Jeremiah 38:1

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Jeremiah 38:1 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Now Shephatiah son of Mattan, Gedaliah son of Pashhur, Jucal son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur son of Malchijah heard that Jeremiah had been telling all the people:

King James Version KJV

Then Shephatiah the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah the son of Pashur, and Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashur the son of Malchiah, heard the words that Jeremiah had spoken unto all the people, saying,

American Standard Version ASV

And Shephatiah the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah the son of Pashhur, and Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur the son of Malchijah, heard the words that Jeremiah spake unto all the people, saying,

Bible in Basic English BBE

Now it came to the ears of Shephatiah, the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah, the son of Pashhur, and Jucal, the son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur, the son of Malchiah, that Jeremiah had said to all the people,

Free Bible Version FBV

Shephatiah son of Mattan, Gedaliah son of Pashhur, Jucal son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur son of Malchijah heard what Jeremiah was telling everyone:

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then Shephatiah the sonne of Mattan, and Gedaliah the sonne of Pashur, and Iucal the sonne of Shelemiah, and Pashur the sonne of Malchiah, heard the wordes that Ieremiah had spoken vnto all the people, saying,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Shephatiah son of Mattan, and Gedaliah son of Pashhur, and Jucal son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur son of Malchiah, hear the words that Jeremiah is speaking unto all the people, saying,

World English Bible WEB

Shephatiah the son of Mattan, Gedaliah the son of Pashhur, Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur the son of Malchijah heard the words that Jeremiah spoke to all the people, saying,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then Shephatiah the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah the son of Pashur, and Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashur the son of Malchiah, heard the words that Jeremiah had spoken to all the people, saying,

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Now Saphatias the son of Mathan, and Gedelias the son of Phassur, and Juchal the son of Selemias, and Phassur the son of Melchias heard the words that Jeremias spoke to all the people, saying:

Translation for Translators T4T

Four officials, Shephatiah the son of Mattan, Gedaliah the son of Pashhur, Jehucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur the son of Malkijah, heard what I had been telling all the people.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 38:1

BAB

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 38:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֞ע שְׁפַטְיָ֣ה בֶן מַתָּ֗ן וּ/גְדַלְיָ֨הוּ֙ בֶּן פַּשְׁח֔וּר וְ/יוּכַל֙ בֶּן שֶׁ֣לֶמְיָ֔הוּ וּ/פַשְׁח֖וּר בֶּן מַלְכִּיָּ֑ה אֶ֨ת הַ/דְּבָרִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֧ר יִרְמְיָ֛הוּ מְדַבֵּ֥ר אֶל כָּל הָ/עָ֖ם לֵ/אמֹֽר

וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֞ע shâmaʻ H8085 to hear Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

שְׁפַטְיָ֣ה Shᵉphaṭyâh H8203 Shephatiah N-proper

בֶן bên H1121 son N-ms

מַתָּ֗ן Mattân H4977 Mattan N-proper

וּ/גְדַלְיָ֨הוּ֙ Gᵉdalyâh H1436 Gedaliah Conj | N-proper

בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms

פַּשְׁח֔וּר Pashchûwr H6583 Pashhur N-proper

וְ/יוּכַל֙ Yûwkal H3116 Jucal Conj | N-proper

בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms

שֶׁ֣לֶמְיָ֔הוּ Shelemyâh H8018 Shelemiah N-proper

וּ/פַשְׁח֖וּר Pashchûwr H6583 Pashhur Conj | N-proper

בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms

מַלְכִּיָּ֑ה Malkîyâh H4441 Malchiah N-proper

אֶ֨ת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הַ/דְּבָרִ֔ים dâbâr H1697 Chronicles Art | N-mp

אֲשֶׁ֧ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

יִרְמְיָ֛הוּ Yirmᵉyâh H3414 Jeremiah N-proper

מְדַבֵּ֥ר dâbar H1696 to speak V-Piel

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

הָ/עָ֖ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms

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

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 38:1

וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֞ע shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.

Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound

Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.

שְׁפַטְיָ֣ה Shᵉphaṭyâh H8203 "Shephatiah" N-proper

Shephatiah was the name of ten Israelites, including a son of David and several leaders who returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel. The name means 'Jehovah has judged', and these individuals are mentioned in books like 1 Chronicles and Jeremiah. They played significant roles in Israel's history.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Jer.38.1; son of: Mattan (H4977H) § Shephatiah = "Jehovah has judged" 1) a son of David by Abital; David's 5th son 2) head of a family of exiles returning from Babylon with Zerubbabel 3) another head of a family of exiles returning from Babylon with Zerubbabel 4) a Judaite, son of Mahalaleel and father of Amariah 5) a prince of Judah, son of Mattan and one of the counsellors who advised king Zedekiah of Judah to kill the prophet Jeremiah 6) the Haruphite, one of David's mighty warriors who joined him at Ziklag 7) son of Maachah and prince of the tribe of Simeon in the time of David 8) son of king Jehoshaphat of Judah and brother to his successor Jehoram

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Shephatiah. See also: 2 Samuel 3:4; Ezra 2:4; Jeremiah 38:1.

