Jeremiah 38:27

KJV

Then came all the princes unto Jeremiah, and asked him: and he told them according to all these words that the king had commanded. So they left off speaking with him; for the matter was not perceived.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then came {H935} all the princes {H8269} unto Jeremiah {H3414}, and asked {H7592} him: and he told {H5046} them according to all these words {H1697} that the king {H4428} had commanded {H6680}. So they left off speaking {H2790} with him; for the matter {H1697} was not perceived {H8085}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All the officials did come to Yirmeyahu and asked him, and he told them everything the king had ordered him to say. So they stopped speaking with him, since the matter had not been reported.

Berean Standard Bible

When all the officials came to Jeremiah and questioned him, he relayed to them the exact words the king had commanded him to say. So they said no more to him, for no one had overheard the conversation.

American Standard Version

Then came all the princes unto Jeremiah, and asked him; and he told them according to all these words that the king had commanded. So they left off speaking with him; for the matter was not perceived.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 38:27 meticulously records the immediate aftermath of King Zedekiah's clandestine meeting with the prophet Jeremiah. Following the king's precise instructions, Jeremiah delivers a carefully curated, partial account of their conversation to the suspicious Judean princes. This verse not only highlights Jeremiah's strategic obedience to the royal command but, more significantly, underscores the princes' profound failure to grasp the true nature and dire implications of the encounter, leading them to prematurely conclude their interrogation, satisfied by a superficial explanation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed directly after the intensely private consultation between King Zedekiah and Jeremiah, a dialogue detailed in [Jeremiah 38:14-26](/jeremiah/38-14 "Jeremiah 38:14-26 - Zedekiah's Secret Consultation with Jeremiah"). Earlier in the chapter, Jeremiah had been unjustly cast into a deep, miry cistern at the instigation of these very princes, only to be miraculously rescued by the Ethiopian eunuch Ebed-Melech, acting under the king's direct orders ([Jeremiah 38:6-13](/jeremiah/38-6 "Jeremiah 38:6-13 - Jeremiah's Rescue from the Cistern")). During their secret meeting, Jeremiah had delivered God's unyielding message: surrender to Babylon to save Jerusalem and the king's life ([Jeremiah 38:17-18](/jeremiah/38-17 "Jeremiah 38:17-18 - Jeremiah's Counsel to Zedekiah")). Fearing the wrath of his own officials, Zedekiah then explicitly instructed Jeremiah on the precise, limited response to give if questioned by the princes. Jeremiah's actions in this verse are a direct fulfillment of that command, serving as a protective maneuver for both the prophet and the indecisive king. The narrative immediately transitions into Jeremiah's continued imprisonment in the court of the guard until the eventual fall of Jerusalem ([Jeremiah 38:28](/jeremiah/38-28 "Jeremiah 38:28 - Jeremiah Remains Imprisoned Until Jerusalem's Fall")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Jeremiah 38:27 unfold amidst the harrowing final stages of the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem under Nebuchadnezzar. King Zedekiah was a figurehead ruler, perpetually caught in the crosscurrents of competing political factions within his own court. On one side stood the powerful pro-Egyptian party, advocating for continued resistance against Babylon, often fueled by a false sense of nationalistic pride and trust in alliances. On the other, a smaller, often persecuted group, including Jeremiah, urged surrender in accordance with God's prophetic word. The princes, who held significant power and often acted independently of or even against the king's wishes, largely embodied the defiant, anti-Babylonian sentiment, viewing Jeremiah's counsel as treasonous. Prophets who delivered unpopular divine messages, especially those predicting national defeat, frequently faced severe persecution, imprisonment, or even death. Zedekiah's palpable fear of his own officials, explicitly stated in [Jeremiah 38:19](/jeremiah/38-19 "Jeremiah 38:19 - Zedekiah's Fear of the Jews Who Had Defected"), and his elaborate attempt to control the flow of information, vividly illustrate the highly volatile and dangerous political climate in Judah as it teetered on the brink of utter destruction.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 38:27 significantly contributes to several profound themes woven throughout the book of Jeremiah. It starkly illuminates the **fragility and dysfunction of leadership** in Judah, personified by King Zedekiah's chronic fear, indecision, and inability to act decisively on divine counsel. The verse also underscores the pervasive **political intrigue and corruption** that permeated the royal court, where personal agendas and factionalism overshadowed national welfare and divine revelation. Crucially, the princes' inability to "perceive" the truth highlights the overarching theme of **spiritual blindness and obstinacy** that characterized Judah's persistent rejection of God's prophetic warnings. This theme is a recurring motif, powerfully articulated in passages such as [Jeremiah 7](/jeremiah/7 "Jeremiah 7 - The Temple Sermon") and [Jeremiah 26](/jeremiah/26 "Jeremiah 26 - Jeremiah's Trial"), where the people and their leaders refuse to truly hear or obey God's word. Despite the perilous circumstances, Jeremiah's **prophetic integrity** is subtly maintained; he navigates a complex ethical dilemma by adhering to the king's strategic communication, which, while not a full disclosure, avoids outright falsehood concerning the specific question he was instructed to answer. This delicate balance also speaks to the theme of **divine protection** for the prophet, as the princes' lack of perception inadvertently serves to shield Jeremiah from further harm, allowing God's purposes to continue unfolding through him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Princes (Hebrew, _sar'_):** From H8269, meaning "a head person (of any rank or class); captain, chief, governor, lord, prince, ruler." This term denotes the highest-ranking officials in Judah's court, emphasizing their considerable power, authority, and influence. These were not mere advisors but powerful figures who had previously demonstrated their capacity to challenge the king's authority and dictate policy, as evidenced by their successful petition to have Jeremiah imprisoned. Their collective appearance here signifies a concerted and authoritative effort to ascertain information and assert control over the narrative surrounding the king's actions.
