BibleWord.ai› Bible› Jeremiah› Chapter 38› Verse 18

Jeremiah 38:18

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Jeremiah 38:18 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But if thou wilt not go forth to the king of Babylon`s princes, then shall this city be given into the hand of the Chaldeans, and they shall burn it with fire, and thou shalt not escape out of their hand.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But if thou wilt not go forth to the king of Babylon`s princes, then shall this city be given into the hand of the Chaldeans, and they shall burn it with fire, and thou shalt not escape out of their hand.
Jeremiah 38:18 — American Standard Version

Context — Jeremiah 38

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
15Then 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.
16So Zedekiah the king sware secretly unto Jeremiah, saying, As Jehovah liveth, that made us this soul, I will not put thee to death, neither will I give thee into the hand of these men that seek thy life.
17Then said Jeremiah unto Zedekiah, Thus saith Jehovah, the God of hosts, the God of Israel: If thou wilt go forth unto the king of Babylon`s princes, then thy soul shall live, and this city shall not be burned with fire; and thou shalt live, and thy house.
18But if thou wilt not go forth to the king of Babylon`s princes, then shall this city be given into the hand of the Chaldeans, and they shall burn it with fire, and thou shalt not escape out of their hand.
19And Zedekiah the king said unto Jeremiah, I am afraid of the Jews that are fallen away to the Chaldeans, lest they deliver me into their hand, and they mock me.
20But Jeremiah said, They shall not deliver thee. Obey, I beseech thee, the voice of Jehovah, in that which I speak unto thee: so it shall be well with thee, and thy soul shall live.
21But if thou refuse to go forth, this is the word that Jehovah hath showed me:
← Jeremiah 38:17Jeremiah 38:19 →
← Full Chapter 38 Jeremiah Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But if thou wilt not go forth to the king of Babylon’s princes, etc.] And surrender to them: then shall this city be given into the hands of the Chaldeans; if not willingly delivered up by the king of Judah, it shall be forcibly taken by the king of Babylon’s army, through the permission of God; with respect to whom it is said to be given unto them, even by him who has the disposing of cities and kingdoms: and they shall burn it with fire; as it had been often foretold it should, and as it accordingly was, (<243908>Jeremiah 39:8); and thou shalt not escape out of their hand; though he might hope he should, and would attempt to do it, yet should be taken; and though he should not be slain,…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“if thou: Kg2 24:12, Kg2 25:27-30 then: Jer 38:3, Jer 38:23, Jer 24:8-10, Jer 32:3-5, Jer 34:2, Jer 34:3, Jer 34:19-22, Jer 39:3, Jer 39:5-7, Jer 52:7-11; Kg2 25:4-10; Eze 12:13, Eze 17:20, Eze 17:21, Eze 21:25-27 Jeremiah 38:19”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read Jeremiah 38 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification