Jeremiah 37:20
New International Version
But now, my lord the king, please listen. Let me bring my petition before you: Do not send me back to the house of Jonathan the secretary, or I will die there.”

New Living Translation
Listen, my lord the king, I beg you. Don’t send me back to the dungeon in the house of Jonathan the secretary, for I will die there.”

English Standard Version
Now hear, please, O my lord the king: let my humble plea come before you and do not send me back to the house of Jonathan the secretary, lest I die there.”

Berean Standard Bible
But now please listen, O my lord the king. May my petition come before you. Do not send me back to the house of Jonathan the scribe, or I will die there.”

King James Bible
Therefore hear now, I pray thee, O my lord the king: let my supplication, I pray thee, be accepted before thee; that thou cause me not to return to the house of Jonathan the scribe, lest I die there.

New King James Version
Therefore please hear now, O my lord the king. Please, let my petition be accepted before you, and do not make me return to the house of Jonathan the scribe, lest I die there.”

New American Standard Bible
But now, please listen, my lord the king; please let my plea come before you and do not make me return to the house of Jonathan the scribe, so that I will not die there.”

NASB 1995
“But now, please listen, O my lord the king; please let my petition come before you and do not make me return to the house of Jonathan the scribe, that I may not die there.”

NASB 1977
“But now, please listen, O my lord the king; please let my petition come before you, and do not make me return to the house of Jonathan the scribe, that I may not die there.”

Legacy Standard Bible
But now, please listen, O my lord the king; please let my supplication come before you, and do not make me return to the house of Jonathan the scribe, that I may not die there.”

Amplified Bible
Therefore now, please listen, O my lord the king; please let my petition come before you and be acceptable and do not make me return to the house of Jonathan the scribe, that I may not die there.”

Christian Standard Bible
So now please listen, my lord the king. May my petition come before you. Don’t send me back to the house of Jonathan the scribe, or I will die there.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So now please listen, my lord the king. May my petition come before you. Don’t send me back to the house of Jonathan the scribe, or I will die there.”

American Standard Version
And now hear, I pray thee, O my lord the king: let my supplication, I pray thee, be presented before thee, that thou cause me not to return to the house of Jonathan the scribe, lest I die there.

Contemporary English Version
Please, don't send me back to that prison at Jonathan's house. If you do, I will die there."

English Revised Version
And now hear, I pray thee, O my lord the king: let my supplication, I pray thee, be accepted before thee; that thou cause me not to return to the house of Jonathan the scribe, lest I die there.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But now, Your Majesty, please listen, and accept my plea for mercy. Don't return me to the scribe Jonathan's house, or I will die there."

Good News Translation
And now, Your Majesty, I beg you to listen to me and do what I ask. Please do not send me back to the prison in Jonathan's house. If you do, I will surely die there."

International Standard Version
Now, please listen, your majesty, and pay attention to what I'm asking you. Don't make me go back to the house of Jonathan the scribe, so I don't die there."

Majority Standard Bible
But now please listen, O my lord the king. May my petition come before you. Do not send me back to the house of Jonathan the scribe, or I will die there.”

NET Bible
But now please listen, your royal Majesty, and grant my plea for mercy. Do not send me back to the house of Jonathan, the royal secretary. If you do, I will die there."

New Heart English Bible
Now please hear, my lord the king: please let my petition be presented before you, that you not cause me to return to the house of Jonathan the scribe, lest I die there."

Webster's Bible Translation
Therefore hear now, I pray thee, O my lord the king: let my supplication, I pray thee, be accepted before thee; that thou cause me not to return to the house of Jonathan the scribe, lest I die there.

World English Bible
Now please hear, my lord the king: please let my supplication be presented before you, that you not cause me to return to the house of Jonathan the scribe, lest I die there.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And now, please listen, O my lord the king; please let my supplication fall before you, and do not cause me to return [to] the house of Jonathan the scribe, that I do not die there.”

Young's Literal Translation
And now, hearken, I pray thee, my lord, O king, let my supplication fall, I pray thee, before thee, and cause me not to return to the house of Jonathan the scribe, that I die not there.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And now, hear now my lord the king: my mercy shall fall now before thy face, and thou shalt not cause me to turn back to the house of Jonathan the scribe, and I shall not die there.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now therefore hear, I beseech thee, my lord the king: let my petition be accepted in thy sight: and send me not back into the house of Jonathan the scribe, lest I die there.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now therefore, listen, I beg you, my lord the king. Let my petition prevail in your sight. And do not send me back into the house of Jonathan the scribe, lest I die there.”

