Jeremiah 37:15

KJV

Wherefore the princes were wroth with Jeremiah, and smote him, and put him in prison in the house of Jonathan the scribe: for they had made that the prison.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore the princes {H8269} were wroth {H7107} with Jeremiah {H3414}, and smote {H5221} him, and put {H5414} him in prison {H612} in the house {H1004} of Jonathan {H3083} the scribe {H5608}: for they had made {H6213} that the prison {H3608}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The officials, furious with Yirmeyahu, had him beaten and jailed in the house of Y'honatan the secretary, which had been made over into a prison.

Berean Standard Bible

The officials were angry with Jeremiah, and they beat him and placed him in jail in the house of Jonathan the scribe, for it had been made into a prison.

American Standard Version

And the princes were wroth with Jeremiah, and smote him, and put him in prison in the house of Jonathan the scribe; for they had made that the prison.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 37:15 vividly recounts a pivotal and harrowing moment in the prophet Jeremiah's ministry: his unjust arrest, physical assault, and subsequent imprisonment by the enraged Judean princes. Accused falsely of desertion during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, Jeremiah was subjected to a beating and confined in a makeshift prison, the converted house of Jonathan the scribe. This incident starkly illustrates the severe persecution Jeremiah endured for his unwavering faithfulness in delivering God's unpopular message of impending judgment and the necessity of submission to Babylon.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 37 is strategically placed within a narrative sequence that details the escalating tension between Jeremiah and Judah's leadership during the final siege of Jerusalem. Immediately preceding this verse, the Babylonian siege had been temporarily lifted due to the advance of Pharaoh's army from Egypt, instilling a false sense of hope among the Judeans (compare [Jeremiah 37:5](/jeremiah/37-5 "Jeremiah 37:5 - Siege Temporarily Lifted")). Jeremiah, however, had unequivocally prophesied that the Babylonians would return, conquer the city, and that the Egyptian intervention would prove futile ([Jeremiah 37:7-10](/jeremiah/37-7-10 "Jeremiah 37:7-10 - Jeremiah's Prophecy of Return and Futile Egyptian Aid")). It is in this volatile atmosphere that Jeremiah attempts to leave Jerusalem to go to his ancestral home in Anathoth ([Jeremiah 37:12](/jeremiah/37-12 "Jeremiah 37:12 - Jeremiah's Journey to Anathoth")). He is intercepted at the Benjamin Gate by a captain, Irijah, who, without evidence, accuses him of defecting to the Chaldeans ([Jeremiah 37:13](/jeremiah/37-13 "Jeremiah 37:13 - False Accusation of Desertion")). Despite Jeremiah's fervent denial, he is brought before the powerful "princes" ([Jeremiah 37:14](/jeremiah/37-14 "Jeremiah 37:14 - Jeremiah Brought Before the Princes")), setting the stage for the unjust actions described in verse 15. This verse marks a significant escalation in Jeremiah's suffering, transitioning from verbal opposition to brutal physical violence and incarceration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Jeremiah 37 unfold during the tumultuous reign of King Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, as Jerusalem faced its ultimate demise at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian army. The political landscape was fraught with internal divisions: one faction, including many of the "princes," advocated for resistance against Babylon and reliance on an Egyptian alliance, while Jeremiah, guided by divine revelation, insisted on submission to Babylon as God's decreed instrument of judgment. Jeremiah's message was widely perceived as unpatriotic, demoralizing, and even treasonous by the nationalistic elite. The "princes" were high-ranking officials in Zedekiah's court, wielding significant power and often acting as the primary antagonists to Jeremiah's prophetic ministry. Their decision to imprison Jeremiah in "the house of Jonathan the scribe" is particularly revealing. This was not a formal, established prison but a private dwelling, indicating an ad-hoc, perhaps desperate, measure to silence the prophet. Scribes in ancient Judah were often influential figures, serving in administrative, legal, and even diplomatic capacities within the royal court, suggesting Jonathan's house would have been a place of some prominence, now repurposed to suppress a dissenting voice. This act underscores the arbitrary and chaotic nature of justice in a kingdom spiraling towards collapse, where political expediency trumped righteous judgment.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 37:15 powerfully encapsulates several profound themes woven throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it starkly illustrates the **persecution of God's messengers**. Jeremiah's suffering is a quintessential example of how prophets, who faithfully deliver uncomfortable truths, are often met with hostility, rejection, and violence by those who refuse to hear God's word (cf. [Luke 11:49-51](/luke/11-49-51 "Luke 11:49-51 - Jesus Condemns Those Who Persecuted the Prophets")). His experience underscores the cost of prophetic faithfulness. Secondly, the verse exposes the deep-seated **injustice and corruption** within Judah's leadership. Jeremiah was innocent of the charge of desertion, yet he was unjustly beaten and imprisoned, revealing a ruling class that prioritized its own anger, political agenda, and nationalistic pride over truth, righteousness, and divine revelation. This moral and spiritual decay among the leaders was a primary catalyst for Judah's impending judgment. Lastly, despite Jeremiah's physical confinement, the passage implicitly speaks to **God's unwavering sovereignty amidst human opposition**. Though the prophet was imprisoned, God's word would not be bound, nor would His ultimate plan for Judah be thwarted. Jeremiah's continued suffering and steadfastness demonstrate his profound **faithfulness under duress**, serving as a powerful testament to his commitment to God's difficult and often painful call, a faithfulness that echoes the steadfastness of other persecuted figures in Scripture, such as [Joseph](/genesis/39-20 "Genesis 39:20 - Joseph in Prison") or [Paul](/acts/16-23-24 "Acts 16:23-24 - Paul and Silas Imprisoned").