בֶן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

מַתָּ֗ן Mattân H4977 "Mattan" N-proper

Is the name of a priest of Baal and an Israelite, mentioned in Jeremiah 38:1, with the name meaning a gift.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Jer.38.1; father of: Shephatiah (H8203O) § Mattan = "a gift" 1) a priest of Baal in Jerusalem in the time of Athaliah 2) father of Shephatiah in the time of Jeremiah

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Mattan. See also: 2 Kings 11:18; 2 Chronicles 23:17; Jeremiah 38:1.

וּ/גְדַלְיָ֨הוּ֙ Gᵉdalyâh H1436 "Gedaliah" Conj | N-proper

Gedaliah was the name of several Israelites, including a son of Jeduthun and a governor of Judea. One Gedaliah was the son of Pashur, a chief of Jerusalem during the time of Jeremiah. His name means 'Jehovah is great'.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Zep.1.1; son of: Amariah (H0568O); father of: Cushi (H3569H) § Gedaliah = "Jehovah is great" 1) a son of Jeduthun in the time of David 2) governor of Judea 3) son of Pashur, one of the chiefs of Jerusalem in the time of Jeremiah

Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: Gedaliah. See also: 2 Kings 25:22; Jeremiah 40:12; Jeremiah 38:1.

בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

Definition: : child/son

פַּשְׁח֔וּר Pashchûwr H6583 "Pashhur" N-proper

Pashhur was a priest in the Bible, mentioned in Jeremiah 38:1, who put the prophet Jeremiah in stocks. His name means freedom, but his actions were restrictive. He was a key figure in the reign of King Zedekiah.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.38.1a; father of: Gedaliah (H1436J) § Pashur = "freedom" 1) a priest, son of Malchiah and one of the chief princes in the reign of king Zedekiah of Judah 2) a priest, son of Immer, chief governor of the temple, and the one who struck and then put the prophet Jeremiah into the stocks in the reign of king Jehoiakim of Judah 3) son of Malchijah, father of Zechariah, and ancestor of Adaiah who did the work of the temple in the time of Nehemiah. Probably same as 1 4) father of Gedaliah; probably the same as 1 5) head of a family of returned exiles

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Pashur. See also: 1 Chronicles 9:12; Jeremiah 20:1; Jeremiah 20:2.

וְ/יוּכַל֙ Yûwkal H3116 "Jucal" Conj | N-proper

Jucal was an Israelite who lived during the time of the Divided Monarchy and was a servant of King Zedekiah. His name means 'Jehovah is able' and he is mentioned in Jeremiah 37:3 and 38:1. Jucal was sent by the king to ask for Jeremiah's prayers and advice.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.37.3; son of: Shelemiah (H8018M); also called Jucal (NIV: Jehukal) at Jer.38.1; Another name of ye.hu.khal (יְהוּכַל "Jehucal" H3081) § Jucal = "Jehovah is able" a son of Shelemiah and a servant of king Zedekiah whom he sent to Jeremiah to entreat his prayers and advice

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Jucal. See also: Jeremiah 38:1.

בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

Definition: : child/son

שֶׁ֣לֶמְיָ֔הוּ Shelemyâh H8018 "Shelemiah" N-proper

Shelemiah was a man from the tribe of Levi, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 9:21. The name means repaid by Jehovah, and he was the father of several sons, including Zechariah and Jediael.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at 1Ch.9.21; father of: Zechariah (H2148A), Jediael (H3043J), Zebadiah (H2069J), Jathniel (H3496), Elam (H5867H), Jehohanan (H3076I) and Eliehoenai (H0454A); also called Shelemiah at 1Ch.26.14; Another name of me.she.lem.yah (מְשֶׁלֶמְיָהוּ "Meshelemiah" H4920) § Shelemiah = "repaid by Jehovah" 1) a son of Bani who put away his foreign wife in the time of Ezra 2) another son of Bani who put away his foreign wife in the time of Ezra 3) father of Hananiah who repaired part of the wall of Jerusalem in the time of Nehemiah 4) a priest in the time of Nehemiah in charge of the treasury 5) father of Jehucal or Jucal in the time of Zedekiah 6) Levite upon whom the lot for the East Gate fell; in the time of David 6a) also 'Meshelemiah' and 'Shallum' 7) father of Nethaniah and grandfather of Jehudi, who was the messenger sent to Baruch the scribe of Jeremiah 8) son of Abdeel and one the men commanded by king Jehoiakim of Judah to seize the prophet Jeremiah and his scribe Baruch 9) father of Irijah, the captain of the guard who arrested Jeremiah

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Shelemiah. See also: 1 Chronicles 26:14; Jeremiah 36:14; Jeremiah 36:26.

