Jeremiah 21:9

Jeremiah 21:9 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Whoever stays in this city will die by sword and famine and plague, but whoever goes out and surrenders to the Chaldeans who besiege you will live; he will retain his life like a spoil of war.

King James Version KJV

He that abideth in this city shall die by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth out, and falleth to the Chaldeans that besiege you, he shall live, and his life shall be unto him for a prey.

American Standard Version ASV

He that abideth in this city shall die by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence; but he that goeth out, and passeth over to the Chaldeans that besiege you, he shall live, and his life shall be unto him for a prey.

Bible in Basic English BBE

He who keeps in this town will come to his death by the sword and through need of food and through disease; but he who goes out and gives himself up to the Chaldaeans who are shutting you in, will go on living, and will keep his life safe.

Free Bible Version FBV

If you stay in this city you'll die either by sword or famine or plague, but if you leave and surrender to the Babylonians who are besieging you, you will live. In fact it will be like gaining your life as plunder from a war.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

He that abideth in this citie, shall dye by the sword and by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth out, and falleth to the Caldeans, that besiege you, he shall liue, and his life shalbe vnto him for a pray.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Whoso is abiding in this city — dieth, By sword, and by famine, and by pestilence, And whoso is going forth, And hath fallen unto the Chaldeans, Who are laying siege against you — liveth, And his life hath been to him for a spoil.

World English Bible WEB

He who remains in this city will die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence, but he who goes out and passes over to the Chaldeans who besiege you, he will live, and he will escape with his life.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

He that shall abide in this city, shall die by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that shall go out and flee over to the Chaldeans, that besiege you, shall live, and his life shall be to him as a spoil.

Translation for Translators T4T

Everyone who remains in Jerusalem will die. They will be killed in battles or die from being hungry or from diseases. But those who surrender to the army of Babylon that is surrounding your city will remain alive. They will escape dying.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 21:9

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Jeremiah 21:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB הַ/יֹּשֵׁב֙ בָּ/עִ֣יר הַ/זֹּ֔את יָמ֕וּת בַּ/חֶ֖רֶב וּ/בָ/רָעָ֣ב וּ/בַ/דָּ֑בֶר וְ/הַ/יּוֹצֵא֩ וְ/נָפַ֨ל עַל הַ/כַּשְׂדִּ֜ים הַ/צָּרִ֤ים עֲלֵי/כֶם֙ יחיה וְ/חָיָ֔ה וְ/הָֽיְתָה לּ֥/וֹ נַפְשׁ֖/וֹ לְ/שָׁלָֽל

הַ/יֹּשֵׁב֙ yâshab H3427 to dwell Art | V-Qal

בָּ/עִ֣יר ʻîyr H5892 excitement Prep | N-fs

הַ/זֹּ֔את zôʼth H2063 this Art | Pron

יָמ֕וּת mûwth H4191 to die V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

בַּ/חֶ֖רֶב chereb H2719 sword Prep | N-fs

וּ/בָ/רָעָ֣ב râʻâb H7458 famine Conj | Prep | N-ms

וּ/בַ/דָּ֑בֶר deber H1698 pestilence Conj | Prep | N-ms

וְ/הַ/יּוֹצֵא֩ yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out Conj | Art | V-Qal

וְ/נָפַ֨ל nâphal H5307 to fall Conj | V-Qal-3ms

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

הַ/כַּשְׂדִּ֜ים Kasdîy H3778 Chaldea Art | N-proper

הַ/צָּרִ֤ים tsûwr H6696 to confine Art | V-Qal

עֲלֵי/כֶם֙ ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

יחיה châyâh H2421 to live V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

וְ/חָיָ֔ה châyâh H2421 to live Conj | V-Qal-3ms

וְ/הָֽיְתָה hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-3fs

לּ֥/וֹ Prep | Suff

נַפְשׁ֖/וֹ nephesh H5315 soul N-cs | Suff

לְ/שָׁלָֽל shâlâl H7998 spoil Prep | N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 21:9

הַ/יֹּשֵׁב֙ yâshab H3427 "to dwell" Art | V-Qal

This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.

Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)

Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.

בָּ/עִ֣יר ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Prep | N-fs

In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.

Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.

הַ/זֹּ֔את zôʼth H2063 "this" Art | Pron

This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.

יָמ֕וּת mûwth H4191 "to die" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.

Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely

Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.

בַּ/חֶ֖רֶב chereb H2719 "sword" Prep | N-fs

A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.

Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone

Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.

וּ/בָ/רָעָ֣ב râʻâb H7458 "famine" Conj | Prep | N-ms

Famine or hunger is what this Hebrew word represents, often referring to a lack of food or spiritual nourishment. It appears in books like Genesis and Jeremiah, highlighting the importance of trust in God during difficult times.

Definition: 1) famine, hunger 1a) famine (in land, nation) 1a1) of Jehovah's word (fig) 1b) hunger (of individuals)

Usage: Occurs in 88 OT verses. KJV: dearth, famine, [phrase] famished, hunger. See also: Genesis 12:10; Jeremiah 14:12; Psalms 33:19.

וּ/בַ/דָּ֑בֶר deber H1698 "pestilence" Conj | Prep | N-ms

A plague or pestilence, like a disease that affects people or animals, as seen in Exodus 9:3 where God sends a pestilence on the Egyptians.

Definition: 1) pestilence, plague 2) murrain, cattle disease, cattle-plague

Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: murrain, pestilence, plague. See also: Exodus 5:3; Jeremiah 28:8; Psalms 78:50.

וְ/הַ/יּוֹצֵא֩ yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" Conj | Art | V-Qal

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.

Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth

Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.

וְ/נָפַ֨ל nâphal H5307 "to fall" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.

Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall

Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

הַ/כַּשְׂדִּ֜ים Kasdîy H3778 "Chaldea" Art | N-proper

Chaldea refers to a region in Mesopotamia and its inhabitants, known for wisdom and astrology, as seen in Daniel 1:4. The Chaldeans lived near the Persian Gulf and were considered wise. They are mentioned in 2 Kings 25:11.

Definition: § Chaldea or Chaldeans = "clod-breakers" 1) a territory in lower Mesopotamia bordering on the Persian Gulf 2) the inhabitants of Chaldea, living on the lower Euphrates and Tigris 3) those persons considered the wisest in the land (by extension)

Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: Chaldeans, Chaldees, inhabitants of Chaldea. See also: Genesis 11:28; Jeremiah 37:13; Isaiah 13:19.

הַ/צָּרִ֤ים tsûwr H6696 "to confine" Art | V-Qal

To form or shape something, like a potter molds clay, as in Isaiah 29:16.

Definition: 1) to bind, besiege, confine, cramp 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to confine, secure 1a2) to shut in, beseige 1a3) to shut up, enclose

Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: adversary, assault, beset, besiege, bind (up), cast, distress, fashion, fortify, inclose, lay siege, put up in bags. See also: Exodus 23:22; 2 Kings 18:9; Psalms 139:5.

עֲלֵי/כֶם֙ ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

יחיה châyâh H2421 "to live" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.

Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life

Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.

וְ/חָיָ֔ה châyâh H2421 "to live" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

וְ/הָֽיְתָה hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-3fs

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

לּ֥/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

נַפְשׁ֖/וֹ nephesh H5315 "soul" N-cs | Suff

The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.

Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain

Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.

לְ/שָׁלָֽל shâlâl H7998 "spoil" Prep | N-ms

Shâlâl refers to the spoils of war, or the booty taken from enemies. It is used in the Bible to describe the plunder or prey taken in battle. In the KJV, it is translated as 'prey' or 'spoil'.

Definition: 1) prey, plunder, spoil, booty 1a) prey 1b) booty, spoil, plunder (of war) 1c) plunder (private) 1d) gain (meaning uncertain)

Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: prey, spoil. See also: Genesis 49:27; 2 Chronicles 15:11; Psalms 68:13.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 21:9

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Sermons on Jeremiah 21:9

Context — Jerusalem Will Fall to Babylon

7‘After that,’ declares the LORD, ‘I will hand over Zedekiah king of Judah, his officers, and the people in this city who survive the plague and sword and famine, to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and to their enemies who seek their lives. He will put them to the sword; he will not spare them or show pity or compassion.’ 8Furthermore, you are to tell this people that this is what the LORD says: ‘Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death.

