Jeremiah 32:3

Jeremiah 32:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

For Zedekiah king of Judah had imprisoned him, saying: “Why are you prophesying like this? You claim that the LORD says, ‘Behold, I am about to deliver this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he will capture it.

King James Version KJV

For Zedekiah king of Judah had shut him up, saying, Wherefore dost thou prophesy, and say, Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall take it;

American Standard Version ASV

For Zedekiah king of Judah had shut him up, saying, Wherefore dost thou prophesy, and say, Thus saith Jehovah, Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall take it;

Bible in Basic English BBE

For Zedekiah, king of Judah, had had him shut up, saying, Why have you, as a prophet, been saying, The Lord has said, See, I will give this town into the hands of the king of Babylon, and he will take it;

Free Bible Version FBV

Zedekiah king of Judah had put him in prison, telling him: “Why do you have to prophesy like this? You say the Lord is saying, ‘Look, I'm going to hand over this city to the king of Babylon, and he will capture it.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For Zedekiah King of Iudah had shut him vp, saying, Wherefore doest thou prophesie, and say, Thus saith the Lord, Beholde, I will giue this citie into the handes of the King of Babel, and he shall take it?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Where Zedekiah king of Judah hath shut him up, saying, 'Wherefore art thou prophesying, saying, Thus said Jehovah, Lo, I am giving this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he hath captured it;

World English Bible WEB

For Zedekiah king of Judah had shut him up, saying, “Why do you prophesy, and say, ‘The LORD says, “Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he will take it;

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For Zedekiah king of Judah had confined him, saying, Why dost thou prophesy, and say, Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall take it;

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

For Sedecias king of Juda had shut him up, saying: Why dost thou prophesy, saying: Thus saith the Lord: Behold I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall take it?

Translation for Translators T4T

King Zedekiah had put me there. I continued to prophesy there about what would happen. I continued to say, “Yahweh says that he is about to allow the army of the king of Babylon to capture this city [DOU].

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 32:3

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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 32:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB אֲשֶׁ֣ר כְּלָא֔/וֹ צִדְקִיָּ֥הוּ מֶֽלֶךְ יְהוּדָ֖ה לֵ/אמֹ֑ר מַדּוּעַ֩ אַתָּ֨ה נִבָּ֜א לֵ/אמֹ֗ר כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה הִנְ/נִ֨י נֹתֵ֜ן אֶת הָ/עִ֥יר הַ/זֹּ֛את בְּ/יַ֥ד מֶֽלֶךְ בָּבֶ֖ל וּ/לְכָדָֽ/הּ

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

כְּלָא֔/וֹ kâlâʼ H3607 to restrain V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff

צִדְקִיָּ֥הוּ Tsidqîyâh H6667 Zedekiah N-proper

מֶֽלֶךְ melek H4428 King's N-ms

יְהוּדָ֖ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah N-proper

לֵ/אמֹ֑ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

מַדּוּעַ֩ maddûwaʻ H4069 why? Part

אַתָּ֨ה ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Pron

נִבָּ֜א nâbâʼ H5012 to prophesy V-Niphal

לֵ/אמֹ֗ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

כֹּ֚ה kôh H3541 thus Adv

אָמַ֣ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms

יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

הִנְ/נִ֨י hên H2005 look! Part | Suff

נֹתֵ֜ן nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הָ/עִ֥יר ʻîyr H5892 excitement Art | N-fs

הַ/זֹּ֛את zôʼth H2063 this Art | Pron

בְּ/יַ֥ד yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs

מֶֽלֶךְ melek H4428 King's N-ms

בָּבֶ֖ל Bâbel H894 Babylon N-proper

וּ/לְכָדָֽ/הּ lâkad H3920 to capture Conj | V-Qal-3ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 32:3

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

כְּלָא֔/וֹ kâlâʼ H3607 "to restrain" V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff

This Hebrew word means to hold something back or restrict it, often used in the Bible to describe God's control over human actions. It appears in books like Leviticus and Psalms, where it talks about restraining evil or withholding punishment. English Bibles translate it as 'restrain' or 'withhold'.