* **Left off speaking (Hebrew, _chârash'_):** From H2790, meaning "to scratch, to engrave, to plough; hence to fabricate; figuratively, to devise; hence to be silent, to let alone; hence to be deaf." This verb is profoundly significant. It implies more than merely ceasing conversation; it suggests that the princes became "silent" or "let alone" their inquiry because they were satisfied with the superficial explanation. The extended meaning of "to be deaf" is particularly poignant, indicating a profound lack of deeper insight or an unwillingness to hear the full truth. Their cessation of questioning stemmed from a failure to discern, rather than from a thorough and complete understanding of the situation.
* **Perceived (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** From H8085, meaning "to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.); causatively, to tell...perceive, understand." The negative construction, "was not perceived" (נשמע, _nishmâʻ_), highlights a critical failure not just to hear sounds, but to grasp intelligently, comprehend, or discern the true significance of the "matter" (dâbâr, H1697 - word, affair, thing). It points to a deep-seated spiritual and intellectual blindness on the part of the princes, preventing them from understanding the gravity of the impending crisis and Jeremiah's crucial role as God's messenger. Their inability to perceive allowed them to be content with a partial truth, sealing their own and the nation's fate.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then came all the princes unto Jeremiah, and asked him:"** This opening clause vividly sets the scene, depicting a direct and confrontational encounter. The collective presence of "all the princes" underscores their unified suspicion, their high authority, and their intent to interrogate Jeremiah regarding his secret meeting with King Zedekiah. They sought to uncover the nature of the conversation, likely fearing a shift in the king's policy or a challenge to their own influence.
* **"and he told them according to all these words that the king had commanded."** This is the pivotal action of the verse, showcasing Jeremiah's obedience to Zedekiah's specific instructions from [Jeremiah 38:26](/jeremiah/38-26 "Jeremiah 38:26 - Zedekiah's Instruction to Jeremiah"). Jeremiah did not invent a lie, but faithfully relayed the pre-arranged, partial truth. He communicated only the king's alibi, which focused on Jeremiah's plea not to be returned to the house of Jonathan, thereby omitting the far more critical counsel about surrendering to Babylon. This demonstrates Jeremiah's prudence in a dangerous situation, navigating a complex ethical demand while protecting both himself and the king.
* **"So they left off speaking with him;"** This phrase indicates the immediate and desired consequence of Jeremiah's strategic communication. The princes, seemingly satisfied with the explanation provided, ceased their interrogation. Their inquiry was halted, suggesting that the partial answer was sufficiently plausible or, more likely, that their lack of discernment prevented them from pressing further or recognizing the deeper implications of the situation.
* **"for the matter was not perceived."** This concluding phrase delivers the crucial theological and narrative insight. The "matter" (Hebrew: _dâbâr_, encompassing the entire affair, the full word, or the true prophetic message) was not genuinely understood or discerned by the princes. Their perception remained superficial; they failed to grasp the profound prophetic significance of Jeremiah's counsel to the king, the true nature of God's judgment, and the dire implications for Jerusalem's imminent destruction. This spiritual and intellectual blindness allowed them to be content with a partial truth, inadvertently serving God's purpose by protecting Jeremiah.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 38:27 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. Central to the verse is **Irony**, as King Zedekiah's desperate attempt to protect Jeremiah (and himself) by orchestrating a partial truth ironically serves to highlight the profound **Spiritual Blindness** of the princes. These powerful figures, who should have been the nation's discerning leaders, lack the insight to "perceive" the true gravity of the situation or the prophetic message that Jeremiah embodied. This lack of perception functions as a subtle form of **Foreshadowing**, indicating that if the nation's leadership cannot discern the truth even when it is partially presented, they are utterly incapable of averting the impending divine judgment and the catastrophic fall of Jerusalem. There is also a distinct **Contrast** drawn between Jeremiah's obedient, albeit strategic, communication and the princes' superficial understanding, which underscores the vast chasm between divine wisdom (as mediated through Jeremiah) and human folly and obstinacy. The narrative choice to end with "for the matter was not perceived" acts as a powerful **Climax** for this specific interaction, revealing the tragic core of Judah's downfall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage powerfully underscores the tragic reality of spiritual and intellectual dullness in the face of divine truth. The princes, representing the highest echelons of Judah's leadership, were so deeply entrenched in their political machinations, self-interest, and resistance to God's warnings through Jeremiah that they were utterly unable to "perceive" the true nature of the king's consultation or the gravity of the impending judgment. Their lack of discernment was not merely an intellectual failing but a profound spiritual one, reflecting a hardened heart that stubbornly refused to acknowledge or submit to the prophetic word. This inability to perceive the deeper spiritual realities ultimately contributed directly to the nation's catastrophic downfall, as they continued to make decisions based on superficial understanding and human wisdom rather than divine revelation. It serves as a sobering testament to the perilous consequences that arise when those in authority are blind to God's purposes and fail to heed His messengers, especially when uncomfortable truths are being proclaimed.

