Jeremiah 38:5

KJV

Then Zedekiah the king said, Behold, he [is] in your hand: for the king [is] not [he that] can do [any] thing against you.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Zedekiah {H6667} the king {H4428} said {H559}, Behold, he is in your hand {H3027}: for the king {H4428} is not he that can {H3201} do any thing {H1697} against you.

Complete Jewish Bible

Tzidkiyahu the king said, "All right, he is in your hands; for the king can't prevent you from doing as you please."

Berean Standard Bible

“Here he is,” replied King Zedekiah. “He is in your hands, since the king can do nothing to stop you.”

American Standard Version

And Zedekiah the king said, Behold, he is in your hand; for the king is not he that can do anything against you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 38:5 captures a moment of profound political weakness and moral compromise by King Zedekiah of Judah, as he effectively relinquishes the prophet Jeremiah into the hands of hostile princes. Faced with intense pressure from his court officials, who sought Jeremiah's death for his unpopular prophecies of surrender to Babylon, Zedekiah admits his inability to act against their will, thereby sacrificing divine truth and justice for the sake of political expediency and self-preservation in the face of Jerusalem's impending fall.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the dramatic final chapters of the book of Jeremiah, specifically during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem (circa 588-586 BC). Jeremiah 38 follows the prophet's previous imprisonment in a dungeon (Jeremiah 37) and his continued, divinely-inspired message that Judah must surrender to Babylon to survive, a message deeply unpopular with the city's military and political elite. Immediately prior to this verse, in [Jeremiah 38:4](/jeremiah/38-4 "Jeremiah 38:4 - The Princes' Accusation"), the princes accuse Jeremiah of "weakening the hands of the men of war" and demand his execution. Zedekiah's response in [Jeremiah 38:5](/jeremiah/38-5 "Jeremiah 38:5 - Zedekiah's Capitulation") is a direct reply to their demand, revealing his spineless capitulation. The narrative continues with Jeremiah's subsequent descent into a miry cistern, from which he is later rescued by Ebed-melech, an Ethiopian eunuch, as detailed in [Jeremiah 38:7-13](/jeremiah/38-7 "Jeremiah 38:7-13 - Ebed-melech Rescues Jeremiah").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Zedekiah was the last king of Judah, installed by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon after the first deportation of Judahites, including King Jehoiachin, in 597 BC (as seen in [2 Kings 24:17](/2_kings/24-17 "2 Kings 24:17 - Zedekiah Becomes King")). He was a vassal king, constantly caught between the powerful pro-Egyptian and pro-Babylonian factions within his court, and ultimately, between God's word and political pressure. The city of Jerusalem was under a brutal siege by the Babylonian army, leading to widespread famine and desperation. In this context, Jeremiah's message of surrender was perceived as treasonous by the nationalistic princes who believed in resistance, relying on alliances with Egypt or divine intervention without repentance. The king's authority, though absolute in theory, was often constrained by the influence of powerful court officials, especially during times of crisis, making his declaration in [Jeremiah 38:5](/jeremiah/38-5 "Jeremiah 38:5 - Zedekiah's Capitulation") a public admission of his practical powerlessness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully highlights several recurring themes in Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Weak Leadership and Moral Cowardice**, as Zedekiah's fear of his princes (a common snare, as noted in [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The Fear of Man")) overrides his responsibility to justice and prophetic counsel. Secondly, it exemplifies the **Persecution of God's Messengers**, a consistent pattern throughout biblical history where prophets delivering unpopular truths face opposition and suffering (e.g., [Matthew 5:12](/matthew/5-12 "Matthew 5:12 - Persecution of Prophets")). Thirdly, the verse subtly touches upon the **Sovereignty of God** even amidst human failure; despite Zedekiah's capitulation, God's purposes for Jeremiah and Judah would ultimately prevail, demonstrating that divine plans cannot be thwarted by human weakness or malice. The king's admitted powerlessness ironically reveals the true source of authority and control, which lies with God alone.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** H3027. In this context, "in your hand" signifies complete control, authority, and discretion. It is an idiom indicating that Jeremiah's fate, his very life, is now entirely at the princes' disposal, without any intervention or protection from the king. This word, often used literally for the physical hand, metaphorically represents power, means, and direction, here highlighting the transfer of power from the king to his officials regarding Jeremiah's plight.
