Jeremiah 37:14

KJV

Then said Jeremiah, [It is] false; I fall not away to the Chaldeans. But he hearkened not to him: so Irijah took Jeremiah, and brought him to the princes.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} Jeremiah {H3414}, It is false {H8267}; I fall not away {H5307} to the Chaldeans {H3778}. But he hearkened {H8085} not to him: so Irijah {H3376} took {H8610} Jeremiah {H3414}, and brought {H935} him to the princes {H8269}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yirmeyahu answered, "That is a lie! I am not deserting to the Kasdim"; but Yir'iyah wouldn't listen to him. So he arrested Yirmeyahu and brought him to the officials.

Berean Standard Bible

“That is a lie,” Jeremiah replied. “I am not deserting to the Chaldeans!” But Irijah would not listen to him; instead, he arrested Jeremiah and took him to the officials.

American Standard Version

Then said Jeremiah, It is false; I am not falling away to the Chaldeans. But he hearkened not to him; so Irijah laid hold on Jeremiah, and brought him to the princes.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 37:14 captures a critical moment of profound injustice in the prophet Jeremiah's life, detailing his emphatic denial of a false accusation of desertion to the Chaldeans. Despite his clear and truthful defense, the captain Irijah refused to heed his words, leading directly to Jeremiah's immediate arrest and subsequent delivery to the princes of Judah, marking a significant escalation in the prophet's suffering and imprisonment during Jerusalem's final, tumultuous days.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 37 is situated within the final prophecies concerning Judah's impending destruction by Babylon. Specifically, this verse occurs during a temporary lull in the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, as Pharaoh Hophra's army advanced from Egypt, causing the Chaldeans to withdraw (cf. [Jeremiah 37:5](/jeremiah/37-5 "Jeremiah 37:5 - Temporary Lifting of the Siege")). During this brief respite, Jeremiah attempts to leave Jerusalem to go to Anathoth, his hometown in the territory of Benjamin, to attend to a family matter—specifically, to claim a field he had purchased as an act of faith and prophetic sign (as detailed in [Jeremiah 32:6-7](/jeremiah/32-6 "Jeremiah 32:6-7 - Jeremiah Buys a Field in Anathoth")). It is at the Benjamin Gate, a primary exit from the city, that Irijah, a captain of the guard, intercepts him and levels the baseless charge of defection. The events of this verse directly precede Jeremiah's harsh imprisonment in the house of Jonathan the scribe (cf. [Jeremiah 37:15](/jeremiah/37-15 "Jeremiah 37:15 - Jeremiah Imprisoned")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in Jeremiah 37 is one of extreme political instability and national crisis for Judah. Jerusalem is under siege by Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian (Chaldean) forces, a siege that would ultimately lead to the city's destruction and the exile of its people. Jeremiah had consistently prophesied that Judah's only hope lay in submitting to Babylon, as this was God's judgment for their persistent idolatry and disobedience (e.g., [Jeremiah 27:8](/jeremiah/27-8 "Jeremiah 27:8 - Submission to Babylon Commanded")). This message was deeply unpopular, viewed by many as treasonous, and made Jeremiah a figure of suspicion and scorn among the ruling elite and the populace. The accusation of "falling away to the Chaldeans" (i.e., desertion or defection) was a grave charge, punishable by death, reflecting the intense loyalty expected during wartime and the prevalent anti-Babylonian sentiment among Jerusalem's leaders who hoped for Egyptian intervention. The Benjamin Gate was a strategic point, and a captain like Irijah would have been tasked with preventing any perceived disloyalty or escape.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **false accusation and injustice**, portraying Jeremiah as a prophet who suffers not for wrongdoing but for speaking God's unpopular truth. His vehement denial underscores the baselessness of the charge. Secondly, it exemplifies **prophetic suffering and steadfastness**, as Jeremiah endures profound personal hardship and public humiliation precisely because of his unwavering faithfulness to God's often unwelcome message. His experience here is a microcosm of the broader pattern of suffering he endures throughout his ministry (cf. [Jeremiah 20:7-10](/jeremiah/20-7 "Jeremiah 20:7-10 - Jeremiah's Complaint")). Thirdly, the refusal of Irijah and later the princes to "hearken" to Jeremiah's truth underscores the pervasive **human disbelief and obstinacy** that characterized Judah's leadership and people, who consistently rejected God's warnings delivered through His prophet (cf. [Jeremiah 7:24](/jeremiah/7-24 "Jeremiah 7:24 - Refusal to Listen")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **false (Hebrew, _sheqer'_ H8267):** This term denotes an untruth, a lie, or deceit. Jeremiah's immediate and forceful declaration, "It is false," is a direct and vehement refutation of Irijah's accusation. It signifies that the charge is not merely mistaken but utterly baseless, a deliberate fabrication, or a malicious misinterpretation. The prophet, known for speaking truth, here confronts a profound falsehood leveled against his integrity.
* **fall not away (Hebrew, _nâphal'_ H5307):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to fall," this verb in context refers to deserting, defecting, or abandoning one's post or allegiance. Jeremiah's statement, "I fall not away to the Chaldeans," is a categorical denial of the specific charge of treason. He is not defecting to the enemy; his attempt to leave Jerusalem is for a legitimate, divinely ordained purpose related to his family property in Anathoth, not to join the Babylonians.