Definition: 1) to restrict, restrain, withhold, shut up, keep back, refrain, forbid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shut up 1a2) to restrain 1a3) to withhold 1b) (Niphal) to be restrained 1c) (Piel) to finish

Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: finish, forbid, keep (back), refrain, restrain, retain, shut up, be stayed, withhold. See also: Genesis 8:2; Psalms 88:9; Psalms 40:10.

צִדְקִיָּ֥הוּ Tsidqîyâh H6667 "Zedekiah" N-proper

Zedekiah means Jehovah is righteous, the name of six Israelites including the last king of Judah, as seen in Jeremiah 36:12. He was renamed by Nebuchadnezzar and son of Josiah. Zedekiah was a significant figure in the Divided Monarchy period.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Jer.36.12; son of: Hananiah (H2608M) § Zedekiah = "Jehovah is righteous" 1) the last king of Judah renamed from 'Mattaniah' by Nebuchadnezzar; son of Josiah by wife Hamutal; placed on the throne by Nebuchadnezzar when he carried his nephew Jehoiakim in captivity 2) false prophet at the court of king Ahab of the northern kingdom of Israel 3) son of Maaseiah, a false prophet in Babylon 4) son of Hananiah, one of the princes of Judah in the time of Jeremiah 5) a priest who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah 6) son of king Jehoiakim of Judah

Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: Zedekiah, Zidkijah. See also: 1 Kings 22:11; Jeremiah 34:6; Jeremiah 1:3.

מֶֽלֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" N-ms

This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

יְהוּדָ֖ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 "Judah" N-proper

Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.

Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob

Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.

לֵ/אמֹ֑ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

מַדּוּעַ֩ maddûwaʻ H4069 "why?" Part

This Hebrew word is used to ask questions like why or how, seeking to understand the reason behind something. It appears in various forms in the Bible, often in contexts of inquiry or curiosity.

Definition: why?, on what account?, wherefore?

Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: how, wherefore, why. See also: Genesis 26:27; 2 Kings 8:12; Isaiah 5:4.

אַתָּ֨ה ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Pron

You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.

Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)

Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.

נִבָּ֜א nâbâʼ H5012 "to prophesy" V-Niphal

To prophesy means to speak or sing under the influence of the divine spirit, as seen in the prophets of the Bible. This can include predicting the future or simply speaking God's message to others.

Definition: 1) to prophesy 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to prophesy 1a1a) under influence of divine spirit 1a1b) of false prophets 1b)(Hithpael) 1b1) to prophesy 1b1a) under influence of divine spirit 1b1b) of false prophets Aramaic equivalent: ne.va (נבא "to prophesy" H5013)

Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: prophesy(-ing), make self a prophet. See also: Numbers 11:25; Jeremiah 27:16; Jeremiah 2:8.

לֵ/אמֹ֗ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

כֹּ֚ה kôh H3541 "thus" Adv

This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.

Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)

Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.

אָמַ֣ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

הִנְ/נִ֨י hên H2005 "look!" Part | Suff

An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.

Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)

Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.

נֹתֵ֜ן nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal

This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.

Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon

Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הָ/עִ֥יר ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Art | 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/זֹּ֛את 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.

בְּ/יַ֥ד yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | N-cs

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

מֶֽלֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" N-ms

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

בָּבֶ֖ל Bâbel H894 "Babylon" N-proper

Babel refers to Babylon, a city and empire in the Bible, meaning confusion or mixing. It appears in Genesis 11:9 and is associated with the tower of Babel. The city was situated on the Euphrates River.

Definition: § Babel or Babylon = "confusion (by mixing)" Babel or Babylon, the ancient site and/or capital of Babylonia (modern Hillah) situated on the Euphrates

Usage: Occurs in 233 OT verses. KJV: Babel, Babylon. See also: Genesis 10:10; Jeremiah 29:22; Psalms 87:4.

וּ/לְכָדָֽ/הּ lâkad H3920 "to capture" Conj | V-Qal-3ms | Suff

This verb means to capture or seize, often using a net or trap. In the Bible, it is used to describe taking control of something or someone, and is also used figuratively to describe being caught or stuck in a situation.

