message. This reversal of expectations and roles creates a powerful ironic statement about spiritual discernment and the surprising ways in which God's truth can be vindicated.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 26:16 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign protection over His faithful messengers and the inherent authority of His word. Despite facing a death sentence from powerful religious and civil factions, Jeremiah is miraculously acquitted because the people recognize the divine source of his message. This moment underscores that true prophecy, even when unpopular or condemning, carries an undeniable weight that can sway hearts and minds, demonstrating that God's truth is ultimately self-authenticating. It also highlights the constant tension between human resistance to divine truth and God's unwavering commitment to making His will known and protecting those who speak for Him. The verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's plan cannot be thwarted by human opposition, and His word will accomplish its purpose.

* [Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20 "Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - Distinguishing True from False Prophets")
* [Ezekiel 2:6-7](/ezekiel/2-6 "Ezekiel 2:6-7 - Ezekiel's Commission to a Rebellious House")
* [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Peter's Declaration to Obey God Rather Than Men")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 26:16 offers profound lessons for believers today. It calls us to cultivate discernment, not merely accepting messages based on popularity or comfort, but rigorously testing them against the revealed word of God. Jeremiah's unwavering courage in the face of death threats serves as a powerful example: true faithfulness often requires speaking God's truth even when it is unpopular, challenging, or puts us at personal risk. This verse reminds us that our ultimate allegiance is to God and His word, not to human opinion or institutional pressure. Furthermore, it offers encouragement that God is sovereign over all circumstances, capable of turning the hearts of people and protecting His servants, even when all odds seem against them. It invites us to trust in His providence and the inherent power of His message to accomplish His purposes, regardless of the immediate human response.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern between messages that claim divine authority today, and what criteria do I use to test them?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to compromise or soften God's truth to gain favor or avoid conflict?**
* **What does Jeremiah's experience teach me about trusting God's protection when I feel vulnerable or opposed for my faith?**
* **How can I cultivate the courage to speak God's truth, even when it is unpopular or challenging to those around me?**

### FAQ
**What was the specific charge against Jeremiah that led to this trial?**

Answer: Jeremiah was charged with prophesying against Jerusalem and the Temple, declaring that they would become a desolation like Shiloh ([Jeremiah 26:6](/jeremiah/26-6 "Jeremiah 26:6 - Prophecy of Shiloh's Fate")). This was considered a capital offense, likely blasphemy and treason, as it challenged the prevailing belief in the Temple's inviolability and undermined the king's authority. The priests and prophets saw it as a direct threat to their power and the nation's stability.

**Why did the princes and people contradict the priests and prophets?**

Answer: The princes and people, after hearing Jeremiah's defense, were convinced by his claim that he was genuinely sent by the LORD ([Jeremiah 26:12-15](/jeremiah/26-12 "Jeremiah 26:12-15 - Jeremiah's Defense")). According to Deuteronomic law ([Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20 "Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - Distinguishing True from False Prophets")), a true prophet speaking in the name of the LORD was not to be condemned. Their decision reflects a moment of discernment, perhaps influenced by a lingering respect for true prophecy or a recognition of Jeremiah's integrity, overriding the religious establishment's self-serving condemnation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 26:16, though an Old Testament narrative of prophetic vindication, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate prophetic figure, Jesus Christ. Like Jeremiah, Jesus spoke God's truth, often in challenging and unpopular ways, directly confronting the religious establishment of His day. He prophesied the destruction of the Temple ([Matthew 24:1-2](/matthew/24-1 "Matthew 24:1-2 - Jesus Foretells the Destruction of the Temple")), a message that mirrored Jeremiah's and was similarly perceived as blasphemous and treasonous. Jesus, too, was ultimately brought before a council of religious leaders and civil authorities, accused of crimes worthy of death. However, unlike Jeremiah's acquittal, Jesus was condemned, fulfilling the prophetic pattern of the innocent suffering for the guilty. Yet, even in His condemnation and crucifixion, Jesus's words were vindicated, not by human verdict, but by His resurrection, proving that He truly spoke "in the name of the LORD our God" and was indeed the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His suffering and ultimate triumph establish Him as the perfect Prophet, Priest, and King, whose words carry eternal authority and whose sacrifice brings ultimate salvation, far surpassing the temporary reprieve granted to Jeremiah. The protection Jeremiah received points to the greater divine purpose in Christ's life, death, and resurrection, which secured not just a moment of justice, but eternal redemption for all who believe ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Christ's Superior Sacrifice")).

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

Acts 5:34

Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;

Acts 5:39

But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

Acts 23:29

Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.

Acts 23:9

And there arose a great cry: and the scribes [that were] of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.

Acts 25:25

But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.

Jeremiah 36:25

Nevertheless Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah had made intercession to the king that he would not burn the roll: but he would not hear them.

Jeremiah 36:19

Then said the princes unto Baruch, Go, hide thee, thou and Jeremiah; and let no man know where ye be.