Jeremiah 38:20
New International Version
“They will not hand you over,” Jeremiah replied. “Obey the LORD by doing what I tell you. Then it will go well with you, and your life will be spared.

New Living Translation
Jeremiah replied, “You won’t be handed over to them if you choose to obey the LORD. Your life will be spared, and all will go well for you.

English Standard Version
Jeremiah said, “You shall not be given to them. Obey now the voice of the LORD in what I say to you, and it shall be well with you, and your life shall be spared.

Berean Standard Bible
“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.

King James Bible
But Jeremiah said, They shall not deliver thee. Obey, I beseech thee, the voice of the LORD, which I speak unto thee: so it shall be well unto thee, and thy soul shall live.

New King James Version
But Jeremiah said, “They shall not deliver you. Please, obey the voice of the LORD which I speak to you. So it shall be well with you, and your soul shall live.

New American Standard Bible
But Jeremiah said, “They will not turn you over. Please obey the LORD in what I am saying to you, so that it may go well for you and you may live.

NASB 1995
But Jeremiah said, “They will not give you over. Please obey the LORD in what I am saying to you, that it may go well with you and you may live.

NASB 1977
But Jeremiah said, “They will not give you over. Please obey the LORD in what I am saying to you, that it may go well with you and you may live.

Legacy Standard Bible
But Jeremiah said, “They will not give you over. Please listen to the voice of Yahweh in what I am saying to you, that it may go well with you and you may live.

Amplified Bible
But Jeremiah said, “They will not hand you over [to them]. Please obey [the voice of] the LORD [who speaks to you through me] in what I am saying to you. Then it will go well with you and you will live.

Christian Standard Bible
“They will not hand you over,” Jeremiah replied. “Obey the LORD in what I am telling you, so it may go well for you and you can live.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
“They will not hand you over,” Jeremiah replied. “Obey the voice of the LORD in what I am telling you, so it may go well for you and you can live.

American Standard Version
But Jeremiah said, They shall not deliver thee. Obey, I beseech thee, the voice of Jehovah, in that which I speak unto thee: so it shall be well with thee, and thy soul shall live.

Contemporary English Version
I said, "If you will just obey the LORD, the Babylonians won't hand you over to those Jews. You will be allowed to live, and all will go well for you.

English Revised Version
But Jeremiah said, They shall not deliver thee. Obey, I beseech thee, the voice of the LORD, in that which I speak unto thee: so it shall be well with thee, and thy soul shall live.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Jeremiah said, "You will not be handed over to them. Obey the LORD by doing what I'm telling you. Then everything will go well for you, and you will live.

Good News Translation
I said, "You will not be handed over to them. I beg you to obey the LORD's message; then all will go well with you, and your life will be spared.

International Standard Version
Jeremiah said, "They won't turn you over. Obey the LORD in what I'm telling you, and it will go well for you and you will live.

Majority Standard Bible
“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.

NET Bible
Then Jeremiah answered, "You will not be handed over to them. Please obey the LORD by doing what I have been telling you. Then all will go well with you and your life will be spared.

New Heart English Bible
But Jeremiah said, "They shall not deliver you. Obey, I beg you, the voice of the LORD, in that which I speak to you: so it shall be well with you, and your soul shall live.

Webster's Bible Translation
But Jeremiah said, They shall not deliver thee. Obey, I beseech thee, the voice of the LORD, which I speak to thee: so it shall be well to thee, and thy soul shall live.

World English Bible
But Jeremiah said, “They won’t deliver you. Obey, I beg you, Yahweh’s voice, in that which I speak to you; so it will be well with you, and your soul will live.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Jeremiah says, “They do not give you up; please listen to the voice of YHWH, to that which I am speaking to you, and it is well for you, and your soul lives.