Definition: 1) to capture, take, seize 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to capture, seize 1a2) to capture (of men) (fig.) 1a3) to take (by lot) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be caught (of men in trap, snare) (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) to grasp each other

Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, catch (self), be frozen, be holden, stick together, take. See also: Numbers 21:32; 2 Kings 18:10; Psalms 9:16.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 32:3

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Context
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Jeremiah 32:3 Summary
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Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 32:3
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Context — Jeremiah Buys Hanamel’s Field

1This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD in the tenth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, which was the eighteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar. 2At that time the army of the king of Babylon was besieging Jerusalem, and Jeremiah the prophet was imprisoned in the courtyard of the guard, which was in the palace of the king of Judah.

3For Zedekiah king of Judah had imprisoned him, saying: “Why are you prophesying like this? You claim that the LORD says, ‘Behold, I am about to deliver this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he will capture it.

4Zedekiah king of Judah will not escape from the hands of the Chaldeans, but he will surely be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon, and will speak with him face to face and see him eye to eye. 5He will take Zedekiah to Babylon, where he will stay until I attend to him, declares the LORD. If you fight against the Chaldeans, you will not succeed.’”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Jeremiah 34:2–3	The LORD, the God of Israel, told Jeremiah to go and speak to Zedekiah king of Judah and tell him that this is what the LORD says: “Behold, I am about to deliver this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he will burn it down. And you yourself will not escape his grasp, but will surely be captured and delivered into his hand. You will see the king of Babylon eye to eye and speak with him face to face; and you will go to Babylon.
2	Jeremiah 21:4–7	this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I will turn against you the weapons of war in your hands, with which you are fighting the king of Babylon and the Chaldeans who besiege you outside the wall, and I will assemble their forces in the center of this city. And I Myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and a mighty arm, with anger, fury, and great wrath. I will strike down the residents of this city, both man and beast. They will die in a terrible plague.’ ‘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.’
3	Jeremiah 26:8–9	and as soon as he had finished telling all the people everything the LORD had commanded him to say, the priests and prophets and all the people seized him, shouting, “You must surely die! How dare you prophesy in the name of the LORD that this house will become like Shiloh and this city will be desolate and deserted!” And all the people assembled against Jeremiah in the house of the LORD.
4	Jeremiah 32:28–29	Therefore this is what the LORD says: Behold, I am about to deliver this city into the hands of the Chaldeans and of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, who will capture it. And the Chaldeans who are fighting against this city will come in, set it on fire, and burn it, along with the houses of those who provoked Me to anger by burning incense to Baal on their rooftops and by pouring out drink offerings to other gods.
5	Jeremiah 27:8	As for the nation or kingdom that does not serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and does not place its neck under his yoke, I will punish that nation by sword and famine and plague, declares the LORD, until I have destroyed it by his hand.
6	Jeremiah 38:8	Ebed-melech went out from the king’s palace and said to the king,
7	Exodus 5:4	But the king of Egypt said to them, “Moses and Aaron, why do you draw the people away from their work? Get back to your labor!”
8	2 Chronicles 28:22	In the time of his distress, King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the LORD.
9	Jeremiah 5:3	O LORD, do not Your eyes look for truth? You struck them, but they felt no pain. You finished them off, but they refused to accept discipline. They have made their faces harder than stone and refused to repent.
10	Acts 6:12–14	So they stirred up the people, elders, and scribes and confronted Stephen. They seized him and brought him before the Sanhedrin, where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. For we have heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.”

Jeremiah 32:3 Summary

Jeremiah 32:3 tells us that King Zedekiah put Jeremiah in prison because he didn't like the message Jeremiah was giving from the Lord. The message was that Babylon would capture Jerusalem, which was not what the king wanted to hear. This shows that sometimes people don't want to hear the truth, even if it's from God (as seen in Isaiah 30:10). Despite this, Jeremiah continued to speak God's words, showing us the importance of being faithful to God's call, just like in Jeremiah 1:7-8 where God tells Jeremiah to speak His words without fear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Jeremiah imprisoned by King Zedekiah?

Jeremiah was imprisoned because he prophesied that the Lord would deliver Jerusalem into the hands of the king of Babylon, which was not what King Zedekiah wanted to hear, as seen in Jeremiah 32:3 and also in Ezekiel 3:18 where God holds prophets accountable for speaking His words.

