Jeremiah 32:3

KJV

For Zedekiah king of Judah had shut him up, saying, Wherefore dost thou prophesy, and say, Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall take it;

KJV (with Strong's)

For Zedekiah {H6667} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063} had shut him up {H3607}, saying {H559}, Wherefore dost thou prophesy {H5012}, and say {H559}, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, Behold, I will give {H5414} this city {H5892} into the hand {H3027} of the king {H4428} of Babylon {H894}, and he shall take {H3920} it;

Complete Jewish Bible

where Tzidkiyahu king of Y'hudah had imprisoned him after demanding, "How dare you prophesy that ADONAI says, 'I will hand this city over to the king of Bavel, and he will capture it;

Berean Standard Bible

For Zedekiah king of Judah had imprisoned him, saying: “Why are you prophesying like this? You claim that the LORD says, ‘Behold, I am about to deliver this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he will capture it.

American Standard Version

For Zedekiah king of Judah had shut him up, saying, Wherefore dost thou prophesy, and say, Thus saith Jehovah, Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall take it;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 32:3 succinctly describes the immediate reason for the prophet Jeremiah's imprisonment: King Zedekiah of Judah had him confined because he consistently prophesied that Jerusalem would be delivered into the hands of the king of Babylon. This verse captures the profound tension between divine revelation and human resistance, underscoring Jeremiah's unwavering commitment to proclaiming God's unwelcome message of impending judgment and the king's desperate, yet futile, attempt to silence a truth he refused to accept.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a pivotal narrative section of Jeremiah, specifically at the outset of chapter 32, which immediately follows a series of prophecies concerning Judah's impending destruction and the subsequent restoration. Jeremiah 32 opens with the prophet already confined in the court of the guard, a detail established in [Jeremiah 32:2](/jeremiah/32-2 "Jeremiah 32:2 - Jeremiah's Imprisonment"). Verse 3 then provides the explicit, politically charged reason for his detention, setting the stage for the remarkable act of faith that follows: Jeremiah's divinely commanded purchase of a field in Anathoth (cf. [Jeremiah 32:6-15](/jeremiah/32-6-15 "Jeremiah 32:6-15 - Jeremiah Buys a Field")), an act symbolizing future restoration and the certainty of God's covenant promises even amidst present destruction. This immediate context highlights the prophet's unwavering obedience to God's word, even when it directly contradicts the prevailing political and military realities and leads to his personal suffering. The specific prophecy cited in verse 3 was not a new message but one Jeremiah had proclaimed for years, as seen in earlier pronouncements (e.g., [Jeremiah 21:7](/jeremiah/21-7 "Jeremiah 21:7 - Zedekiah's Fate Foretold")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Jeremiah 32:3 unfold during the dire final years of the Kingdom of Judah, specifically around 588-586 BC, as Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian army laid siege to Jerusalem. King Zedekiah, installed as a puppet ruler by Nebuchadnezzar after the first deportation in 597 BC, found himself caught between loyalty to Babylon and the fervent nationalist desire to rebel, often swayed by false prophets and pro-Egyptian factions. The populace, including the king and his officials, largely rejected Jeremiah's prophecies of impending doom, preferring messages of peace and security propagated by other, more palatable, "prophets" (e.g., [Jeremiah 28](/jeremiah/28 "Jeremiah 28 - Hananiah's False Prophecy")). Imprisonment was a common tactic used by ancient Near Eastern rulers to silence dissenting voices or individuals perceived as undermining national morale during wartime. Jeremiah's confinement in the "court of the guard" suggests a form of house arrest or detention within the palace complex, allowing him some limited interaction, as evidenced by his ability to engage in the land transaction described later in the chapter. The cultural expectation was that a prophet would speak for God, but when God's message was one of judgment and defeat, it was frequently met with hostility and persecution, a pattern evident throughout the history of true prophets in Israel (cf. [2 Chronicles 36:15-16](/2_chronicles/36-15-16 "2 Chronicles 36:15-16 - Rejection of God's Messengers")).
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 32:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty in Judgment**, clearly articulating that the fall of Jerusalem is not merely a military defeat but a deliberate, orchestrated act of God ("I will give this city into the hand..."). This highlights God's ultimate control over nations and history, even employing pagan empires like Babylon as instruments of His divine will (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Babylon as God's Servant")). Secondly, the verse vividly illustrates the **Persecution of True Prophets**, as Jeremiah faces imprisonment for faithfully delivering an unpopular divine message, a recurring motif throughout his challenging ministry (e.g., [Jeremiah 20:2](/jeremiah/20-2 "Jeremiah 20:2 - Pashhur's Persecution of Jeremiah")). Thirdly, it emphasizes the severe **Consequences of Disobedience**, as Judah's persistent rebellion against God's covenant ultimately culminates in this catastrophic judgment, representing the culmination of centuries of turning away from the LORD (cf. [Lamentations 1:8](/lamentations/1-8 "Lamentations 1:8 - Jerusalem's Sin and Fall")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shut him up (Hebrew, _kâlâʼ'_):** This verb (H3607) signifies "to restrict," "hold back or in," "forbid," or "restrain." In this context, it vividly describes Zedekiah's act of imprisoning Jeremiah, a physical manifestation of the king's desperate attempt to suppress the prophetic word. It implies a forceful and deliberate act of confinement, aimed at silencing the prophet and preventing his message from reaching the people. The king sought to "restrain" God's messenger, but ironically, could not restrain God's message or His impending judgment.