9Whoever stays in this city will die by sword and famine and plague, but whoever goes out and surrenders to the Chaldeans who besiege you will live; he will retain his life like a spoil of war.

10For I have set My face against this city to bring disaster and not good, declares the LORD. It will be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon, who will destroy it with fire.’ 11Moreover, tell the house of the king of Judah to hear the word of the LORD.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Jeremiah 38:2	“This is what the LORD says: Whoever stays in this city will die by sword and famine and plague, but whoever surrenders to the Chaldeans will live; he will retain his life like a spoil of war, and he will live.
2	Jeremiah 45:5	But as for you, do you seek great things for yourself? Stop seeking! For I will bring disaster on every living creature, declares the LORD, but wherever you go, I will grant your life as a spoil of war.”
3	Jeremiah 39:18	For I will surely rescue you so that you do not fall by the sword. Because you have trusted in Me, you will escape with your life like a spoil of war, declares the LORD.’”
4	Jeremiah 38:17–23	Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “This is what the LORD God of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘If you indeed surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, then you will live, this city will not be burned down, and you and your household will survive. But if you do not surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, then this city will be delivered into the hands of the Chaldeans. They will burn it down, and you yourself will not escape their grasp.’” But King Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “I am afraid of the Jews who have deserted to the Chaldeans, for the Chaldeans may deliver me into their hands to abuse me.” “They will not hand you over,” Jeremiah replied. “Obey the voice of the LORD in what I am telling you, that it may go well with you and you may live. But if you refuse to surrender, this is the word that the LORD has shown me: All the women who remain in the palace of the king of Judah will be brought out to the officials of the king of Babylon, and those women will say: ‘They misled you and overcame you— those trusted friends of yours. Your feet sank into the mire, and they deserted you.’ All your wives and children will be brought out to the Chaldeans. And you yourself will not escape their grasp, for you will be seized by the king of Babylon, and this city will be burned down.”
5	Jeremiah 14:12	Although they may fast, I will not listen to their cry; although they may offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Instead, I will finish them off by sword and famine and plague.”
6	Jeremiah 21:7	‘After that,’ declares the LORD, ‘I will hand over Zedekiah king of Judah, his officers, and the people in this city who survive the plague and sword and famine, to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and to their enemies who seek their lives. He will put them to the sword; he will not spare them or show pity or compassion.’
7	Jeremiah 27:13	Why should you and your people die by sword and famine and plague, as the LORD has decreed against any nation that does not serve the king of Babylon?

Jeremiah 21:9 Summary

[Jeremiah 21:9 is saying that if the people of Judah stay in the city, they will die, but if they surrender to the enemy, they will live. This is a difficult choice, but it's a reminder that sometimes we have to make hard decisions to follow God's will, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. By surrendering to God's will, we can find life and salvation, as mentioned in Romans 6:23.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of surrendering to the Chaldeans in Jeremiah 21:9?

In Jeremiah 21:9, surrendering to the Chaldeans means submitting to the enemy's rule, which would have been a difficult decision for the people of Judah, but it would have saved their lives, as seen in Jeremiah 21:9, and is similar to the concept of submitting to God's will in Proverbs 3:5-6.

Why does God seem to be giving the people of Judah an ultimatum in Jeremiah 21:9?

God is giving the people of Judah a choice between life and death, as stated in Jeremiah 21:8, and this choice is not unique to this verse, as seen in Deuteronomy 30:19, where Moses also presents the people with a choice between life and death.

How can we apply the principle of Jeremiah 21:9 to our own lives?

We can apply the principle of Jeremiah 21:9 by recognizing that surrendering to God's will, even when it's difficult, can lead to life and salvation, as seen in Romans 6:23, and that resisting God's will can lead to destruction, as seen in Jeremiah 21:10.

Is Jeremiah 21:9 saying that it's always better to surrender to our enemies?