What was the king's main concern about Jeremiah's prophecy?

The king's main concern was that Jeremiah's prophecy would demoralize the people and cause them to lose hope, as can be inferred from Jeremiah 32:3 and similar situations like in Isaiah 30:10 where the people rejected unwelcome prophecies.

Did Jeremiah's imprisonment stop him from prophesying?

No, Jeremiah's imprisonment did not stop him from prophesying; he continued to speak the words of the Lord, demonstrating his commitment to his calling as a prophet, as seen in Jeremiah 32:3 and emphasized in Jeremiah 1:7-8 where God commissions Jeremiah.

What does this verse reveal about King Zedekiah's character?

This verse reveals that King Zedekiah was resistant to hearing the truth from God through Jeremiah, preferring to silence him rather than heed the warning, similar to the reaction of other kings in the Bible like Ahab in 1 Kings 22:8.

Reflection Questions

How do I respond when faced with unwelcome truths or prophecies, and what can I learn from King Zedekiah's reaction?
In what ways can I, like Jeremiah, remain faithful to speaking God's words even in the face of opposition or adversity?
What are some areas in my life where I might be resisting or silencing the voice of God, and how can I become more open to His words?
How can understanding God's sovereignty, as seen in Jeremiah 32:3, impact my trust in Him during challenging times?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 32:3

For Zedekiah king of Judah had shut him up,.... In prison, at least in the court of the prison; he had given orders for his imprisonment, which were executed, and it was the same as if he had done it

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 32:3

For Zedekiah king of Judah had shut him up, saying, Wherefore dost thou prophesy, and say, Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall take

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 32:3

We no where read that Zedekiah immediately commanded Jeremiah to be imprisoned, he seemeth rather to have been favourable to Jeremiah, and judicious interpreters think his present prison was a favourable prison; but God accounteth princes to do that which their ministers or subordinate magistrates do with their connivance, and without their hinderance. Though it be wild divinity for any to say, that inferior ministers or subjects are excused by the command of the superior, and the guilt lieth only on them; yet it is as wild to say they contract no guilt by the extravagant acts of subordinate magistrates, whom they put in place, and can punish and remove from their places.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 32:3

Jeremiah 32:3 For Zedekiah king of Judah had shut him up, saying, Wherefore dost thou prophesy, and say, Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall take it;Ver. 3. For Zedekiah had shnt him up.] He who before had set him at liberty, and thereby haply hoped to have stopped his mouth; but that might not be. Behold, I will give this city.] This holy city, as the false prophets styled it, and therefore held this prophecy little better than blasphemy.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 32:3

1–5. Introductory account of the historical position.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 32:3

For the prophecies on which the charge was grounded see Jeremiah 21:4-7, Jeremiah 21:9.

Sermons on Jeremiah 32:3

	Sermon	Description
	(The Word for Today) Isaiah 7:10 - Part 2 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the story of Ahaz in the book of Isaiah. Ahaz was a wicked king who refused to seek a sign from God, showing his lack of interest in Go
	The Defeated Christian Life by David Guzik	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of neglecting prayer and making excuses for a defeated Christian life. He uses the example of a child who doesn't have time for a qu
	I Don't Want to Be Right! by Ralph Sexton	In this sermon, the preacher expresses concern about the state of the world and the impact it has on children. He emphasizes the importance of parents setting a good example for th
	Divine Jealousy for the Truth by Horatius Bonar	Horatius Bonar emphasizes God's divine jealousy for the truth, asserting that His eyes are constantly watching over it to guard and maintain it. He explains that there is only one
	A Time of Unusual Sickness and Mortality Improved by Samuel Davies	Samuel Davies preaches about the urgent need for sinners to turn to God in the midst of afflictions and mortality, emphasizing the importance of genuine conversion and the necessit
	Divine Jealousy for the Truth. by Horatius Bonar	Horatius Bonar emphasizes God's divine jealousy for truth, as expressed in Jeremiah 5:3, where the Lord laments the absence of truth among His people. He asserts that God's watchfu