* **King (Hebrew, _melek'_):** H4428. This term refers to the monarch, the supreme ruler. Zedekiah's use of "the king" in the third person, rather than "I," serves to distance himself from the decision, portraying himself as a mere figurehead rather than an active agent. It underscores the tragic irony of his position: holding the title of king, yet admitting his inability to exercise royal authority or protect an innocent man, thereby exposing the hollowness of his power.
* **Can (Hebrew, _yâkôl'_):** H3201. This primitive root means "to be able," either literally or morally. Zedekiah's declaration, "the king is not he that can do any thing against you," is a shocking admission of his impotence. It reveals not merely a lack of physical ability, but a profound moral and political weakness, a complete surrender of his will and authority to the demands of his rebellious princes. He is "not able" to resist their pressure, highlighting his fear of man over the fear of God.
* **Thing (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** H1697. This versatile word can mean "word," "matter," or "thing." In this phrase, "do any thing against you," it encompasses any act or decision that would oppose the princes' will or protect Jeremiah. It emphasizes the totality of Zedekiah's surrender; he is incapable of any action, great or small, that would contradict their desires, illustrating his complete subjugation to their influence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Zedekiah the king said,"**: This opening clause establishes the speaker and his royal title, setting the stage for a pronouncement of authority, which is immediately undermined by the content of his speech. It highlights the formal position of power held by Zedekiah.
* **"Behold, he [is] in your hand:"**: This is Zedekiah's direct response to the princes' demand for Jeremiah. The phrase "in your hand" is an idiomatic expression signifying complete control and authority. Zedekiah is explicitly handing over Jeremiah's fate to the princes, absolving himself of responsibility and demonstrating his fear of confronting them.
* **"for the king [is] not [he that] can do [any] thing against you."**: This concluding clause provides Zedekiah's justification for his surrender. It is a stark admission of his powerlessness and lack of will. He confesses that he, as king, is unable to oppose the princes' wishes or protect Jeremiah. This reveals his profound weakness and fear of his own officials, prioritizing political appeasement over justice or divine command.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 38:5 employs several potent **literary devices**. The most striking is **Irony**, as the king, the supposed embodiment of power and authority, openly declares his powerlessness ("the king is not he that can do any thing against you"). This highlights the tragic state of Judah's leadership, where the monarch is a mere puppet, swayed by his officials rather than exercising true leadership. The phrase "he [is] in your hand" functions as an **Idiom**, conveying the complete surrender of control and responsibility. It's a succinct way to communicate that Jeremiah's fate is entirely at the princes' discretion. Furthermore, Zedekiah's statement can be seen as a form of **Evasion** or **Abdication of Responsibility**, as he shifts the burden of decision-making and its consequences onto the princes, rather than asserting his divinely appointed authority or moral duty. This self-deprecating declaration also serves as a form of **Characterization**, vividly portraying Zedekiah as indecisive, fearful, and ultimately unfit to lead his nation in its darkest hour.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 38:5 serves as a poignant theological statement on the nature of true authority and the dangers of compromising divine truth for human approval. Zedekiah's abject surrender of Jeremiah to his accusers is a stark illustration of the destructive consequences when a leader prioritizes the fear of man over the fear of God. His inability to "do any thing against you" reveals a spiritual impotence far greater than any political weakness, highlighting the moral decay at the heart of Judah's leadership. This act of capitulation underscores the biblical principle that true power is found not in worldly position, but in adherence to righteousness and courageous obedience to God's will, even when it is unpopular or dangerous. The prophet Jeremiah, though seemingly abandoned, remains steadfast, his suffering a testament to the cost of faithfulness in a fallen world.

