Jeremiah 38:1

¶ Then Shephatiah the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah the son of Pashur, and Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashur the son of Malchiah, heard the words that Jeremiah had spoken unto all the people, saying,

Then Shephatiah {H8203} the son {H1121} of Mattan {H4977}, and Gedaliah {H1436} the son {H1121} of Pashur {H6583}, and Jucal {H3116} the son {H1121} of Shelemiah {H8018}, and Pashur {H6583} the son {H1121} of Malchiah {H4441}, heard {H8085} the words {H1697} that Jeremiah {H3414} had spoken {H1696} unto all the people {H5971}, saying {H559},

But Sh'fatyah the son of Mattan, G'dalyahu the son of Pash'chur, Yukhal the son of Shelemyahu and Pash'chur the son of Malkiyah heard these words which Yirmeyahu had said to all the people,

Now Shephatiah son of Mattan, Gedaliah son of Pashhur, Jucal son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur son of Malchijah heard that Jeremiah had been telling all the people:

And Shephatiah the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah the son of Pashhur, and Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur the son of Malchijah, heard the words that Jeremiah spake unto all the people, saying,

Jeremiah 38:1 introduces us to a critical moment in the life and ministry of the prophet Jeremiah, setting the stage for his intense persecution. This verse names four prominent officials who heard Jeremiah’s unpopular prophecies, leading directly to his further imprisonment and suffering.

Context of Jeremiah 38:1

This verse is situated in the turbulent final years of the Kingdom of Judah, specifically during the reign of King Zedekiah. Jeremiah had been consistently prophesying Jerusalem's imminent fall to the Babylonian army and urging the people, including the king and officials, to surrender to Babylon as God's judgment for their persistent idolatry and disobedience. His message was deeply unpopular and seen as treasonous. The officials named—Shephatiah, Gedaliah, Jucal, and Pashur—were influential figures, likely part of the court or religious establishment, who opposed Jeremiah's counsel and viewed him as undermining national morale. Their hearing of his words is the immediate catalyst for the events that follow, where they seek to silence him.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Opposition to God's Word: The primary theme is the deep-seated resistance to God's divinely inspired message when it contradicts human desires or political agendas. These officials represent the prevailing sentiment among Jerusalem's leadership, who refused to acknowledge the impending judgment.
  • Persecution of Prophets: Jeremiah’s life is a poignant example of the persecution faced by those who faithfully deliver God’s unwelcome truths. This verse initiates another phase of his suffering, echoing the experiences of many prophets throughout biblical history who were rejected and mistreated for their unwavering message (Matthew 5:12).
  • Unpopular Truth: Jeremiah's call for surrender ("He that remaineth in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth forth to the Chaldeans shall live;") was a stark and humiliating truth. This verse highlights the human tendency to reject uncomfortable realities, especially when they challenge national pride or personal comfort.

Linguistic Insights

The names themselves carry some significance. For example, Pashur (son of Malchiah, distinct from Pashur son of Immer mentioned elsewhere) was a prominent official who had previously persecuted Jeremiah (cf. Jeremiah 20:1-2). The phrase "heard the words that Jeremiah had spoken" emphasizes that these officials were fully aware of Jeremiah's prophecies, leaving no room for misunderstanding regarding his message about divine judgment and the path to survival.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 38:1 serves as a timeless reminder of the challenges faced when God's truth confronts human stubbornness and self-interest. It compels us to consider:

  • Are we open to hearing uncomfortable truths, even when they challenge our preconceived notions or popular opinions?
  • Do we stand with those who speak God's word, even if it brings them persecution, or do we align with those who seek to silence it?
  • The verse underscores that faithfulness to God's calling often involves enduring opposition, yet the ultimate vindication belongs to God and His messengers, as seen in the broader narrative of Jeremiah's ministry and the eventual fall of Jerusalem, just as he prophesied.
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.

  • Acts 4:6

    And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.

  • Acts 4:10

    Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, [even] by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

  • Acts 4:1

    ¶ And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,

  • Acts 4:2

    Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

  • Acts 5:28

    Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

  • Nehemiah 7:9

    The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two.

  • Nehemiah 11:12

    And their brethren that did the work of the house [were] eight hundred twenty and two: and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashur, the son of Malchiah,

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