וּ/פַשְׁח֖וּר Pashchûwr H6583 "Pashhur" Conj | N-proper

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Pashur. See also: 1 Chronicles 9:12; Jeremiah 20:1; Jeremiah 20:2.

בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

Definition: : child/son

מַלְכִּיָּ֑ה Malkîyâh H4441 "Malchiah" N-proper

Malchiah means my king is Jehovah, the name of ten Israelites. One Malchiah was the father of Pashhur, mentioned in Jeremiah 21:1. Malchiah was also the name of a priest in the time of David and Ezra.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.21.1; father of: Pashhur (H6583J) § Malchijah or Malchiah or Melchiah = "my king is Jehovah" 1) the father of Pashur in the time of Jeremiah 2) the son of Hammelech into whose dungeon Jeremiah was cast 3) the head of the 5th course of priests in the time of David 4) one of the priests who was at the reading of the law by Ezra, sealed the covenant with Nehemiah, and was at the dedication of the wall with Nehemiah 5) a Levite ancestor of Asaph and descendant of Levi through Gershon 6) son of Parosh who put away a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 7) son of Harim who put away a foreign wife and helped repair the wall and the Tower of Ovens in the time of Ezra and Nehemiah 8) son of Rechab, leader of the district of Beth Haccerem, who helped repair the Refuse Gate in the time of Nehemiah 9) a goldsmith who helped repair the wall in the time of Nehemiah

Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: Malchiah, Malchijah. See also: 1 Chronicles 6:25; Nehemiah 3:31; Jeremiah 21:1.

אֶ֨ת 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.

הַ/דְּבָרִ֔ים dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" Art | N-mp

A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.

Definition: This name means word, speaking

Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.

אֲשֶׁ֧ר 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.

יִרְמְיָ֛הוּ Yirmᵉyâh H3414 "Jeremiah" N-proper

Jeremiah means whom Jehovah has appointed, a major prophet and author of the book of Jeremiah. He was the son of Hilkiah and a priest from Anathoth.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Jer.35.3; son of: Habazziniah (H2262); father of: Jaazaniah (H2970) § Jeremiah = "whom Jehovah has appointed" 1) the major prophet, son of Hilkiah of the priestly family in Anathoth; author of the prophetic book bearing his name 2) a man of Libnah and father of Hamutal the wife of king Josiah 3) a Gadite who joined David at Ziklag 4) a Manassehite, one of the mighty men of valour of the Transjordanic half tribe of Manasseh 5) a Gadite and warrior of David 6) a warrior of David 7) a priest who joined Nehemiah in the covenant ceremony 8) a priest also in the time of Nehemiah; maybe same as 7 9) father of Jaazaniah the Rechabites

Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: Jeremiah. See also: 2 Kings 23:31; Jeremiah 36:4; Jeremiah 1:1.

מְדַבֵּ֥ר dâbar H1696 "to speak" V-Piel

To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.

Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

הָ/עָ֖ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

לֵ/אמֹֽר 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.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 38:1

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Jeremiah 38:1 Summary
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Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 38:1
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 38:1
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:1
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:1
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:1
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:1
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 38:1
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 38:1
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:1
Sermons on Jeremiah 38:1

Context — Jeremiah Cast into the Cistern

1Now Shephatiah son of Mattan, Gedaliah son of Pashhur, Jucal son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur son of Malchijah heard that Jeremiah had been telling all the people:

