Jeremiah 37:16

When Jeremiah was entered into the dungeon, and into the cabins, and Jeremiah had remained there many days;

When Jeremiah {H3414} was entered {H935} into the dungeon {H1004}{H953}, and into the cabins {H2588}, and Jeremiah {H3414} had remained {H3427} there many {H7227} days {H3117};

The cistern had been made into a dungeon, and Yirmeyahu was put in one of its cells; there he remained for a long time.

So Jeremiah went into a cell in the dungeon and remained there a long time.

When Jeremiah was come into the dungeon-house, and into the cells, and Jeremiah had remained there many days;

Jeremiah 37:16 provides a stark glimpse into the severe persecution faced by the prophet Jeremiah during one of the most tumultuous periods in Judah's history. This verse marks a significant downturn in Jeremiah's personal circumstances, as he is confined to a harsh prison environment, highlighting the immense suffering he endured for faithfully delivering God's message.

Context

This verse is set during the final siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonian (Chaldean) army under King Nebuchadnezzar. King Zedekiah, a puppet king installed by Babylon, initially sought Jeremiah's counsel but ultimately proved weak and indecisive. Jeremiah's message was consistently unpopular: he prophesied that Jerusalem would fall and urged surrender to Babylon, a message seen as treasonous by the officials and many people. Just prior to this verse, the Chaldean army temporarily withdrew due to an approaching Egyptian force, leading many in Jerusalem to believe the siege was over. Jeremiah attempted to leave the city to go to his hometown of Anathoth, perhaps to attend to personal matters or to escape the famine, but he was apprehended by a captain named Irijah, who accused him of deserting to the Chaldeans (Jeremiah 37:13). Despite Jeremiah's denial, he was beaten and imprisoned in the house of Jonathan the scribe, which had been converted into a prison.

Key Themes

  • Prophetic Suffering: Jeremiah is often called the "weeping prophet" due to the profound sorrow and hardship he experienced. This verse vividly illustrates the physical suffering and imprisonment he endured for speaking God's unpopular truth, a common theme for many biblical prophets.
  • Persecution for Truth: The verse underscores the intense opposition and persecution faced by those who faithfully deliver God's message, especially when that message challenges the prevailing political, social, or religious narratives.
  • Imprisonment and Confinement: Jeremiah's entry into the "dungeon" and "cabins" signifies a loss of freedom and severe restriction, a recurring motif in the lives of many of God's messengers.
  • Faithfulness Amidst Adversity: Despite his harsh confinement, Jeremiah continued to receive and deliver God's word, demonstrating remarkable steadfastness and obedience even in the face of extreme discomfort and danger.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrases "the dungeon" and "the cabins" are significant:

  • "Dungeon" (Hebrew: בּוֹר, bor): This term often refers to a pit, cistern, or well. Such places were frequently adapted for use as prisons, being dark, damp, and often unsanitary. They were typically difficult to escape from and designed for severe confinement.
  • "Cabins" (Hebrew: חֲנוּיוֹת, chanuyot): This word refers to vaulted cells, chambers, or perhaps even guardrooms within the prison complex. It suggests individual cells or sections within the larger prison structure, implying a more structured, though still oppressive, form of confinement. This was not merely a temporary holding cell but a place for prolonged detention, as indicated by "Jeremiah had remained there many days."

Cross-References & Significance

This imprisonment is one of several instances of Jeremiah's suffering. He was also placed in stocks (Jeremiah 20:2) and later thrown into a miry cistern, nearly dying (Jeremiah 38:6). His experiences mirror the challenges faced by many who are called to speak uncomfortable truths, reminding us of the cost of prophetic ministry. Despite his physical suffering, Jeremiah's spirit remained unbroken, and God continued to use him as His voice to King Zedekiah and the people of Judah.

Practical Application

Jeremiah's experience in the dungeon offers profound lessons for believers today:

  • Perseverance in Truth: It reminds us that speaking God's truth may not always be popular and can lead to opposition or hardship. Jeremiah's example encourages us to persevere in our convictions, even when facing discomfort or isolation.
  • God's Presence in Trials: Even in the darkest "dungeon" of life, God is present. Jeremiah's story assures us that God does not abandon His servants in their trials but continues to work through them, even in confined and difficult circumstances.
  • The Cost of Discipleship: Following God faithfully can come at a personal cost, as seen in Jeremiah's life. This verse calls us to consider our willingness to endure hardship for the sake of the Gospel and God's kingdom.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Jeremiah 38:6

    Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah the son of Hammelech, that [was] in the court of the prison: and they let down Jeremiah with cords. And in the dungeon [there was] no water, but mire: so Jeremiah sunk in the mire.

  • Jeremiah 38:10

    Then the king commanded Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Take from hence thirty men with thee, and take up Jeremiah the prophet out of the dungeon, before he die.

  • Jeremiah 38:13

    So they drew up Jeremiah with cords, and took him up out of the dungeon: and Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison.

  • Lamentations 3:55

    ¶ I called upon thy name, O LORD, out of the low dungeon.

  • Genesis 40:15

    For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.

  • Lamentations 3:53

    They have cut off my life in the dungeon, and cast a stone upon me.

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