Jeremiah 38:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then took {H3947} they Jeremiah {H3414}, and cast {H7993} him into the dungeon {H953} of Malchiah {H4441} the son {H1121} of Hammelech {H4428}, that was in the court {H2691} of the prison {H4307}: and they let down {H7971} Jeremiah {H3414} with cords {H2256}. And in the dungeon {H953} there was no water {H4325}, but mire {H2916}: so Jeremiah {H3414} sunk {H2883} in the mire {H2916}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then they took Yirmeyahu and threw him into the cistern of Malkiyahu the king's son, which was in the guards' quarters; they let down Yirmeyahu into it with ropes. In the pit there was no water, but there was mud; and Yirmeyahu sank into the mud.

Berean Standard Bible

So they took Jeremiah and dropped him into the cistern of Malchiah, the king’s son, which was in the courtyard of the guard. They lowered Jeremiah with ropes into the cistern, which had no water but only mud, and Jeremiah sank down into the mud.

American Standard Version

Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchijah the king’s son, that was in the court of the guard: and they let down Jeremiah with cords. And in the dungeon there was no water, but mire; and Jeremiah sank in the mire.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 38:6 powerfully depicts the prophet Jeremiah's harrowing ordeal as his adversaries, the Judean princes, cast him into a disused cistern, the "dungeon of Malchiah." This act, intended to silence his prophetic voice and eliminate his influence, plunged him into a vile pit devoid of water but filled with suffocating mire, where he began to sink. This desperate situation vividly symbolizes the profound depths of suffering and relentless persecution Jeremiah endured for faithfully delivering God's unpopular message of judgment and surrender to a rebellious Judah, highlighting his vulnerability and the extreme cost of obedience to divine truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the climactic narrative of Jeremiah's ministry during the final, desperate siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonian army (588-586 BC). Chapters 37-39 chronicle the escalating confrontation between Jeremiah and the ruling elite, who vehemently opposed his prophecies urging surrender to Babylon as God's will. Immediately preceding this event, the princes of Judah accuse Jeremiah before the vacillating King Zedekiah, asserting that his words "weaken the hands of the soldiers and the hands of all the people" by advocating for peace rather than resistance [Jeremiah 38:4](/jeremiah/38-4 "Jeremiah 38:4 - Accusation Against Jeremiah"). Zedekiah, a weak and indecisive ruler, capitulates to their demands, declaring, "Behold, he is in your hand; for the king can do nothing against you" [Jeremiah 38:5](/jeremiah/38-5 "Jeremiah 38:5 - Zedekiah's Concession"). This royal concession grants the officials unchecked authority, setting the stage for the cruel and calculated act of imprisonment described in verse 6, emphasizing the prophet's profound isolation and powerlessness in the face of entrenched opposition.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Jeremiah 38:6 unfold in Jerusalem during the final, tumultuous years of the Kingdom of Judah, just prior to its catastrophic destruction and the Babylonian exile. Cisterns, like the "dungeon of Malchiah," were ubiquitous in ancient Near Eastern cities, serving as vital infrastructure for collecting and storing precious rainwater in arid climates. However, when disused, damaged, or neglected, these pits often became receptacles for refuse or, as in Jeremiah's case, makeshift, inhumane prisons. The specific mention of "no water, but mire" indicates a particularly vile and neglected pit, designed not for secure confinement but for a slow, agonizing death by exposure, starvation, or suffocation in the putrid sludge. The name "Hammelech" (H4428), meaning "the king," suggests that Malchiah was "the son of the king" or a royal prince, underscoring the high social and political status of Jeremiah's persecutors and the deeply political nature of his imprisonment within the royal "court of the prison."
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 38:6 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic tradition. It vividly illustrates the **persecution of God's messengers**, a recurring biblical motif where prophets delivering uncomfortable truths face severe opposition, rejection, and suffering, mirroring the experiences of figures like Elijah [1 Kings 19:1-3](/1_kings/19-1-3 "1 Kings 19:1-3 - Elijah Flees Jezebel") and Amos [Amos 7:10-13](/amos/7-10-13 "Amos 7:10-13 - Amos Opposed by Amaziah"). The verse starkly portrays **extreme suffering and vulnerability**, highlighting the physical and psychological torment Jeremiah endures, a poignant reminder of the immense cost of faithfulness. Despite these dire circumstances, Jeremiah's unyielding commitment to delivering God's word, even under duress, exemplifies **unwavering faithfulness under pressure**, a core theme that defines his entire ministry. This incident also serves as a potent illustration of the **rejection of divine counsel** by a people and their leaders who, prioritizing their own wisdom and political expediency over God's clear word, hasten their own inevitable downfall, a tragic narrative arc that dominates the book of [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "The Book of Jeremiah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dungeon (Hebrew, _bôwr'_):** This term (H953) denotes a pit-hole, specifically one used as a cistern or, as in this context, a prison. Its primary function was water storage, but its repurposing here as a "dungeon" highlights the ad-hoc, cruel, and life-threatening nature of Jeremiah's confinement. The word itself evokes a sense of being trapped, isolated, and confined within a dark, often subterranean, space, emphasizing the prophet's desperate predicament.
