Jeremiah 38:20 "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.

Bible > Jeremiah > Chapter 38 > Verse 20

◄ 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:…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

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.

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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.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

They will not hand you over,
Jeremiah reassures King Zedekiah that his fears of being delivered into the hands of the Babylonians by his own people are unfounded. This reflects the prophet's role as a messenger of God's protection and promise. Historically, Zedekiah was caught between the pressures of his officials and the threat of Babylon, highlighting the political turmoil of the time. This assurance is reminiscent of God's promises of protection found throughout Scripture, such as in Psalm 91:3-7.

Jeremiah replied.
Jeremiah, known as the "weeping prophet," often faced opposition and danger for delivering God's messages. His response here is consistent with his character as a faithful servant of God, willing to speak truth to power despite personal risk. This moment underscores the prophet's commitment to his divine mission, similar to other prophets like Elijah and Isaiah.

Obey the voice of the LORD
The call to obedience is a central theme in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of following God's commands. In the context of Jeremiah's ministry, this obedience is crucial for the survival and well-being of the people. The phrase echoes Deuteronomy 28, where blessings are promised for obedience and curses for disobedience. It also foreshadows the New Testament call to follow Christ's teachings.

in what I am telling you,
Jeremiah's message is not his own but a direct communication from God. This highlights the role of prophets as intermediaries between God and His people. The phrase underscores the importance of heeding prophetic warnings, as seen in the lives of other biblical figures like Noah and Jonah, who delivered messages of impending judgment and the need for repentance.

that it may go well with you
This promise of well-being is contingent upon obedience, reflecting the covenant relationship between God and His people. It is a recurring biblical theme that obedience leads to blessings, as seen in the lives of individuals like Joseph and Daniel, who prospered because of their faithfulness to God.

and you may live.
The promise of life is both physical and spiritual, emphasizing the ultimate goal of God's commands: the preservation and flourishing of His people. This assurance of life is a common biblical motif, seen in passages like Deuteronomy 30:19-20, where choosing life through obedience to God is encouraged. It also points to the New Testament promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, who is the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah. Known for his perseverance in delivering God's word despite persecution.

2. Zedekiah
The last king of Judah, who reigned during the time of Jerusalem's fall to Babylon. He sought Jeremiah's counsel but often struggled with fear and indecision.

3. The Siege of Jerusalem
A significant event where Babylon besieged Jerusalem, leading to its eventual fall. This context is crucial for understanding the urgency of Jeremiah's message.

4. The Chaldeans/Babylonians
The empire that besieged and eventually conquered Jerusalem, fulfilling the prophecies of judgment against Judah.

5. The Voice of the LORD
Represents God's direct communication and guidance, which Jeremiah urges Zedekiah to obey for his well-being.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Voice
Obedience to God is crucial for our well-being and spiritual life. Just as Jeremiah urged Zedekiah, we are called to listen and act according to God's guidance.

The Consequences of Fear
Fear can paralyze decision-making and lead to disobedience. Zedekiah's fear of the Babylonians and his own people hindered his ability to follow God's command.

The Importance of Godly Counsel
Seeking and heeding godly counsel, as Zedekiah did with Jeremiah, is vital. However, it must be coupled with the courage to act on that counsel.

Trust in God's Promises
Trusting in God's promises, even when circumstances seem dire, is essential. Jeremiah assured Zedekiah of safety if he obeyed, reflecting God's faithfulness.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets like Jeremiah play a crucial role in delivering God's messages. Their words often challenge us to align our lives with God's will.

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

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