* **hearkened not (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_ H8085):** This verb means "to hear intelligently," often implying attention, understanding, and crucially, obedience or belief. When the text states "he hearkened not to him," it indicates Irijah's deliberate refusal to listen to, believe, or accept Jeremiah's truthful explanation. This is not a simple failure to hear, but an active rejection of the truth, demonstrating a closed mind and perhaps a pre-existing bias or a desire to fulfill a political agenda by arresting the controversial prophet.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said Jeremiah, [It is] false;":** Upon being accused, Jeremiah's immediate response is a sharp, unequivocal denial. His declaration of "false" (Hebrew: _sheqer_) is a direct challenge to the veracity of the accusation, asserting that the charge against him is a lie.
* **"I fall not away to the Chaldeans.":** Jeremiah clarifies the nature of the falsehood, specifically refuting the charge of desertion or defection to the Babylonian forces. He explicitly states his loyalty and denies any intent to join the enemy, emphasizing the malicious and unfounded nature of Irijah's suspicion.
* **"But he hearkened not to him:":** This pivotal clause highlights the profound injustice. Despite Jeremiah's clear and truthful explanation, Irijah, the captain of the guard, deliberately refused to listen or believe him. This act of willful deafness underscores the predetermined nature of Jeremiah's arrest, driven by prejudice, fear, or political expediency rather than a fair assessment of the facts.
* **"so Irijah took Jeremiah, and brought him to the princes.":** The consequence of Irijah's refusal to listen is immediate and severe. Jeremiah is apprehended and delivered to the highest authorities in Jerusalem—the princes—who would then determine his fate, setting the stage for his subsequent imprisonment and further suffering.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Jeremiah, the prophet who consistently urged submission to Babylon as God's will, is ironically accused of being a defector to that very power. His divine message, intended for the nation's salvation, is twisted into an accusation of treason, highlighting the profound misunderstanding and spiritual blindness of the authorities. There is also a clear **Contrast** between Jeremiah's unwavering truthfulness and the deliberate falsehood and obstinacy of Irijah. Jeremiah speaks truth plainly, while Irijah's actions are driven by suspicion and a refusal to acknowledge reality. Furthermore, the scene serves as a subtle **Foreshadowing** of the greater suffering that Jeremiah will endure, as this arrest marks the beginning of a period of harsh confinement, symbolizing the rejection of God's word and His messenger by the very people he sought to save.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah's experience in this verse resonates deeply with the broader biblical theme of prophetic suffering and the cost of faithfulness in a world hostile to divine truth. His unjust accusation and subsequent arrest exemplify how God's messengers are often met with rejection, misunderstanding, and persecution, especially when their message challenges prevailing human wisdom or exposes sin. This episode underscores the tension between divine sovereignty, as God's word is proclaimed through His prophet, and human obstinacy, as that word is consistently resisted and the messenger unjustly treated. It highlights the inherent conflict between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world, where truth-tellers are frequently silenced or punished for disrupting the status quo. The refusal to "hearken" is not merely a personal slight but a symbolic act of national rebellion against God's ultimate authority.

* [Matthew 5:10-12](/matthew/5-10 "Matthew 5:10-12 - Blessed Are the Persecuted")
* [Psalm 35:11](/psalms/35-11 "Psalm 35:11 - False Witnesses Rise Up")
* [John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 37:14 offers profound lessons for believers navigating a world that often resists truth and integrity. Jeremiah's steadfastness in the face of a baseless accusation reminds us that speaking God's truth, even when unpopular or inconvenient, can lead to misunderstanding, ridicule, or even direct persecution. We are called to maintain our integrity and allegiance to Christ, even when our motives are questioned or our actions misinterpreted by those around us. This passage encourages us to persevere in truth-telling and righteous living, understanding that faithfulness to God may sometimes entail personal suffering or injustice, just as it did for Jeremiah. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we quick to "hearken" to truth, even when it's uncomfortable, or do we, like Irijah, allow prejudice or self-interest to blind us to reality? Ultimately, Jeremiah's ordeal reinforces the spiritual principle that our ultimate vindication comes not from human approval but from God, who sees and knows all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you respond when your integrity is questioned or you face false accusations for standing by your convictions?**
* **In what ways might we, like Irijah, be prone to "not hearkening" to truth, especially when it challenges our preconceived notions or desires?**
* **What does Jeremiah's steadfastness teach us about enduring suffering for the sake of God's truth in our own lives?**

### FAQ
**Why was Jeremiah accused of deserting to the Chaldeans?**

Answer: Jeremiah was accused of deserting to the Chaldeans primarily because his prophetic message consistently urged Judah to surrender to Babylon, stating that this was God's will and the only path to avoid complete destruction. This message was deeply unpopular and seen by many, especially the ruling elite, as treasonous or pro-Babylonian. His attempt to leave Jerusalem during a temporary lifting of the siege, even for a legitimate personal reason (to claim family property in Anathoth, as instructed by God in [Jeremiah 32:6-7](/jeremiah/32-6 "Jeremiah 32:6-7 - Jeremiah Buys a Field")), was easily misinterpreted or deliberately twisted by those who were suspicious of him or sought to silence his unwelcome prophecies.

**Who was Irijah, and what was his role in this event?**

Answer: Irijah is identified as a "captain of the guard" (or "captain of the gate" in some translations), specifically at the Benjamin Gate. His role was to oversee security and control movement in and out of the city. In this instance, he was the one who intercepted Jeremiah as the prophet attempted to leave Jerusalem. Irijah was the individual who leveled the false accusation of desertion against Jeremiah and, despite Jeremiah's vehement denial, refused to listen to his explanation. His refusal to "hearken" to Jeremiah's truth directly led to Jeremiah's arrest and delivery to the princes, initiating a period of harsh imprisonment for the prophet.

**What happened to Jeremiah immediately after this arrest?**

Answer: Immediately after his arrest by Irijah and being brought to the princes, Jeremiah was subjected to severe treatment. The princes, who were likely already prejudiced against him due to his unpopular prophecies, were enraged. They beat Jeremiah and then imprisoned him in the house of Jonathan the scribe, which had been converted into a dungeon (as described in [Jeremiah 37:15](/jeremiah/37-15 "Jeremiah 37:15 - Jeremiah Imprisoned")). This marked the beginning of a period of significant suffering and confinement for the prophet.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah's experience in Jeremiah 37:14 profoundly foreshadows the unjust suffering and false accusations endured by Jesus Christ. Like Jeremiah, Jesus was a prophet who spoke God's truth to a people who largely refused to "hearken" to Him (cf. [John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")). He, too, was falsely accused of treason against the state, with charges like claiming to be King of the Jews, which was interpreted as sedition against Caesar (cf. [John 19:12](/john/19-12 "John 19:12 - Pilate Seeks to Release Jesus")). Just as Jeremiah was seized and brought before the princes, Jesus was arrested and delivered to the Jewish authorities and then to Pilate, the Roman governor, for judgment (cf. [Matthew 26:57](/matthew/26-57 "Matthew 26:57 - Jesus Before the Sanhedrin") and [Matthew 27:2](/matthew/27-2 "Matthew 27:2 - Jesus Delivered to Pilate")). Both prophets faced an unyielding refusal to believe their truthful testimonies, leading to their condemnation and suffering. Jeremiah's unjust imprisonment for speaking God's word finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's crucifixion, the supreme act of suffering for righteousness, through which He bore the false accusations and sins of humanity, becoming the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, Jeremiah's ordeal serves as a poignant type of the greater suffering of the Messiah, whose innocent blood was shed for the redemption of all who believe.

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 40:4

And now, behold, I loose thee this day from the chains which [were] upon thine hand. If it seem good unto thee to come with me into Babylon, come; and I will look well unto thee: but if it seem ill unto thee to come with me into Babylon, forbear: behold, all the land [is] before thee: whither it seemeth good and convenient for thee to go, thither go.

Jeremiah 40:6

Then went Jeremiah unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam to Mizpah; and dwelt with him among the people that were left in the land.

Psalms 52:1

¶ To the chief Musician, Maschil, [A Psalm] of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said unto him, David is come to the house of Ahimelech. Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God [endureth] continually.

Psalms 52:2

Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.

Matthew 5:11

Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you, and persecute [you], and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Matthew 5:12

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great [is] your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Psalms 27:12

Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.