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **princes (Hebrew, _sar'_):** This word (H8269) denotes a "head person (of any rank or class)," signifying a high-ranking official, chief, or ruler. In this context, it refers to the powerful political and administrative leaders of Judah, members of King Zedekiah's court. Their collective action against Jeremiah highlights that the prophet's persecution was not merely individual animosity but institutional opposition sanctioned by the highest echelons of power, demonstrating the widespread rejection of God's message among the elite.
* **wroth (Hebrew, _qâtsaph'_):** The Hebrew term (H7107) means "to crack off," or figuratively, "to burst out in rage" or "to be angry/wroth." It conveys a strong, intense emotional hostility and indignation. This indicates that the princes' actions were driven by profound fury and resentment towards Jeremiah, likely fueled by his consistently unpopular prophecies of national doom and his call for submission to Babylon, which they perceived as treasonous and humiliating.
* **prison (Hebrew, _keleʼ'_):** This word (H3608) refers to "a prison" or "bond," specifically implying manacles or restraints for a prisoner (compare H612, _ʼêçûwr_, also translated as "prison" or "bond"). Its use here emphasizes the physical confinement and severe restriction of freedom Jeremiah experienced. This marks a significant escalation from verbal opposition to actual incarceration and physical suffering, symbolizing the desperate measures taken by the authorities to silence the prophet.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore the princes were wroth with Jeremiah":** This opening clause establishes the emotional catalyst for the subsequent actions. The "princes" (high-ranking officials) were consumed by intense anger ("wroth") towards Jeremiah. This wrath stemmed from the prophet's unwavering proclamation of God's judgment and his counsel to surrender to Babylon, which directly contradicted their political strategies and nationalistic pride, leading them to view him as a traitor.
* **"and smote him":** This phrase details the physical violence inflicted upon Jeremiah. The Hebrew verb implies a striking or beating, indicating that the princes did not merely order his imprisonment but also subjected him to physical abuse. This act underscores the depth of their malice, their disregard for justice, and the brutality with which they sought to punish the prophet for his inconvenient truths.
* **"and put him in prison":** This describes the act of confinement, signifying Jeremiah's loss of liberty and his transition from an active public prophet to an incarcerated one. This imprisonment was a direct consequence of the princes' anger and their desire to neutralize Jeremiah's influence, marking a critical turning point in his ministry and personal suffering.
* **"in the house of Jonathan the scribe: for they had made that the prison":** This final clause specifies the unusual location of Jeremiah's imprisonment and explains its nature. Being confined in a private dwelling, rather than a formal, established jail, highlights the arbitrary and ad-hoc character of the "justice" meted out by the princes. It suggests a desperate and immediate measure to silence Jeremiah, transforming a place of learning or administration (a scribe's house) into a place of confinement, thereby symbolizing the perversion of order, law, and truth by the corrupt leadership.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 37:15 employs several potent literary devices to underscore its message. Most notably, **Irony** pervades the verse, as the prophet of God, who faithfully speaks divine truth and warns of impending judgment for the nation's sins, is treated as a criminal, subjected to physical abuse, and unjustly imprisoned by the very leaders he seeks to warn. This profound reversal of roles highlights the spiritual blindness and moral decay of Judah's elite. The verse also utilizes **Symbolism**: the "prison" itself, particularly a makeshift one in a scribe's house, symbolizes not only Jeremiah's physical confinement but also the spiritual bondage and moral corruption of the leadership. By rejecting God's word and persecuting His messenger, they have effectively imprisoned themselves in their own defiance and folly, sealing their nation's fate. Furthermore, Jeremiah's suffering in this verse serves as **Foreshadowing**, pointing forward to the greater suffering of the ultimate Prophet, Jesus Christ, who would similarly be rejected, falsely accused, beaten, and imprisoned by the religious and political authorities of His time for delivering God's truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah's unjust suffering in Jeremiah 37:15 resonates deeply with the broader biblical theme of prophetic persecution and the profound cost of faithfulness to God's word. His experience powerfully illustrates that speaking God's truth, especially when it challenges prevailing norms, exposes sin, or contradicts comfortable illusions, frequently invites intense opposition, rejection, and even physical harm. This verse serves as a sobering reminder that God's messengers are often met with hostility by those who refuse to acknowledge their sin or God's sovereign judgment. Yet, even in confinement, God's word is not bound, and His purposes continue to unfold, demonstrating His unwavering sovereignty and faithfulness even amidst human injustice and suffering. Jeremiah's steadfastness in the face of such adversity foreshadows the enduring nature of God's truth and the ultimate triumph of His will.