* [Isaiah 6:9-10](/isaiah/6-9 "Isaiah 6:9-10 - Hearts Hardened, Eyes Blinded")
* [Matthew 13:13-15](/matthew/13-13 "Matthew 13:13-15 - Parables and Spiritual Blindness")
* [John 8:43](/john/8-43 "John 8:43 - Inability to Hear Jesus' Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 38:27 offers a profound and challenging reminder of the human propensity to miss the full picture, particularly when our perceptions are clouded by personal biases, deep-seated fears, or a stubborn refusal to confront uncomfortable truths. Like the princes of Judah, we can become so fixated on superficial explanations, what we *want* to hear, or what aligns with our preconceived notions, that we fail to genuinely "perceive" deeper spiritual realities or the profound implications of God's Word for our individual lives and collective communities. This verse powerfully challenges us to cultivate a spirit of genuine discernment, earnestly seeking to understand beyond the surface and humbly asking God for insight into His will and the true signs of our times. It also subtly addresses the ethical complexities of communication in hostile or dangerous environments, suggesting that wisdom and prudence may sometimes necessitate careful, strategic disclosure rather than absolute transparency, provided such communication remains truthful in its essence and does not compromise divine truth. Ultimately, this passage calls us to soberly consider the profound consequences, both personal and communal, when spiritual blindness prevents us from truly heeding divine warnings and embracing the truth that leads to life and flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How might our own biases, fears, or preconceived notions prevent us from "perceiving" truth, especially spiritual truth, in our lives today?**
* **In what situations might wisdom dictate a careful or strategic communication, and how can we ensure such communication remains truthful in essence and honors God?**
* **What are the potential consequences, both personal and communal, of a widespread failure to discern God's word or the signs of the times?**