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. 3This is what the LORD says: This city will surely be delivered into the hands of the army of the king of Babylon, and he will capture it.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Nehemiah 7:9	the descendants of Shephatiah, 372;
2	Ezra 2:3	the descendants of Parosh, 2,172;
3	Acts 4:6–10	along with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and many others from the high priest’s family. They had Peter and John brought in and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being examined today about a kind service to a man who was lame, to determine how he was healed, then let this be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.
4	Jeremiah 21:1–10	This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD when King Zedekiah sent to him Pashhur son of Malchijah and the priest Zephaniah son of Maaseiah. They said, “Please inquire of the LORD on our behalf, since Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon is waging war against us. Perhaps the LORD will perform for us something like all His past wonders, so that Nebuchadnezzar will withdraw from us.” But Jeremiah answered, “You are to tell Zedekiah that 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.’ Furthermore, 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. 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. For 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.’
5	Jeremiah 37:3–4	Yet King Zedekiah sent Jehucal son of Shelemiah and Zephaniah the priest, the son of Maaseiah, to Jeremiah the prophet with the message, “Please pray to the LORD our God for us!” Now Jeremiah was free to come and go among the people, for they had not yet put him in prison.
6	Acts 4:1–2	While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, greatly disturbed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.
7	Nehemiah 11:12	and their associates who did the work at the temple—822 men; Adaiah son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchijah;
8	Acts 5:28	“We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us responsible for this man’s blood.”
9	1 Chronicles 9:12	Adaiah son of Jeroham, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchijah; Maasai son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer;

Jeremiah 38:1 Summary

Jeremiah 38:1 tells us about a group of officials who heard that Jeremiah was sharing a message from God with the people of Jerusalem. This message, as seen in Jeremiah 38:2-3, was about the city being destroyed by the Babylonians if the people didn't surrender. In simple terms, Jeremiah was warning the people that they had a choice to make: they could either stay in the city and face death, or they could surrender to the Babylonians and live, as also taught in Deuteronomy 30:19. This choice reflects the broader theme of the Bible, which often presents us with choices between life and death, as seen in Deuteronomy 30:15-20 and Proverbs 10:2.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who were the individuals mentioned in Jeremiah 38:1?

The individuals mentioned were Shephatiah son of Mattan, Gedaliah son of Pashhur, Jucal son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur son of Malchijah, who were likely officials in Jerusalem at the time, as seen in Jeremiah 38:1 and similar lists in Jeremiah 36:12 and 2 Kings 25:25.

What was Jeremiah telling the people that these officials heard?

Although Jeremiah 38:1 does not specify exactly what Jeremiah was saying, the context provided in Jeremiah 38:2-3 suggests that he was warning the people of the impending destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, as also prophesied in Jeremiah 32:3 and Jeremiah 34:2-3.

Why were these officials interested in what Jeremiah was saying?

These officials were likely concerned about Jeremiah's prophetic messages because they were influential in Jerusalem and may have seen Jeremiah's words as a threat to their power or as a message that could undermine the morale of the city's inhabitants, similar to the concerns expressed in Jeremiah 26:11 and Jeremiah 36:19.

How does this verse relate to the broader context of Jeremiah's ministry?

Jeremiah 38:1 is part of a larger narrative in which Jeremiah is calling the people of Judah to repentance and warning them of the consequences of their sins, a theme that is consistent throughout the book of Jeremiah, as seen in Jeremiah 7:1-20 and Jeremiah 18:1-12.

Reflection Questions

What role do you think fear and self-preservation played in the actions of the officials mentioned in this verse, and how can we apply the lesson of trusting in God's sovereignty to our own lives?
How can we balance the need to speak truth, as Jeremiah did, with the potential backlash or opposition we might face from those in power or influence?
In what ways can we, like Jeremiah, be faithful messengers of God's word, even when the message is difficult or unpopular, and how does Jeremiah 1:7-10 encourage us in this role?
What does this verse teach us about the importance of listening to and heeding prophetic warnings, both in the context of Jeremiah's time and in our own lives today?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 38:1

Then Shephatiah the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah the son of Pashur,.... Of these two persons we nowhere else read.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 38:1

Then Shephatiah the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah the son of Pashur, and Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashur the son of Malchiah, heard the words that Jeremiah had spoken unto all the people,

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:1

CHAPTER 38 Jeremiah prophesieth; is by the princes, with the king’ s permission, cast into a dungeon; but is by Ebed-melech, with the king’ s consent, taken out again, . He hath a secret conference with the king, in which he counselleth him by yielding to save his life, . By the king’ s command he concealeth the conference from the princes, . He abideth in prison till Jerusalem is taken, . Vers. 1. Here are four of the great men, counsellors, or great officers to Zedekiah, named, of whom we have no further mention in holy writ, nor are they worthy of much inquiry after. Jeremiah being now removed into a little freer air, where his friends, or such as had a desire to see him, came to him, and it is very likely were inquisitive to know what God would do with the city, he could not but tell them what he knew of the mind of God in the case, and advise them the best he could. Some of them go to these princes, and inform them of what they had heard from the prophet.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:1