Young's Literal Translation
And Jeremiah saith, 'They do not give thee up; hearken, I pray thee, to the voice of Jehovah, to that which I am speaking unto thee, and it is well for thee, and thy soul doth live.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jeremiah will say, They shall not give. Hear, now, to the voice of Jehovah for which I speak to thee: and it shall be well to thee, and thy soul shall live.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But Jeremias answered: They shall not deliver thee: hearken, I beseech thee, to the word of the Lord, which I speak to thee, and it shall be well with thee, and thy soul shall live.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But Jeremiah responded: “They will not deliver you. Listen, I ask you, to the voice of the Lord, which I am speaking to you, and it will be well with you, and your soul will live.

New American Bible
“You will not be handed over to them,” Jeremiah answered. “I beg you! Please listen to the voice of the LORD regarding what I tell you so that it may go well with you and your life be spared.

New Revised Standard Version
Jeremiah said, “That will not happen. Just obey the voice of the LORD in what I say to you, and it shall go well with you, and your life shall be spared.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But Jeremiah said, They will not deliver you. Obey the word of the LORD, which I speak to you; so it shall be well with you, and your life shall be saved.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Jeremiah said: “They are not handing you over, but listen to the word of LORD JEHOVAH that I spoke to you, that it will be good for you and your soul will live!
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
But Jeremiah said: 'They shall not deliver thee. Hearken, I beseech thee, to the voice of the LORD, in that which I speak unto thee; so it shall be well with thee, and thy soul shall live.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Jeremias said, They shall in no wise deliver thee up. Hear the word of the Lord which I speak to thee; and it shall be better for thee, and thy soul shall live.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jeremiah Rescued
19But 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.” 20“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. 21But if you refuse to surrender, this is the word that the LORD has shown me:…

Cross References
Jeremiah 15:20-21
Then I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to save and deliver you, declares the LORD. / I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless.”

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Isaiah 43:1-2
But now, this is what the LORD says—He who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine! / When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Psalm 34:4
I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 37:40
The LORD helps and delivers them; He rescues and saves them from the wicked, because they take refuge in Him.

Psalm 91:14-15
“Because he loves Me, I will deliver him; because he knows My name, I will protect him. / When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him.

Isaiah 50:7
Because the Lord GOD helps Me, I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set My face like flint, and I know that I will not be put to shame.

Isaiah 54:17
No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.

2 Kings 25:27-30
On the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth month of the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Judah’s King Jehoiachin, in the year Evil-merodach became king of Babylon, he released King Jehoiachin of Judah from prison. / And he spoke kindly to Jehoiachin and set his throne above the thrones of the other kings who were with him in Babylon. / So Jehoiachin changed out of his prison clothes, and he dined regularly at the king’s table for the rest of his life. ...

Daniel 3:17-18
If the God whom we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the blazing fiery furnace and from your hand, O king. / But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.”

Daniel 6:22-23
My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, for I was found innocent in His sight, and I have done no wrong against you, O king.” / The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den, and when Daniel was lifted out of the den, no wounds whatsoever were found on him, because he had trusted in his God.

Matthew 10:28-31
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. / Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. / And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. ...

Matthew 11:28-30
Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. / Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. / For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Luke 12:4-7
I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. / But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear the One who, after you have been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him! / Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. ...

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.


Treasury of Scripture

But Jeremiah said, They shall not deliver you. Obey, I beseech you, the voice of the LORD, which I speak to you: so it shall be well to you, and your soul shall live.

Obey.

Jeremiah 26:13
Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the LORD your God; and the LORD will repent him of the evil that he hath pronounced against you.

2 Chronicles 20:20
And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.

Daniel 4:27
Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.

and thy.

Isaiah 55:3
Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

Jump to Previous
Beg Beseech Deliver Guided Hand Hearken Jeremiah Live Obey Please Soul Spared Speak Speaking Voice Word
Jump to Next
Beg Beseech Deliver Guided Hand Hearken Jeremiah Live Obey Please Soul Spared Speak Speaking Voice Word
Jeremiah 38
1. Jeremiah, by a false suggestion, is put into the dungeon of Malchiah.
7. Ebed-Melech, by suit, gets him some enlargement.
14. Upon secret conference, he counsels the king by yielding to save his life.
24. By the king's instructions he conceals the conference from the princes.