New American Bible
Please hear me, my lord king! Grant my petition: do not send me back into the house of Jonathan the scribe, or I shall die there.”

New Revised Standard Version
Now please hear me, my lord king: be good enough to listen to my plea, and do not send me back to the house of the secretary Jonathan to die there.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Therefore now listen to me, O my lord the king; let my supplication be acceptable before you, that you may not cause me to return to the house of Jonathan the scribe, lest I die there.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Now hear me my Lord King, and my request shall be laid before you, and do not return me to the house of Jonathan the Scribe, that I will not die there"
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And now hear, I pray thee, O my lord the king: let my supplication, I pray thee, be presented before thee; that thou cause me not to return to the house of Jonathan the scribe, lest I die there.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Now therefore, my lord the king, let my supplication come before thy face: and why dost thou send me back to the house of Jonathan the scribe? and let me not on any account die there.
Audio Bible



Context
Jeremiah Imprisoned
19Where are your prophets who prophesied to you, claiming, ‘The king of Babylon will not come against you or this land’? 20But now please listen, O my lord the king. May my petition come before you. Do not send me back to the house of Jonathan the scribe, or I will die there.” 21So King Zedekiah gave orders for Jeremiah to be placed in the courtyard of the guard and given a loaf of bread daily from the street of the bakers, until all the bread in the city was gone. So Jeremiah remained in the courtyard of the guard.…

Cross References
Jeremiah 38:26-28
then tell them, ‘I was presenting to the king my petition that he not return me to the house of Jonathan to die there.’” / When all the officials came to Jeremiah and questioned him, he relayed to them the exact words the king had commanded him to say. So they said no more to him, for no one had overheard the conversation. / And Jeremiah remained in the courtyard of the guard until the day Jerusalem was captured.

Jeremiah 38:7-13
Now Ebed-melech the Cushite, a court official in the royal palace, heard that Jeremiah had been put into the cistern. While the king was sitting at the Gate of Benjamin, / Ebed-melech went out from the king’s palace and said to the king, / “My lord the king, these men have acted wickedly in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet. They have dropped him into the cistern, where he will starve to death, for there is no more bread in the city.” ...

Jeremiah 38:14-16
Then King Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah the prophet and received him at the third entrance to the house of the LORD. “I am going to ask you something,” said the king to Jeremiah. “Do not hide anything from me.” / “If I tell you,” Jeremiah replied, “you will surely put me to death. And even if I give you advice, you will not listen to me.” / But King Zedekiah swore secretly to Jeremiah, “As surely as the LORD lives, who has given us this life, I will not kill you, nor will I deliver you into the hands of these men who are seeking your life.”

Jeremiah 38:1-6
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: / “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. / This 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.” ...

Jeremiah 39:11-14
Now Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had given orders about Jeremiah through Nebuzaradan captain of the guard, saying, / “Take him, look after him, and do not let any harm come to him; do for him whatever he says.” / So Nebuzaradan captain of the guard, Nebushazban the Rabsaris, Nergal-sharezer the Rabmag, and all the captains of the king of Babylon ...

Jeremiah 32:2-3
At 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. / 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.

Jeremiah 33:1
While Jeremiah was still confined in the courtyard of the guard, the word of the LORD came to him a second time:

Jeremiah 1:18-19
Now behold, this day I have made you like a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land. / They will fight against you but will never overcome you, since I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.

Jeremiah 15:15
You understand, O LORD; remember me and attend to me. Avenge me against my persecutors. In Your patience, do not take me away. Know that I endure reproach for Your honor.

Jeremiah 20:2
he had Jeremiah the prophet beaten and put in the stocks at the Upper Gate of Benjamin, which was by the house of the LORD.

Jeremiah 26:24
Nevertheless, Ahikam son of Shaphan supported Jeremiah, so he was not handed over to the people to be put to death.

Acts 24:23
He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard, but to allow him some freedom and permit his friends to minister to his needs.

Acts 23:16-24
But when the son of Paul’s sister heard about the plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul. / Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.” / So the centurion took him to the commander and said, “Paul the prisoner sent and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to tell you.” ...

Acts 25:4
But Festus replied, “Paul is being held in Caesarea, and I myself am going there soon.

Acts 28:16
When we arrived in Rome, Paul was permitted to stay by himself, with a soldier to guard him.


Treasury of Scripture

Therefore hear now, I pray you, O my lord the king: let my supplication, I pray you, be accepted before you; that you cause me not to return to the house of Jonathan the scribe, lest I die there.

be accepted before.

Jeremiah 36:7
It may be they will present their supplication before the LORD, and will return every one from his evil way: for great is the anger and the fury that the LORD hath pronounced against this people.

lest.