No, Jeremiah 21:9 is not saying that it's always better to surrender to our enemies, but rather that in this specific situation, surrendering to the Chaldeans would have been the best option, as it would have saved their lives, and this is similar to the concept of turning the other cheek in Matthew 5:39, which is not always the best course of action, but rather a principle to guide our decisions.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I need to surrender to God's will, even if it's difficult?
How can I trust that God's ways are better than my own, even when I don't understand what's happening?
What are some ways that I can 'retain my life like a spoil of war' by surrendering to God's will, as mentioned in Jeremiah 21:9?
How can I balance the need to trust in God's sovereignty with the need to take action and make decisions in my life?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 21:9

He that abideth in this city,.... Imagining himself safe there; not fearing its being taken by the king of Babylon; though it was so often foretold by the prophet of the Lord that it should: shall

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 21:9

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 21:9

But certainly, if ever any man spake high treason, this prophet now did it, when there was an enemy besieging them, telling them, that if they would save their lives, they must revolt from their king, and join with their enemies. All that can be said in excuse for the prophet is, that this was a Divine revelation to him, and a message sent to the king himself. His life shall be given him for a prey, appeareth to have been a proverbial expression, either signifying. 1. A man’ s possession of his life, as a prey or booty recovered from death, or the hand of the enemy; or, 2. A man’ s rejoicing in the saving of his life, as if he had got some notable booty.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 21:9

Jeremiah 21:9 He that abideth in this city shall die by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth out, and falleth to the Chaldeans that besiege you, he shall live, and his life shall be unto him for a prey.Ver. 9. His life shall be unto him for a prey.] And lawful prey or booty is counted good purchase. He shall save his life, though he lose his goods. And it should not be grievous to any man to sacrifice his estate to the service of his life. Why else did Solomon make so many hundreds of targets and shields of gold?

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 21:9

(9) And falleth to the Chaldeans.—The words must have seemed to the messengers to counsel treachery and desertion, and were remembered against the prophet in the taunt of Jer 37:13. They were, however, acted on by not a few (Jeremiah 39:9; Jeremiah 52:15). His life shall be unto him for a prey.—The phrase is characteristic of Jeremiah, and forcibly illustrates the misery of the time. Life itself was not a secure possession, but as the spoil which a man seizes on the field of battle, and with which he hastens away, lest another should deprive him of it. It occurs again in Jeremiah 39:18; Jeremiah 45:5.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 21:9

9. for a prey] something snatched up hurriedly and borne away with him rather than his secure possession. For the phrase cp. Jeremiah 38:2, Jeremiah 39:18, Jeremiah 45:5.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 21:9

He that ... falleth to the Chaldeans - This was to counsel desertion, and would have been treason in an ordinary man: but the prophets Spoke with an authority above that even of the king, and

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 21:9

9. Falleth to the Chaldeans — That is, goes over to them. This apparently most treasonable intimation is but another way of saying that all resistance is useless. The city is doomed. Inevitable defeat is before them.

Sermons on Jeremiah 21:9

	Sermon	Description
	Concerning Thoughts by St. Nikodemos the Hagiorite	St. Nikodemos the Hagiorite delves into the importance of understanding and addressing the different types of thoughts that affect the soul. He categorizes thoughts into good, vain
	His Name -- the Counsellor by C.H. Spurgeon	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the title given to Christ as a counselor. He explains that Christ is a counselor in three ways: as God's counselor, as our counselor in times
	A Warning to Would-Be Teachers by Alistair Begg	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of accountability for those who teach the word of God. He explains that teachers will not only be judged for the content of th
	Seek Not Great Things for Yourself by Joshua Daniel	This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility, selflessness, and seeking God's will above personal ambitions. It warns against the dangers of self-importance, seeking great thi
	The Little Servant-Maid by Raymond Golsworthy	Raymond Golsworthy preaches on the remarkable story of the little maid in 2 Kings 5:2, who despite being a stranger in a strange land, among the 'are-nots' of the world, and coming
	The Doom of the Double-Hearted. by Horatius Bonar	Horatius Bonar warns against the fate of the double-hearted, exemplified by Balaam, who sought to serve both God and mammon, ultimately leading to his downfall. Balaam's life was m
	Uzziah, King of Judah, or the Danger of Success by Harry Ironside	Harry Ironside delivers a powerful sermon on King Uzziah of Judah, illustrating the peril of success and pride. Uzziah began his reign by seeking the Lord and prospered greatly, bu