* **Prophesy (Hebrew, _nâbâʼ'_):** This primitive root (H5012) means "to speak (or sing) by inspiration," encompassing both prediction and simple discourse. It emphasizes that Jeremiah's words were not his own opinions or political commentary but divinely inspired utterances. Zedekiah's question, "Wherefore dost thou prophesy?" reveals his frustration with Jeremiah's consistent claim of divine authority for his unwelcome message, highlighting the tension between human will and God's revealed truth.
* **Give (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This versatile primitive root (H5414) means "to give," but with a wide latitude of application, including "to put," "make," "appoint," or "deliver." Here, "I will give this city" signifies God's active agency and sovereign decision to deliver Jerusalem into the hands of Babylon. It is not merely a passive surrender but a deliberate divine act of judgment, underscoring that the impending conquest is part of God's plan, not just a result of military might.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For Zedekiah king of Judah had shut him up":** This opening clause establishes the immediate historical context and identifies the agent of Jeremiah's confinement. King Zedekiah, the final reigning monarch of Judah, is directly responsible for the prophet's imprisonment, highlighting the direct conflict between the earthly ruler's desire for political stability and the divine message of judgment.
* **"saying, Wherefore dost thou prophesy, and say":** This segment reveals Zedekiah's direct challenge to Jeremiah. The king questions the legitimacy and purpose of Jeremiah's prophetic activity, indicating his profound frustration and perhaps a degree of disbelief or defiance towards the message being proclaimed. It implies that Jeremiah's prophecy was perceived as treasonous or demoralizing rather than a divine warning.
* **"Thus saith the LORD":** This is a crucial prophetic formula, asserting the divine origin and absolute authority of the message that follows. Jeremiah is not speaking his own words or political opinions; he is relaying a direct revelation from YHWH, the covenant God of Israel. This phrase elevates the subsequent declaration from human speculation to an unalterable divine decree.
* **"Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon":** This is the core of Jeremiah's offensive prophecy. It declares God's explicit intention to deliver Jerusalem—His holy city, where His temple stood—into the power and control of a foreign, pagan king. The "I will give" emphasizes God's sovereign agency in orchestrating this judgment, using Babylon as His instrument. The word "hand" (H3027, _yâd_) here functions figuratively to denote power, authority, and dominion.
* **"and he shall take it;":** This final clause confirms the certainty and inevitability of Jerusalem's capture. It reiterates that the king of Babylon will indeed seize the city, reinforcing the dire consequences of Judah's persistent disobedience and the undeniable fulfillment of God's prophetic word. The verb "take" (H3920, _lâkad_) conveys the decisive act of capture and occupation.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 32:3 employs several powerful literary devices that enhance its impact. The most prominent is **Direct Speech**, as the verse quotes Zedekiah's challenging question and Jeremiah's authoritative prophetic declaration verbatim. This immediately draws the reader into the intense confrontation between king and prophet, making the conflict palpable. The phrase "Thus saith the LORD" functions as a potent **Prophetic Formula**, a recurring and authoritative marker that authenticates Jeremiah's words as direct divine revelation, not mere human opinion. This formula serves to underscore the gravity and certainty of the message, even as it highlights the king's rejection of God's ultimate authority. There is also a strong element of **Irony** in Zedekiah's actions; by imprisoning Jeremiah to silence him, the king inadvertently confirms the veracity of the prophet's message and the inevitability of his own impending downfall, as Jeremiah's confinement is a direct consequence of the very truth that will soon be fulfilled. Finally, the statement "I will give this city" demonstrates profound **Divine Agency**, portraying God as the ultimate actor behind these historical events, using the king of Babylon as His instrument of judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 32:3 profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over human affairs and the severe consequences of rejecting divine truth. It reveals that the impending fall of Jerusalem was not a random geopolitical event, but a deliberate act of God's judgment, orchestrated to bring His rebellious people to account. This truth, though unwelcome and painful, underscores God's justice and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant, even when it involves severe discipline. The verse also highlights the enduring tension between God's revealed will and humanity's stubborn resistance, a theme that resonates throughout biblical history and human experience. Jeremiah's unwavering commitment to proclaiming this unpopular truth, despite significant personal cost, serves as a powerful testament to the integrity and courage required of God's messengers.

* [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Babylon as God's Servant")
* [2 Chronicles 36:15-16](/2_chronicles/36-15-16 "2 Chronicles 36:15-16 - God's Patience and Judah's Rejection")
* [Lamentations 1:8](/lamentations/1-8 "Lamentations 1:8 - Jerusalem's Sin and Desolation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 32:3 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to honestly consider our own responses to unwelcome truths, particularly those that disrupt our comfort, challenge our preconceived notions of security, or demand repentance. Just as Zedekiah sought to silence Jeremiah, we too might be tempted to ignore, suppress, or rationalize away messages that call us to uncomfortable change or warn of difficult consequences. This verse powerfully reminds us that God remains absolutely sovereign even in times of chaos, judgment, and perceived defeat, actively working out His purposes through the rise and fall of nations and empires. Our call is to trust in His ultimate control and perfect plan, even when His methods are painful or His designs seem counterintuitive to our human desires for ease and immediate gratification. Furthermore, Jeremiah's unwavering faithfulness in the face of imprisonment, societal opposition, and personal suffering encourages us to stand firm in our convictions and to speak God's truth with courage and integrity, regardless of the personal cost or prevailing cultural opposition.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically react when confronted with a truth that is uncomfortable or challenging to my worldview, values, or personal comfort?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to "shut up" or ignore God's prophetic voice, whether from Scripture, wise counsel, or the Holy Spirit, in my own life or in the church today?**
* **How does understanding God's absolute sovereignty, even in difficult and seemingly disastrous circumstances like the fall of Jerusalem, impact my trust and peace in Him?**
* **What is my responsibility to speak truth, especially when it is unpopular or carries personal risk, within my family, community, or professional sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**Why did Zedekiah imprison Jeremiah?**

Answer: King Zedekiah imprisoned Jeremiah because the prophet consistently delivered a message from the LORD that was deeply unpopular, politically inconvenient, and seen as undermining national morale. Jeremiah prophesied that Jerusalem would inevitably fall into the hands of the king of Babylon, stating that God Himself would "give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon" ([Jeremiah 32:3](/jeremiah/32-3 "Jeremiah 32:3 - Jeremiah's Imprisonment")). This message was perceived as defeatist and treasonous during a time of siege, directly contradicting the more optimistic but false prophecies being circulated by other prophets. Zedekiah's act was a desperate attempt to silence a voice that spoke of divine judgment and the certain defeat of Judah.

**What does the phrase "Thus saith the LORD" signify in Jeremiah's prophecy?**

Answer: The phrase "Thus saith the LORD" (Hebrew: _Koh Amar YHWH_) is a powerful and frequently used prophetic formula throughout the Old Testament. It signifies that the message being delivered is not the prophet's own opinion, speculation, or political commentary, but a direct, authoritative, and infallible revelation from God Himself, YHWH, the covenant God of Israel. Its inclusion in Jeremiah's prophecy underscored the divine origin and absolute certainty of his words, emphasizing that the impending fall of Jerusalem was a divine decree, not merely a human prediction. It served as a call for absolute obedience and trust in God's word, even when that word was unwelcome or brought dire tidings.