Jeremiah 26:15
But know ye for certain, that if ye put me to death, ye shall surely bring innocent blood upon yourselves, and upon this city, and upon the inhabitants thereof: for of a truth the LORD hath sent me unto you to speak all these words in your ears.

Jeremiah 38:6-9
Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah the son of Hammelech, that was in the court of the prison: and they let down Jeremiah with cords. And in the dungeon there was no water, but mire: so Jeremiah sunk in the mire…

Acts 23:16-22
And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul…

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Jeremiah 37
1. The Egyptians having raised the siege of the Chaldeans,
3. king Zedekiah sends to Jeremiah to pray for the people.
6. Jeremiah prophesies the Chaldeans' certain return and victory.
11. He is taken for a fugitive, beaten, and put in prison.
16. He assures Zedekiah of the captivity.
18. Entreating for his liberty, he obtains some favor.














So now please listen
This phrase is a heartfelt plea from Jeremiah, emphasizing urgency and respect. The Hebrew word for "listen" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just hearing but understanding and acting upon what is heard. Jeremiah is appealing to King Zedekiah's sense of justice and compassion, hoping that the king will not only hear his words but also respond favorably. This reflects the prophet's desperate situation and his reliance on the king's authority to change his circumstances.

O my lord the king
Jeremiah addresses Zedekiah with respect, acknowledging his royal authority. The term "lord" in Hebrew is "אֲדֹנִי" (adoni), a title of honor and submission. Despite Zedekiah's weaknesses and failures as a leader, Jeremiah still recognizes the God-ordained position of the king. This highlights the biblical principle of respecting authority, even when those in power are flawed, as all authority is ultimately established by God (Romans 13:1).

May my petition come before you
The word "petition" in Hebrew is "תְּחִנָּה" (teḥinnah), which denotes a plea for grace or mercy. Jeremiah is not demanding justice based on his own merit but is humbly requesting favor. This reflects the biblical theme of approaching God and those in authority with humility and a recognition of one's own need for mercy. It is a reminder of the importance of intercession and the power of earnest prayer.

Do not send me back
Jeremiah's request is direct and clear. The Hebrew verb "שׁוּב" (shuv) means to return or go back. Jeremiah is pleading for his life, knowing that returning to the house of Jonathan would mean certain death. This phrase underscores the dire circumstances Jeremiah faced and his reliance on the king's decision for his survival. It also serves as a metaphor for seeking deliverance from situations that lead to spiritual or physical death.

to the house of Jonathan the scribe
This location was used as a prison, indicating the misuse of a place meant for learning and record-keeping. Jonathan's house, instead of being a place of wisdom and knowledge, had become a place of suffering for Jeremiah. This transformation of purpose serves as a cautionary tale about the corruption of institutions and the importance of maintaining integrity in places of authority and learning.

or I will die there
Jeremiah's statement is stark and final. The Hebrew word for "die" is "מוּת" (muth), which conveys the cessation of life. Jeremiah is fully aware of the life-threatening conditions he faces and is candid about the consequences of being returned to imprisonment. This phrase highlights the prophet's vulnerability and the reality of persecution for those who speak God's truth. It serves as a sobering reminder of the cost of discipleship and the need for courage and faithfulness in the face of adversity.

(20) That thou cause me not to return to the house of Jonathan the scribe . . .--The petition shows the cruelty with which the prophet had been treated. Half-starved, and thrust into a foul and f?tid dungeon, he felt that to return to it would be death.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But now
וְעַתָּ֕ה (wə·‘at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 6258: At this time

please
נָ֖א (nā)
Interjection
Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then'

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

O my lord
אֲדֹנִ֣י (’ă·ḏō·nî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller

the king.
הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

May my petition
תְחִנָּתִי֙ (ṯə·ḥin·nā·ṯî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 8467: Favor, supplication for favor

come
תִּפָּל־ (tip·pāl-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5307: To fall, lie

before you.
לְפָנֶ֔יךָ (lə·p̄ā·ne·ḵā)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6440: The face

Do not
וְאַל־ (wə·’al-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

send me back
תְּשִׁבֵ֗נִי (tə·ši·ḇê·nî)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

to the house
בֵּ֚ית (bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of Jonathan
יְהוֹנָתָ֣ן (yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3083: Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites

the scribe,
הַסֹּפֵ֔ר (has·sō·p̄êr)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5608: To count, recount, relate

or
וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

I will die
אָמ֖וּת (’ā·mūṯ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

there.”
שָֽׁם׃ (šām)
Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither


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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 37:20 Now please hear my lord the king: (Jer.)
Jeremiah 37:19
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