But Jeremiah replied
The phrase begins with a conjunction, "But," indicating a contrast or response to a previous statement or situation. Jeremiah, the prophet, is responding to King Zedekiah's fear of being handed over to the Babylonians. The Hebrew root for "replied" is עָנָה (anah), which means to answer or respond. This highlights Jeremiah's role as a communicator of God's will, emphasizing his duty to convey God's message despite the king's fears.

You will not be handed over to them
This assurance from Jeremiah is a direct promise of protection. The phrase "handed over" comes from the Hebrew נָתַן (nathan), meaning to give or deliver. Historically, this reflects the political tension and fear of betrayal during the Babylonian siege. Jeremiah's words are meant to reassure Zedekiah that obedience to God will prevent his worst fears from materializing.

Obey the voice of the LORD
The call to "obey" is central to the prophetic message. The Hebrew word שָׁמַע (shama) means to hear or listen with the intent to act. "The voice of the LORD" signifies divine authority and guidance. In the context of the Old Testament, obedience to God's voice is a recurring theme, emphasizing the covenant relationship between God and His people. This obedience is not just about hearing but involves active compliance with God's commands.

in what I am telling you
Jeremiah emphasizes his role as God's mouthpiece. The phrase underscores the importance of prophetic authority. The Hebrew root דָּבַר (dabar) for "telling" implies speaking or declaring. Jeremiah's message is not his own but a divine directive. This highlights the responsibility of the prophet to faithfully convey God's instructions, regardless of personal risk or the recipient's reluctance.

so it may go well with you
This phrase is a promise of well-being contingent upon obedience. The Hebrew יָטַב (yatab) means to be good or pleasing. It reflects the biblical principle that obedience to God leads to blessings and prosperity. This assurance is meant to encourage Zedekiah to trust in God's plan, promising a favorable outcome if he heeds the prophetic counsel.

and you may live
The ultimate promise is life itself. The Hebrew חָיָה (chayah) means to live or have life. In the context of Jeremiah's prophecy, this is both a physical and spiritual promise. Historically, it underscores the dire situation of Jerusalem under siege, where life was precarious. Spiritually, it reflects the biblical theme that true life is found in obedience to God. Jeremiah's message is one of hope, offering a path to survival and blessing through faithfulness to God's word.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“They will not
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

hand you over,”
יִתֵּ֑נוּ (yit·tê·nū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

Jeremiah
יִרְמְיָ֖הוּ (yir·mə·yā·hū)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3414: Jeremiah -- 'Yah loosens', the name of a number of Israelites

replied.
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Obey
שְֽׁמַֽע־ (šə·ma‘-)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

the voice
בְּק֣וֹל (bə·qō·wl)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6963: A voice, sound

of the LORD
יְהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

in what
לַאֲשֶׁ֤ר (la·’ă·šer)
Preposition-l | Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

I
אֲנִי֙ (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

am telling you,
דֹּבֵ֣ר (dō·ḇêr)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

so it may go well
וְיִ֥יטַב (wə·yî·ṭaḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3190: To be good, well, glad, or pleasing

with you
לְךָ֖ (lə·ḵā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

and you
נַפְשֶֽׁךָ׃ (nap̄·še·ḵā)
Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion

may live.
וּתְחִ֥י (ū·ṯə·ḥî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Jussive - third person feminine singular
Strong's 2421: To live, to revive


Links
Jeremiah 38:20 NIV
Jeremiah 38:20 NLT
Jeremiah 38:20 ESV
Jeremiah 38:20 NASB
Jeremiah 38:20 KJV

Jeremiah 38:20 BibleApps.com
Jeremiah 38:20 Biblia Paralela
Jeremiah 38:20 Chinese Bible
Jeremiah 38:20 French Bible
Jeremiah 38:20 Catholic Bible

OT Prophets: Jeremiah 38:20 But Jeremiah said They shall not deliver (Jer.)
Jeremiah 38:19
Top of Page
Top of Page