### FAQ
**Was Jeremiah lying when he gave the princes a partial account of his meeting with Zedekiah?**

Answer: No, Jeremiah was not lying in the sense of fabricating falsehoods or intentionally deceiving. He was following the king's explicit command to provide a specific, limited explanation of their meeting, as detailed in [Jeremiah 38:26](/jeremiah/38-26 "Jeremiah 38:26 - Zedekiah's Instructions to Jeremiah"). Jeremiah stated that he was pleading not to be returned to Jonathan's house to die, which was indeed a part of his plea to the king, even if not the primary subject of their secret discussion about surrender. This was a strategic omission, a partial truth designed to protect both Jeremiah and the king from the hostile princes. It demonstrates Jeremiah's obedience to the king's authority, even in a difficult ethical dilemma, without directly contradicting what he actually said to the king. The text implies that the princes' inability to "perceive" the full "matter" (H1697, _dâbâr_) was their own failing, not due to a direct lie from Jeremiah.

**What does the phrase "the matter was not perceived" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase signifies far more than a mere lack of hearing; it points to a profound failure of understanding, discernment, and spiritual comprehension on the part of the princes. The Hebrew word for "perceived" (H8085, _shâmaʻ_) implies hearing with intelligence, attention, and often, obedience. Therefore, "the matter was not perceived" means that the princes failed to grasp the true nature, depth, and ultimate significance of the king's secret consultation with Jeremiah. They missed the prophetic gravity of Jeremiah's actual counsel (to surrender to Babylon) and the dire implications for Jerusalem's future. Their perception was superficial, clouded by their own political agendas and spiritual blindness, leading them to be satisfied with a partial explanation and remain tragically ignorant of the unfolding divine judgment. It speaks to a spiritual dullness that prevented them from apprehending the full truth of God's word through His prophet.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 38:27, with its poignant depiction of a messenger of God whose crucial message is "not perceived" by those in authority, finds a profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Just as Jeremiah, the prophet of judgment and lament, was largely misunderstood, rejected, and persecuted by his own people and leaders, so too was Jesus, the ultimate Prophet and Son of God. The Jewish religious and political leaders, along with many among the people of His day, failed to "perceive" the true nature of His kingdom, His divine authority, or the radical, redemptive implications of His teachings. Though Jesus spoke truth plainly, often employing parables to reveal and conceal, many had "ears to hear but did not hear" and "eyes to see but did not see," thereby tragically fulfilling the prophecy of [Isaiah 6:9-10](/isaiah/6-9 "Isaiah 6:9-10 - Hearts Hardened, Eyes Blinded"), which Jesus Himself quoted in [Matthew 13:13-15](/matthew/13-13 "Matthew 13:13-15 - Parables and Spiritual Blindness"). The "matter" of who Jesus truly was—the promised Messiah, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), the King of Israel—was not perceived by those who should have recognized Him, particularly the religious and political elite. As [John 1:10-11](/john/1-10 "John 1:10-11 - The World Did Not Know Him") sorrowfully states, "He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, yet the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him." This profound rejection, rooted in a pervasive spiritual lack of perception, ultimately led to His crucifixion. Yet, in God's sovereign and mysterious plan, this very blindness and rejection became the means by which salvation was offered to all humanity, demonstrating that even human failure to perceive God's truth can be woven into His greater redemptive purposes, as hinted at in [Acts 3:17-18](/acts/3-17 "Acts 3:17-18 - Ignorance and God's Fulfillment of Prophecy").

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

1 Samuel 10:15

And Saul's uncle said, Tell me, I pray thee, what Samuel said unto you.

1 Samuel 10:16

And Saul said unto his uncle, He told us plainly that the asses were found. But of the matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel spake, he told him not.

Acts 23:6

¶ But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men [and] brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.

1 Samuel 16:2

And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear [it], he will kill me. And the LORD said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the LORD.

1 Samuel 16:5

And he said, Peaceably: I am come to sacrifice unto the LORD: sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice.

2 Kings 6:19

And Elisha said unto them, This [is] not the way, neither [is] this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek. But he led them to Samaria.