* [Matthew 5:12](/matthew/5-12 "Matthew 5:12 - Blessed are the Persecuted for Righteousness' Sake")
* [Acts 7:52](/acts/7-52 "Acts 7:52 - Stephen's Rebuke of Those Who Persecuted the Prophets")
* [1 Peter 4:16](/1_peter/4-16 "1 Peter 4:16 - Suffering as a Christian for Christ's Name")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 37:15 offers profound and challenging lessons for believers today, particularly concerning the nature of faithfulness in a world often hostile to divine truth. Jeremiah's steadfastness in the face of false accusations, physical abuse, and unjust imprisonment serves as a powerful model of unyielding endurance and integrity. We are called to examine our own hearts and ask if we are willing to stand for God's truth, as revealed in Scripture, even when it is unpopular, inconvenient, or carries a personal cost. This passage reminds us that opposition is not necessarily a sign of being outside God's will; rather, it can be an expected consequence of living a prophetic life, speaking truth to power, and challenging the status quo. It compels us to discern the motives behind resistance to truth, whether in society, within our communities, or even within our own hearts, and to resist the temptation to compromise our convictions for comfort, acceptance, or worldly gain. Ultimately, Jeremiah's experience encourages us to trust implicitly in God's sovereign hand, knowing that even in moments of profound injustice and suffering, He remains faithful, His purposes will prevail, and He can use our trials to refine our character, deepen our faith, and amplify His eternal message.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond when God's truth, as revealed in Scripture, directly challenges my personal comfort, my cultural norms, or the prevailing opinions around me?**
* **In what specific ways might I be tempted to compromise my biblical convictions to avoid opposition, gain approval, or maintain peace at any cost?**
* **How can Jeremiah's experience of unjust suffering strengthen my trust in God's sovereignty and His ultimate justice during my own trials or moments of perceived injustice?**
* **What does it truly mean to be a "prophetic voice" for Christ in my sphere of influence today, and what potential costs might that entail for me personally?**