**Was Jeremiah's prophecy of Jerusalem's fall fulfilled?**

Answer: Yes, Jeremiah's prophecy regarding the fall of Jerusalem to the king of Babylon was definitively and tragically fulfilled. Shortly after the events of Jeremiah 32, in 586 BC, Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian army breached the walls of Jerusalem, destroyed the city and the Temple, and carried the remaining inhabitants into exile (as detailed in [Jeremiah 39](/jeremiah/39 "Jeremiah 39 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Zedekiah's Capture") and [Jeremiah 52](/jeremiah/52 "Jeremiah 52 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Exile")). This historical event stands as a powerful testament to the accuracy of God's prophetic word and His sovereign control over the rise and fall of nations, demonstrating that His warnings are not idle threats but certain realities.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 32:3, with its poignant depiction of a prophet imprisoned for faithfully speaking God's unwelcome truth, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus. Like Jeremiah, Jesus was the ultimate Prophet, speaking with unparalleled divine authority, often prefacing His declarations with "Truly, truly, I say to you" (e.g., [John 3:3](/john/3-3 "John 3:3 - Jesus on Being Born Again")), echoing Jeremiah's "Thus saith the LORD." Yet, His message, particularly His pronouncements of judgment against Jerusalem for its persistent rejection of Him, was met with similar hostility and rejection by the religious and political authorities of His day (e.g., [Matthew 23:37-39](/matthew/23-37-39 "Matthew 23:37-39 - Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem")). Just as King Zedekiah sought to silence Jeremiah through imprisonment, the Jewish leaders sought to silence Jesus, ultimately leading to His unjust arrest, trial, and crucifixion (e.g., [John 11:47-53](/john/11-47-53 "John 11:47-53 - The Plot to Kill Jesus")). The prophecy that God would "give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon" foreshadows the ultimate judgment that would fall upon Jerusalem in AD 70, when it was destroyed by the Roman legions, a catastrophic event Jesus Himself had solemnly foretold (e.g., [Luke 21:20-24](/luke/21-20-24 "Luke 21:20-24 - Jesus Predicts the Destruction of Jerusalem")). In both instances, divine judgment was executed through human instruments due to the people's persistent rebellion and rejection of God's messengers. However, the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies not only in shared suffering but in Jesus' redemptive victory: unlike Jeremiah, who was a messenger of judgment and future hope, Jesus *is* the very embodiment of that hope, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering salvation and new life even amidst judgment. His suffering, rejection, and "imprisonment" on the cross ultimately led to the triumph of God's redemptive plan, fulfilling the deeper purpose behind all prophetic warnings and opening the way to eternal reconciliation.

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 34:2

Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; Go and speak to Zedekiah king of Judah, and tell him, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire:

Jeremiah 34:3

And thou shalt not escape out of his hand, but shalt surely be taken, and delivered into his hand; and thine eyes shall behold the eyes of the king of Babylon, and he shall speak with thee mouth to mouth, and thou shalt go to Babylon.

Jeremiah 21:4

Thus saith the LORD God of Israel; Behold, I will turn back the weapons of war that [are] in your hands, wherewith ye fight against the king of Babylon, and [against] the Chaldeans, which besiege you without the walls, and I will assemble them into the midst of this city.

Jeremiah 21:7

And afterward, saith the LORD, I will deliver Zedekiah king of Judah, and his servants, and the people, and such as are left in this city from the pestilence, from the sword, and from the famine, into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of those that seek their life: and he shall smite them with the edge of the sword; he shall not spare them, neither have pity, nor have mercy.

Jeremiah 26:8

Now it came to pass, when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking all that the LORD had commanded [him] to speak unto all the people, that the priests and the prophets and all the people took him, saying, Thou shalt surely die.

Jeremiah 26:9

Why hast thou prophesied in the name of the LORD, saying, This house shall be like Shiloh, and this city shall be desolate without an inhabitant? And all the people were gathered against Jeremiah in the house of the LORD.

Jeremiah 32:28

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the Chaldeans, and into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and he shall take it: