Jeremiah 38:15

KJV

Then Jeremiah said unto Zedekiah, If I declare [it] unto thee, wilt thou not surely put me to death? and if I give thee counsel, wilt thou not hearken unto me?

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Jeremiah {H3414} said {H559} unto Zedekiah {H6667}, If I declare {H5046} it unto thee, wilt thou not surely {H4191} put me to death {H4191}? and if I give thee counsel {H3289}, wilt thou not hearken {H8085} unto me?

Complete Jewish Bible

Yirmeyahu said to Tzidkiyahu, "If I do say it to you, won't you have me put to death? And if I give you counsel, you won't listen to me."

Berean Standard Bible

“If I tell you,” Jeremiah replied, “you will surely put me to death. And even if I give you advice, you will not listen to me.”

American Standard Version

Then Jeremiah said unto Zedekiah, If I declare it unto thee, wilt thou not surely put me to death? and if I give thee counsel, thou wilt not hearken unto me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 38:15 captures a moment of profound weariness and skepticism from the prophet Jeremiah towards King Zedekiah. Imprisoned and repeatedly persecuted for delivering God's unpopular message of surrender, Jeremiah confronts the king with a poignant question: will Zedekiah truly listen and obey the divine counsel, or will he, as he has consistently done, reject it and potentially condemn Jeremiah to death, driven by fear of his officials and the people? This exchange highlights the tragic futility of offering life-saving truth to a heart unwilling to receive it, set against the backdrop of Jerusalem's desperate final days.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated in the climactic final chapters of the book of Jeremiah, specifically during the intense Babylonian siege of Jerusalem (c. 588-586 BC). Jeremiah has consistently prophesied that Judah's only hope for survival is to surrender to Babylon, a message deeply unpopular with the king's officials and the populace. Just prior to this exchange, Jeremiah had been unjustly cast into a miry dungeon by the princes, from which he was rescued by the intervention of Ebed-Melech, an Ethiopian eunuch, at the king's private request ([Jeremiah 38:6](/jeremiah/38-6 "Jeremiah Thrown into the Dungeon")). This rescue, however, did not signify a change in Zedekiah's heart or resolve. The king's summoning of Jeremiah in secret, as seen in [Jeremiah 37:17](/jeremiah/37-17 "Zedekiah Secretly Consults Jeremiah") and again here in [Jeremiah 38:14](/jeremiah/38-14 "Zedekiah Secretly Asks Jeremiah for a Word"), underscores his indecisiveness and fear of his own officials, setting the stage for Jeremiah's skeptical inquiry about the king's true intentions and willingness to heed divine counsel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is dire: Jerusalem is under siege by Nebuchadnezzar's forces, facing starvation and imminent destruction. King Zedekiah, installed by Babylon as a puppet ruler, had rebelled against them, leading to this devastating siege. Culturally, prophets like Jeremiah held a unique, divinely appointed role, yet their messages were often met with resistance, especially when they contradicted popular sentiment or political aspirations. The king's dilemma was acute: obey God's prophet and surrender, facing the wrath of his own officials and the perceived humiliation of capitulation, or resist, clinging to a false hope of deliverance. This period was marked by political intrigue, famine, and a profound spiritual crisis as the nation grappled with the consequences of generations of disobedience.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 38:15 vividly encapsulates several pervasive themes within the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the **persecution of prophets** who faithfully deliver God's uncompromising word, often at great personal cost. Jeremiah's life is a testament to the suffering endured by those who speak truth to power. Secondly, the verse underscores **Zedekiah's profound indecision and fear of man**, a recurring motif throughout his reign. He frequently sought Jeremiah's counsel in secret but consistently failed to act upon it publicly, driven by his fear of his officials and the people ([Jeremiah 38:19](/jeremiah/38-19 "Zedekiah's Fear of His Officials")). Thirdly, it probes the **nature of true hearing and obedience**, questioning the value of counsel when the recipient is unwilling to genuinely "hearken" or act upon it. Finally, the tragic consequences of **rejecting divine counsel** are implicitly foreshadowed, as Zedekiah's persistent refusal to obey Jeremiah's prophecies ultimately led to the catastrophic fall of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile ([Jeremiah 39:1](/jeremiah/39-1 "The Fall of Jerusalem")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **declare (Hebrew, _nâgad'_):** This primitive root means "to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to one present); specifically, to expose, predict, explain, praise." Jeremiah's question uses this word to emphasize a direct, unreserved revelation of God's message. He is not merely speaking but "declaring" a truth that stands in stark opposition to Zedekiah's current course and the popular narrative.
* **put me to death (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill." This word underscores the extreme peril Jeremiah faced. His prophetic declarations were not just unpopular; they were considered treasonous by the princes, and they had already sought his death. Jeremiah's question is a stark reminder of the lethal consequences of speaking God's truth to a hostile and powerful audience.
* **hearken (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)." This is a crucial word in biblical theology. It implies far more than simply perceiving sound; it means to listen with understanding, to pay careful attention, and most importantly, to obey. Jeremiah's question is not whether Zedekiah will physically hear the words, but whether he will truly internalize them, believe them, and act upon them—a challenge Zedekiah had consistently failed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Jeremiah said unto Zedekiah,"**: This opening clause sets the scene for a direct, personal confrontation between the prophet and the king. It highlights the intimate, yet fraught, nature of their relationship, often conducted in secret due to Zedekiah's fear of his officials.
* **"If I declare [it] unto thee, wilt thou not surely put me to death?"**: This is Jeremiah's first rhetorical question, born of bitter experience. It reveals his awareness of the king's past betrayals and the lethal danger he faced. The phrase "surely put me to death" emphasizes the certainty of the threat, not merely a possibility, given how his previous prophecies had been received and the attempts on his life. Jeremiah is testing Zedekiah's trustworthiness and sincerity before revealing any further divine counsel.
* **"and if I give thee counsel, wilt thou not hearken unto me?"**: This second rhetorical question deepens the prophet's skepticism. Jeremiah is not just concerned for his life, but also for the efficacy of his divine mission. He questions whether Zedekiah possesses the genuine willingness to "hearken" (obey) the counsel, even if his life is spared. This probes the king's moral and spiritual integrity, recognizing that mere listening without obedience is ultimately futile and leads to greater condemnation.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 38:15 is rich in **Rhetorical Question**, a primary literary device employed by Jeremiah. The prophet asks two questions not to elicit new information, but to underscore the king's character flaws and the tragic futility of their interaction. These questions serve to highlight Zedekiah's proven untrustworthiness and indecisiveness. There is also a powerful sense of **Irony** present: the prophet, who speaks God's truth for the nation's salvation, is the one threatened with death by the very leader he seeks to save. Conversely, the king, who should be a protector and a listener to divine wisdom, is depicted as weak, fearful, and unwilling to truly heed counsel. This dialogue also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at Zedekiah's continued failure to act decisively on God's word, which will ultimately lead to Jerusalem's downfall. The entire exchange is a poignant **Dialogue**, revealing the deep tension, distrust, and desperation that characterize the final days of Judah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 38:15 stands as a stark testament to the challenging nature of divine communication and human reception. The prophet's weary question encapsulates the persistent biblical theme of humanity's resistance to God's truth, even when that truth offers salvation. It highlights the profound difference between merely hearing words and truly "hearkening" to them—a distinction that separates superficial acknowledgment from transformative obedience. Theologically, it speaks to God's patient yet persistent pursuit of His people, offering clear guidance even in the face of their stubborn rebellion. Jeremiah's suffering mirrors the plight of many prophets throughout history, whose faithfulness to God's unwelcome message often led to persecution, underscoring the cost of prophetic ministry and the divine imperative to speak truth regardless of consequence. This verse also implicitly warns against the spiritual danger of indecision and the fear of man, which can paralyze individuals and nations, preventing them from embracing God's will and leading to devastating outcomes.

* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "To Obey is Better Than Sacrifice"): "And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams."
* [Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Jerusalem, Who Kills the Prophets"): "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!"
* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge"): "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 38:15 resonates deeply with contemporary challenges, calling us to examine our own posture toward divine truth and difficult counsel. Like Zedekiah, we often find ourselves caught between what we know to be right and the pressures of popular opinion, personal comfort, or fear of negative consequences. Jeremiah's courage, even in his weariness, reminds us that faithfulness to God's word often requires speaking uncomfortable truths, whether to ourselves, our communities, or those in authority. The king's tragic indecision serves as a potent warning against procrastination and the spiritual peril of hearing without truly hearkening. True wisdom and spiritual growth are not found in merely acquiring information, but in humbly receiving and obediently acting upon God's counsel, even when it challenges our preconceived notions or demands costly sacrifice. This verse urges us to cultivate a heart that is not only open to hearing but genuinely committed to obeying, recognizing that our ultimate well-being depends on our responsiveness to divine guidance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you most prone to "hear" God's word but struggle to "hearken" (obey) it?**
* **How does the fear of others' opinions or potential negative consequences influence your willingness to speak or act on truth?**
* **What steps can you take to cultivate a more obedient and responsive heart to God's counsel, even when it is difficult?**
* **Reflect on a time when you received uncomfortable but necessary counsel. How did you respond, and what were the outcomes?**