### FAQ
**Why were the princes so angry with Jeremiah?**

Answer: The princes were deeply "wroth" with Jeremiah primarily because his prophetic messages directly contradicted their political strategies, nationalistic aspirations, and their desire for self-preservation. Jeremiah consistently prophesied that Jerusalem would fall to Babylon and urged submission to Nebuchadnezzar, declaring him to be God's instrument of judgment ([Jeremiah 37:7-10](/jeremiah/37-7-10 "Jeremiah 37:7-10 - Jeremiah's Prophecy of Return and Futile Egyptian Aid")). This message was perceived as treasonous, demoralizing, and an affront to their national pride, especially as the princes hoped for deliverance through an alliance with Egypt. His warnings exposed their spiritual blindness and political folly, leading to intense personal and institutional animosity and a desire to silence him.

**What was the significance of being imprisoned in "the house of Jonathan the scribe"?**

Answer: Being imprisoned in "the house of Jonathan the scribe" rather than a formal, established jail highlights the ad-hoc and arbitrary nature of Jeremiah's detention. It suggests that the princes acted quickly and decisively to silence him, converting a private dwelling—likely a place associated with learning, administration, or legal affairs given Jonathan's role as a scribe—into a makeshift prison. This indicates either a lack of established correctional facilities or, more likely, the urgent and informal way in which the authorities sought to neutralize a perceived threat without the formalities of a proper legal process. It underscores the chaotic and unjust conditions prevalent in Jerusalem during the siege, where the rule of law was subverted by the whims of powerful, angry officials.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 37:15, detailing the prophet's unjust rejection, physical beating, and imprisonment for faithfully speaking God's truth, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate suffering of Jesus Christ, the perfect Prophet and Son of God. Jeremiah, a faithful messenger despised and afflicted by the very people he sought to warn, embodies a pattern that finds its perfect and climactic fulfillment in the person of Jesus. Like Jeremiah, Jesus was rejected by His own people ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - Jesus Rejected by His Own")), falsely accused by religious and political leaders ([Mark 14:55-64](/mark/14-55-64 "Mark 14:55-64 - False Accusations Against Jesus")), subjected to brutal physical abuse and beatings ([Mark 15:15](/mark/15-15 "Mark 15:15 - Jesus Scourged")), and ultimately handed over for imprisonment and execution ([Matthew 27:1-2](/matthew/27-1-2 "Matthew 27:1-2 - Jesus Delivered to Pilate")). Both prophets endured immense suffering for faithfully delivering God's message of judgment and salvation. Jeremiah's confinement could not silence God's word, just as Christ's crucifixion, though seemingly a defeat, led to the ultimate triumph over sin and death, fulfilling the ancient prophecies of the suffering servant ([Isaiah 53:3-5](/isaiah/53-3-5 "Isaiah 53:3-5 - The Suffering Servant")). In Jesus, we see the perfect embodiment of the persecuted prophet, whose unjust suffering became the means of our eternal salvation and the ultimate demonstration of God's redemptive plan.

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 38:26

Then thou shalt say unto them, I presented my supplication before the king, that he would not cause me to return to Jonathan's house, to die there.

2 Chronicles 16:10

Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for [he was] in a rage with him because of this [thing]. And Asa oppressed [some] of the people the same time.

2 Chronicles 18:26

And say, Thus saith the king, Put this [fellow] in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I return in peace.

Acts 5:18

And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.

Jeremiah 20:1

¶ Now Pashur the son of Immer the priest, who [was] also chief governor in the house of the LORD, heard that Jeremiah prophesied these things.

Jeremiah 20:3

And it came to pass on the morrow, that Pashur brought forth Jeremiah out of the stocks. Then said Jeremiah unto him, The LORD hath not called thy name Pashur, but Magormissabib.

Genesis 39:20

And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners [were] bound: and he was there in the prison.