Jeremiah 38:1 Then Shephatiah the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah the son of Pashur, and Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashur the son of Malchiah, heard the words that Jeremiah had spoken unto all the people, saying,Ver. 1. Then Shephatiah.] Here was aliud ex alio malum, one affliction on the neck of another. Matters mend with us as sour ale doth in summer, said Bishop Ridley once, when he was prisoner. Poor Jeremiah might well have said so, if ever any, as appeareth by this chapter, where we find him in a worse hole than was that of Jonathan; but his extremity was God’ s opportunity. Shephatiah the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah, &c.] These four princes here named to their eternal infamy were no small men, as appeareth in that the king was not he that could do anything against them. The grandees of the world are greatest enemies usually to the truth. Little they had to say against his doctrines; they quarrel with his affection, as a perturber of the public peace. Ahab charged the like crime upon Elijah; the Jews upon Christ, and afterwards upon Paul; the heathen persecutors upon the primitive Christians; the heretics still upon the orthodox, that they were seditious, antimonarchical, &c.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:1

XXXVIII. (1) Then Shephatiah the son of Mattan . . .—Of the four princes of Judah who are named here, Jucal or Jehucal has been mentioned in Jeremiah 37:3, and would appear, from the frequent occurrence of the name Shelomiah in 1 Chronicles 26:1-2; 1 Chronicles 26:9; 1 Chronicles 26:14, to have been a Levite; Pashur is named in Jeremiah 21:1. Of the other two nothing is known, but the name Shephatiah appears in three or four instances in the royal house of Judah, beginning with a son of David (2 Samuel 3:4; 2 Chronicles 21:2; Ezra 2:4; Nehemiah 7:9),·and may, perhaps, indicate a connexion with it, like that of Jerahmeel in Jeremiah 36:26. Gedaliah, the son of Pashur (possibly of the man of that name who is mentioned last in the list), must be distinguished from Jeremiah’s protector, the son of Ahikam (Jeremiah 26:24; Jeremiah 40:5). They all belonged obviously to the party of the prophet’s enemies.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:1

CHAPTER XXXVIII The princes of Judah, taking offense at Jeremiah on account of his predicting the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by the Chaldeans, cause him to be cast into a deep and miry dungeon, 1-6. Ebed-melech, an Ethiopian, gets the king's permission to take him out, 7-13. Jeremiah advises the king, who consulted him privately, to surrender to the Chaldeans, 14-23. The king promises the prophet that he will not put him to death, and requires him not to reveal what had passed to the princes; to whom he accordingly gives an evasive answer, telling them only so much of the conference as related to his request for his life, 24-28. NOTES ON CHAP. XXXVIII Verse 1. Then Shephatiah] This was the faction - what Dahler terms the Antitheocratic faction - who were enemies to Jeremiah, and sought his life.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 38:1

1. And Shephatiah] The removal of Jeremiah from prison to the court of the guard had facilitated the publication of his message, as we see from this v. Hence the princes take alarm and apply to the king for permission to put him to death. Gedaliah] He was probably a son of the Pashhur who put Jeremiah in the stocks (ch. Jeremiah 20:1 f.). Jucal] the Jehucal of ch. Jeremiah 37:3. Pashhur the son of Malchijah] the same who is mentioned ch. Jeremiah 21:1.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 38:1

Had spoken - Spake; or, was speaking.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 38:1

1. Had spoken — The original is less restricted, was speaking. The present participle here implies that Jeremiah continued to speak thus.

Sermons on Jeremiah 38:1

	Sermon	Description
	Jeremiah 37-39 by Ken Baird	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the sad lesson of the children of Israel being exiled from their land and the judgment of God taking effect. The speaker emphasizes the deep
	Jeremiah in the Dungeon by C.I. Scofield	C.I. Scofield delves into the mystery of permitted suffering of the good, using the story of Jeremiah's affliction to illustrate how God's power is magnified in delivering His fait
	These Men Have Been With Jesus by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher recounts a horrifying story of a parent who brutally murdered their own daughter. Despite the shock and disbelief, the Holy Spirit brought peace to the
	Humble Yourself by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of accepting God's call and the consequences of rejecting it. He shares stories of revival meetings where people were deeply mov
	Moses and Exodus 33 - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill	This sermon emphasizes the importance of reflecting the glory of Jesus in our lives by being absorbed in His peace, joy, and love. It challenges listeners to seek a living, intimat
	(John) the Sinfulness of Man by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, Peter and John are preaching to the people in the temple when they are interrupted by the priests, captain of the temple, and Sadducees. These religious leaders are
	Persecuted for Christ (Part 7) by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God without relying on notes or following a structured order of service. He highlights examples from