### FAQ
**Why was Jeremiah so hesitant to speak to Zedekiah in this verse?**

Answer: Jeremiah's hesitation was not born of personal cowardice but of a profound and painful understanding of Zedekiah's character and past actions. The king had repeatedly sought Jeremiah's counsel in secret but consistently failed to act on it publicly, often yielding to his hostile officials who sought Jeremiah's death. Jeremiah had already endured severe persecution, including being thrown into a miry dungeon ([Jeremiah 38:6](/jeremiah/38-6 "Jeremiah Thrown into the Dungeon")), for delivering God's unpopular message. His questions in [Jeremiah 38:15](/jeremiah/38-15 "Jeremiah's Skepticism of Zedekiah") are a test of Zedekiah's sincerity, probing whether the king was truly prepared to listen and obey, or merely seeking a private reassurance without any intention of following through, which would only put Jeremiah's life in further jeopardy.

**What does "hearken" truly mean in the biblical context of this verse?**

Answer: In biblical Hebrew, the word translated "hearken" (שָׁמַע, _shâmaʻ_) means much more than simply hearing with one's ears. It implies listening attentively, understanding, and, most importantly, obeying or acting upon what is heard. When Jeremiah asks Zedekiah, "wilt thou not hearken unto me?", he is questioning whether the king will not only hear the words of counsel but also truly heed them, believe them, and put them into practice. This distinction is crucial, as Zedekiah often heard Jeremiah's words but consistently failed to act on them, demonstrating a lack of true _shâmaʻ_ or obedience. This concept is foundational to biblical faith, where hearing God's word is intrinsically linked to doing it (e.g., [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "Be Doers of the Word, Not Hearers Only")).

**Did King Zedekiah ever truly listen to Jeremiah's counsel?**

Answer: While King Zedekiah frequently sought Jeremiah's counsel in secret, he consistently failed to truly "hearken" or obey it in practice. He was a weak and indecisive ruler, more afraid of his officials and the people than of God ([Jeremiah 38:19](/jeremiah/38-19 "Zedekiah's Fear of His Officials")). Jeremiah's consistent message was to surrender to Babylon to save Jerusalem, but Zedekiah's fear and political maneuvering prevented him from following this divine command. His ultimate failure to obey Jeremiah's life-saving counsel led directly to the catastrophic fall of Jerusalem, the destruction of the Temple, and the exile of the people, fulfilling Jeremiah's dire prophecies ([Jeremiah 39:1-10](/jeremiah/39 "The Fall of Jerusalem and Zedekiah's Capture")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 38:15, with its depiction of a prophet's weary yet faithful confrontation with a resistant king, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate prophetic ministry of Jesus Christ. Jeremiah, delivering an unpopular truth that would save his people physically, was rejected, imprisoned, and threatened with death. In a far greater sense, Jesus, the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), came to His own people, offering the ultimate truth and path to eternal salvation, yet "[His own received him not](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")" and ultimately condemned Him to death. The futility Jeremiah experienced in offering counsel to Zedekiah, who would not truly "hearken," finds its deepest resonance in Christ's lament over Jerusalem: "[how often would I have gathered thy children together... and ye would not!](/luke/13-34 "Luke 13:34 - Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem")" Zedekiah's fear of man and indecision contrast sharply with Christ's unwavering obedience to the Father, even unto death ([Hebrews 5:8-9](/hebrews/5-8-9 "Christ Learned Obedience")). Jeremiah's life was a testament to the cost of speaking God's truth; Christ's life, death, and resurrection are the perfect embodiment of that truth, offering the way, the truth, and the life to all who will truly hearken and obey ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). The rejection Jeremiah faced for delivering a message of physical deliverance pales in comparison to the rejection of the Messiah who offered spiritual and eternal deliverance, yet the pattern of human resistance to divine counsel remains tragically consistent.

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

Luke 22:67

Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:

Luke 22:68

And if I also ask [you], ye will not answer me, nor let [me] go.