* **Cords (Hebrew, _chebel'_):** The word (H2256) refers to a rope (as twisted), often used as a measuring line, but also a noose or a band. In this narrative, "cords" signify the deliberate means by which Jeremiah was lowered into the pit, underscoring his utter helplessness and the calculated, controlled nature of his descent into suffering. It emphasizes the agency of his captors in meticulously executing their cruel plan, rather than merely throwing him in.
* **Mire (Hebrew, _ṭîyṭ'_):** This term (H2916) describes mud or clay, often associated with dirt to be swept away. Figuratively, it can represent deep calamity, distress, or degradation. Its presence in the "dungeon" indicates a foul, sticky, and dangerous substance, far more than mere damp earth. The mire symbolizes the profound depth of Jeremiah's physical and metaphorical predicament—a vile, suffocating, and inescapable situation that threatened to consume him entirely.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah the son of Hammelech, that [was] in the court of the prison:"** This initial clause details the immediate, forceful action taken by Jeremiah's adversaries—the princes and officials who had secured King Zedekiah's permission. The verbs "took" and "cast" convey a decisive, dehumanizing act of violence. The precise location, "the dungeon of Malchiah the son of Hammelech," identifies a specific, high-status pit belonging to a royal official, underscoring the high-level involvement in Jeremiah's persecution and the deeply political nature of his imprisonment within the royal "court of the prison," implying a place of official, albeit cruel, confinement.
* **"and they let down Jeremiah with cords."** This phrase specifies the method of Jeremiah's descent. The use of "cords" indicates a deliberate, controlled, and perhaps even ritualistic act of lowering him into the pit, rather than a haphazard throwing. This detail highlights the calculated cruelty of his captors and the prophet's utter powerlessness as he is systematically plunged into his predicament, unable to resist or escape.
* **"And in the dungeon [there was] no water, but mire:"** This descriptive clause reveals the horrific, life-threatening condition of the pit. The absence of water in a cistern designed for its collection signifies its disuse and neglect, while the presence of "mire" (thick, sticky mud or sludge) indicates a foul, stagnant, and dangerous environment. This detail intensifies the sense of despair and the slow, agonizing nature of his anticipated demise, implying suffocation or slow death rather than a quick one.
* **"so Jeremiah sunk in the mire."** This final clause describes the immediate and dire consequence of being in the pit. Jeremiah's "sinking" action emphasizes his helplessness and the inescapable nature of his situation. The mire is not merely present; it actively engulfs him, symbolizing the overwhelming and suffocating despair that threatened to consume him both physically and spiritually, reflecting the depths of his suffering.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 38:6 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid and visceral picture of the prophet's desperate plight. The description of "no water, but mire" and Jeremiah "sunk in the mire" appeals directly to the senses, allowing the reader to almost feel the stickiness, the cold, and the despair of the pit. This potent imagery contributes significantly to the powerful **Symbolism** within the verse. The "dungeon" (a disused cistern) symbolizes not only a physical prison but also the spiritual and political "pit" that Judah finds itself in due to its persistent rebellion against God. The "mire" is a particularly potent symbol of deep distress, degradation, and inescapable calamity, reflecting both the moral and spiritual decay of the nation and the prophet's personal suffering for speaking truth to power. The act of "sinking" further emphasizes helplessness, suffocation, and the overwhelming nature of his predicament. There is also a poignant **Irony** at play: a structure originally designed to preserve life-giving water is perverted into a tomb, highlighting the profound perversion of justice and the life-threatening consequences of rejecting God's word and His messenger.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah's descent into the miry pit serves as a profound theological statement on the arduous cost of prophetic faithfulness and the nature of divine judgment. It underscores the sobering reality that God's messengers often face severe opposition, not because their message is false, but precisely because it is true and challenges entrenched sin and rebellion. The "mire" into which Jeremiah sinks powerfully symbolizes the spiritual degradation and moral corruption of Judah, into which the prophet, as a faithful representative of God's truth, is forcibly plunged. Yet, even in this deepest despair, God's sovereign presence is implicitly affirmed, as the narrative later reveals His miraculous intervention for Jeremiah's rescue (Jeremiah 38:7-13), demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness to those who endure suffering for His name. This event profoundly foreshadows the ultimate suffering of the righteous for the unrighteous, a central theme woven throughout the biblical narrative of redemption and the suffering servant.

