Jeremiah 38:27

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context

Jeremiah 38:27 occurs immediately after a crucial secret meeting between King Zedekiah and the prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah, having been rescued from the miry dungeon (see Jeremiah 38:6), had been secretly consulted by the king regarding the fate of Jerusalem and the ongoing siege by the Babylonians. Jeremiah's counsel was clear: surrender to the Chaldeans to save the city and the king's life (Jeremiah 38:17). Fearing the hostile Jewish princes and those who had already defected to Babylon, King Zedekiah instructed Jeremiah to tell the princes, if they inquired about the meeting, that he was merely pleading not to be returned to Jonathan's house to die (Jeremiah 38:26). This verse details the execution of that pre-arranged alibi as the princes confronted Jeremiah.

Key Themes

  • Strategic Communication: Jeremiah, under the king's direct command, provides a partial truth designed to protect both himself and Zedekiah from the suspicious princes. This highlights the complex and often dangerous political environment in Jerusalem during the Babylonian siege. It was not a direct lie, but a carefully managed disclosure to deflect inquiry.
  • Lack of Perception: The phrase "the matter was not perceived" is central. The princes, despite their suspicion, failed to grasp the true nature of the king's urgent consultation with Jeremiah, or the profound implications of Jeremiah's actual prophecy concerning Jerusalem's imminent fall. Their lack of insight ultimately prevented them from understanding the divine judgment unfolding around them. This spiritual and political blindness was a tragic characteristic of many leaders in Judah.
  • Obedience and Protection: Jeremiah obeys the king's command, demonstrating his willingness to cooperate within the established authority, even when it involves navigating treacherous political waters. His obedience, coupled with the king's instruction, serves as a form of protection for the prophet from those who sought his life.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "the matter was not perceived" comes from the Hebrew word nishma' (נשמג), which literally means "was not heard" but in this context implies "was not understood" or "was not discerned." It speaks to a deeper failure of comprehension or insight on the part of the princes, underscoring their inability to grasp the significance or true nature of what had transpired between the king and the prophet. Their perception was superficial, missing the underlying prophetic and political gravity.

Practical Application

This verse offers several insights relevant for contemporary reflection:

  • Discerning Truth: Like the princes, we can sometimes miss the full picture or fail to perceive deeper spiritual realities, especially when our hearts are hardened or our minds are clouded by bias or personal agendas. It encourages us to seek deeper understanding and not settle for superficial explanations, but to earnestly pursue truth and wisdom.
  • Wisdom in Communication: Jeremiah's situation highlights the need for wisdom and prudence in communication, especially in challenging or hostile environments. While not advocating for dishonesty, it shows how strategic and careful communication can be necessary to navigate complex human dynamics and protect oneself or others from harm.
  • Consequences of Spiritual Blindness: The princes' inability to perceive the truth about Jeremiah's prophecy ultimately contributed to Jerusalem's downfall. Their lack of discernment meant they could not act effectively to prevent the impending disaster. This serves as a sober reminder of the consequences of ignoring or failing to understand divine warnings and the importance of heeding God's messengers and His Word.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 10:15 (2 votes)

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

  • 1 Samuel 10:16 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ΒΆ 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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.