* [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The Snare of the Fear of Man")
* [Matthew 14:3-11](/matthew/14-3 "Matthew 14:3-11 - The Beheading of John the Baptist")
* [Acts 4:19-20](/acts/4-19 "Acts 4:19-20 - Peter and John's Boldness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 38:5 challenges believers to examine the sources of their own courage and conviction. Zedekiah's lamentable surrender serves as a cautionary tale against the perils of moral cowardice and the corrosive influence of the fear of man. In our own lives, we often face pressures to compromise our values, to remain silent in the face of injustice, or to prioritize personal comfort and acceptance over standing for truth. This verse compels us to consider whether we, like Zedekiah, are allowing the demands or opinions of others to dictate our actions, rather than being guided by God's unchanging word and the convictions of our conscience. It calls us to cultivate a robust fear of God, which liberates us from the enslaving fear of human disapproval. True leadership, whether in a public office, a family, or a church, demands the courage to act righteously, even when it is costly, unpopular, or seemingly impossible in the eyes of the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to compromise my convictions due to the fear of what others might think or do?**
* **How does Zedekiah's example challenge my understanding of true power and authority?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a greater fear of God that would empower me to stand for truth, even when it is difficult?**
* **How can I support and encourage those who, like Jeremiah, speak unpopular truths in a world resistant to God's word?**

### FAQ
**Why did King Zedekiah give Jeremiah over to the princes so easily?**

Answer: King Zedekiah was a weak and indecisive ruler, installed by Babylon as a puppet king. He was constantly caught between the demands of the Babylonian empire and the strong nationalistic, pro-Egyptian factions within his own court. The princes who accused Jeremiah were powerful military and political figures who viewed Jeremiah's prophecies of surrender to Babylon as treasonous and demoralizing (see [Jeremiah 38:4](/jeremiah/38-4 "Jeremiah 38:4 - The Princes' Accusation")). Zedekiah feared these princes more than he feared God or sought justice. His statement, "the king is not he that can do any thing against you," is an admission of his practical powerlessness and his capitulation to their will, prioritizing his own safety and political survival over protecting an innocent prophet. He lacked the moral courage and conviction to stand against them, despite knowing Jeremiah was God's prophet.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 38:5, with Zedekiah's surrender of the innocent prophet to his accusers, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate betrayal and sacrifice of Christ. Just as Jeremiah, God's messenger, was delivered into the hands of those who sought his death for speaking divine truth, so too was Jesus, the ultimate Prophet and Son of God, handed over by human authority to be crucified. Pilate, much like Zedekiah, recognized Jesus' innocence but, fearing the crowd and seeking to appease the religious leaders, declared, "I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves" ([Matthew 27:24](/matthew/27-24 "Matthew 27:24 - Pilate Washes His Hands")). This act of judicial cowardice mirrors Zedekiah's abdication of responsibility, highlighting a recurring pattern of human leaders prioritizing self-preservation and political expediency over divine justice. Yet, in both cases, God's sovereign plan was not thwarted. Jeremiah's suffering was part of God's message to Judah, and Christ's crucifixion, though a human act of injustice, was the preordained means of salvation for humanity, fulfilling the prophecies and demonstrating the profound love of God (as seen in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")). The weakness of human kings ultimately points to the true King, Jesus Christ, whose power is perfected in weakness and whose reign is founded on righteousness and self-sacrificial love, unlike any earthly monarch.

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

John 19:12

And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.

John 19:16

¶ Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led [him] away.

2 Samuel 3:39

And I [am] this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah [be] too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.

1 Samuel 29:9

And Achish answered and said to David, I know that thou [art] good in my sight, as an angel of God: notwithstanding the princes of the Philistines have said, He shall not go up with us to the battle.

2 Samuel 19:22

And David said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye should this day be adversaries unto me? shall there any man be put to death this day in Israel? for do not I know that I [am] this day king over Israel?

1 Samuel 15:24

¶ And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.

Proverbs 29:25

¶ The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.