* [Psalm 40:2](/psalms/40-2 "Psalm 40:2 - Deliverance from the Miry Pit")
* [Matthew 5:11-12](/matthew/5-11-12 "Matthew 5:11-12 - Blessed Are the Persecuted")
* [Hebrews 11:36-38](/hebrews/11-36-38 "Hebrews 11:36-38 - Faith Enduring Persecution")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah's experience in the miry pit is a stark and enduring reminder that faithfulness to God's truth can come at a significant personal cost, particularly when that truth challenges prevailing norms, powerful interests, or popular opinion. For believers today, this narrative calls us to a deeper, more resolute commitment to biblical truth, even when articulating it is unpopular, difficult, or brings personal discomfort. It encourages us to cultivate profound resilience, unwavering courage, and steadfast trust in God's presence, even when we find ourselves in our own metaphorical "pits" of despair, opposition, or suffering. Furthermore, this account should stir within us a profound empathy and active concern for those around the world who are currently experiencing persecution for their faith, prompting us to intercede for them fervently and, where possible, to advocate for their freedom and well-being. Ultimately, Jeremiah's suffering also reminds us that God often uses our trials, even the most agonizing ones, to refine our character, deepen our dependence on Him, and to powerfully demonstrate His sovereign power and unfailing faithfulness, transforming moments of profound despair into compelling testimonies of divine deliverance and grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "mire" or difficult situations might God be calling me to speak truth into, even if it is unpopular or brings personal cost?**
* **How does Jeremiah's perseverance in suffering challenge my own willingness to endure hardship and opposition for the sake of Christ and His truth?**
* **In what practical ways can I actively support, advocate for, or pray for those who are currently experiencing persecution for their faith around the world?**

### FAQ
**Why was Jeremiah cast into this specific "dungeon of Malchiah"?**

Answer: Jeremiah was cast into the dungeon of Malchiah because his prophetic messages were deemed treasonous and demoralizing by the princes and officials of Judah. During the intense Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, Jeremiah consistently advised King Zedekiah and the people to surrender to Babylon, asserting that this was God's explicit will and the only path to survival. This message was perceived as undermining the morale of the soldiers and the populace, weakening their resolve to resist the Babylonians [Jeremiah 38:4](/jeremiah/38-4 "Jeremiah 38:4 - Accusation Against Jeremiah"). The "dungeon of Malchiah," likely a disused cistern, was chosen as a cruel and effective means to silence him, essentially a death sentence by slow starvation or suffocation in the mire, designed to avoid a direct execution which might have provoked public outcry or divine intervention.

**What was the significance of "no water, but mire" in the dungeon?**

Answer: The detail "no water, but mire" is profoundly significant, emphasizing the extreme cruelty and life-threatening nature of Jeremiah's confinement. Cisterns were typically dug to collect and store rainwater, so the absence of water indicated it was either long disused or deliberately emptied. The presence of "mire" (thick mud or sludge) meant the pit was not merely dry but filled with a foul, sticky, and suffocating substance, possibly accumulated sewage or putrid runoff. This made it a particularly vile, dangerous, and dehumanizing place, designed to cause a slow, agonizing death by exposure, starvation, or by literally sinking and suffocating in the filth. It was a deliberate act of torture and a testament to the depths of human depravity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah's descent into the miry pit, a place of profound suffering, isolation, and apparent abandonment, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate suffering and humiliation of Jesus Christ. Just as Jeremiah, the faithful prophet, was rejected and persecuted by his own people for speaking God's truth, so too was Jesus, the ultimate Prophet and Son of God, rejected by His own nation [John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own"). The "mire" into which Jeremiah sank can be seen as a poignant type of the "horrible pit" and "miry clay" from which the Psalmist cries out [Psalm 40:2](/psalms/40-2 "Psalm 40:2 - Deliverance from the Miry Pit"), a metaphor for the profound depths of human sin, despair, and judgment that Christ Himself would willingly enter. Jesus, though perfectly sinless, descended into the mire of humanity's sin and suffering, taking upon Himself the full weight of our rebellion and its devastating consequences, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us"). His agonizing cry of dereliction on the cross [Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction") echoes the profound isolation and feeling of abandonment Jeremiah experienced. Yet, just as Jeremiah was miraculously delivered from the pit, Christ's descent into death was followed by His glorious resurrection, demonstrating God's ultimate triumph over sin, death, and despair [Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Buried and Raised with Christ"). Thus, Jeremiah's suffering in the mire points to the greater suffering and subsequent victorious deliverance of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who, by entering our mire, lifts us out of it and sets our feet upon the solid rock of His salvation.

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

Jeremiah 37:21

Then Zedekiah the king commanded that they should commit Jeremiah into the court of the prison, and that they should give him daily a piece of bread out of the bakers' street, until all the bread in the city were spent. Thus Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison.

Psalms 69:2

I sink in deep mire, where [there is] no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me.

Psalms 69:14

Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters.

Psalms 69:15

Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me.

Jeremiah 38:22

And, behold, all the women that are left in the king of Judah's house [shall be] brought forth to the king of Babylon's princes, and those [women] shall say, Thy friends have set thee on, and have prevailed against thee: thy feet are sunk in the mire, [and] they are turned away back.

Jeremiah 37:16

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

Zechariah 9:11

As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein [is] no water.