Jeremiah 38:25
New International Version
If the officials hear that I talked with you, and they come to you and say, ‘Tell us what you said to the king and what the king said to you; do not hide it from us or we will kill you,’

New Living Translation
My officials may hear that I spoke to you, and they may say, ‘Tell us what you and the king were talking about. If you don’t tell us, we will kill you.’

English Standard Version
If the officials hear that I have spoken with you and come to you and say to you, ‘Tell us what you said to the king and what the king said to you; hide nothing from us and we will not put you to death,’

Berean Standard Bible
If the officials hear that I have spoken with you, and they come and demand of you, ‘Tell us what you said to the king and what he said to you; do not hide it from us, or we will kill you,’

King James Bible
But if the princes hear that I have talked with thee, and they come unto thee, and say unto thee, Declare unto us now what thou hast said unto the king, hide it not from us, and we will not put thee to death; also what the king said unto thee:

New King James Version
But if the princes hear that I have talked with you, and they come to you and say to you, ‘Declare to us now what you have said to the king, and also what the king said to you; do not hide it from us, and we will not put you to death,’

New American Standard Bible
But if the officials hear that I have talked with you and come to you and say to you, ‘Tell us now what you said to the king and what the king said to you; do not hide it from us and we will not put you to death,’

NASB 1995
“But if the officials hear that I have talked with you and come to you and say to you, ‘Tell us now what you said to the king and what the king said to you; do not hide it from us and we will not put you to death,’

NASB 1977
“But if the officials hear that I have talked with you and come to you and say to you, ‘Tell us now what you said to the king, and what the king said to you; do not hide it from us, and we will not put you to death,’

Legacy Standard Bible
But if the officials hear that I have talked with you and come to you and say to you, ‘Tell us now what you said to the king and what the king said to you; do not hide it from us, and we will not put you to death,’

Amplified Bible
But if the princes (court officials) hear that I have talked with you, and they come to you and say, ‘Tell us now what you said to the king and what he said to you; do not hide it from us and we will not execute you,’

Christian Standard Bible
The officials may hear that I have spoken with you and come and demand of you, ‘Tell us what you said to the king; don’t hide anything from us and we won’t kill you. Also, what did the king say to you? ’

Holman Christian Standard Bible
If the officials hear that I have spoken with you and come and demand of you, ‘Tell us what you said to the king; don’t hide anything from us and we won’t kill you. Also, what did the king say to you?’

American Standard Version
But if the princes hear that I have talked with thee, and they come unto thee, and say unto thee, Declare unto us now what thou hast said unto the king; hide it not from us, and we will not put thee to death; also what the king said unto thee:

Contemporary English Version
And I'm sure that if my officials hear about our meeting, they will ask you what we said to each other. They might even threaten to kill you if you don't tell them.

English Revised Version
But if the princes hear that I have talked with thee, and they come unto thee, and say unto thee, Declare unto us now what thou hast said unto the king; hide it not from us, and we will not put thee to death: also what the king said unto thee:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The officials may find out that I've been talking with you. They may come to you and say, 'Tell us what you said to the king and what the king said to you. Don't hide anything from us, or we'll kill you.'

Good News Translation
If the officials hear that I have talked with you, they will come and ask you what we said. They will promise not to put you to death if you tell them everything.

International Standard Version
If the officials hear that I've spoken with you, and they come to you and say, 'Tell us what you told the king, and what the king told you; don't hide it from us, and we won't put you to death,'

Majority Standard Bible
If the officials hear that I have spoken with you, and they come and demand of you, ‘Tell us what you said to the king and what he said to you; do not hide it from us, or we will kill you,’

NET Bible
The officials may hear that I have talked with you. They may come to you and say, 'Tell us what you said to the king and what the king said to you. Do not hide anything from us. If you do, we will kill you.'

New Heart English Bible
But if the officials hear that I have talked with you, and they come to you, and tell you, 'Declare to us now what you have said to the king; do not hide it from us, and we will not put you to death; also what the king said to you':

Webster's Bible Translation
But if the princes hear that I have talked with thee, and they come to thee, and say to thee, Declare to us now what thou hast said to the king, hide it not from us, and we will not put thee to death; also what the king said to thee:

World English Bible
But if the princes hear that I have talked with you, and they come to you, and tell you, ‘Declare to us now what you have said to the king; don’t hide it from us, and we will not put you to death; also tell us what the king said to you;’
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and when the heads hear that I have spoken with you, and they have come to you, and have said to you, Now declare to us what you spoke to the king, do not hide [it] from us, and we do not put you to death, and what the king spoke to you,

Young's Literal Translation
and when the heads hear that I have spoken with thee, and they have come in unto thee, and have said unto thee, Declare to us, we pray thee, what thou didst speak unto the king, do not hide it from us, and we do not put thee to death, and what the king spake unto thee,

Smith's Literal Translation
And if the chiefs shall hear that I spake with thee, and they came to thee, and said to thee, Announce now to us what thou spakest to the king; thou shalt not hide from us, and we will not put thee to death; and what said the king to thee:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But if the princes shall hear that I have spoken with thee, and shall come to thee, and say to thee: Tell us what thou hast said to the king, hide it not from us, and we will not kill thee: and also what the king said to thee:

Catholic Public Domain Version
But if the leaders hear that I have spoken with you, and if they come to you, and say to you: ‘Tell us what you said to the king. Do not conceal it from us, and we will not put you to death. And tell us what the king said to you,’

New American Bible
If the princes should hear I spoke with you and if they should come and ask you, ‘Tell us what you said to the king; do not hide it from us, or we will kill you,’ or, ‘What did the king say to you?’

New Revised Standard Version
If the officials should hear that I have spoken with you, and they should come and say to you, ‘Just tell us what you said to the king; do not conceal it from us, or we will put you to death. What did the king say to you?’
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But if the princes hear that I have talked with you, and they come to you and say to you, Declare to us now what you said to the king and what the king said to you, hide nothing from us and we will not put you to death;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And when the Princes will hear that I have spoken with you and they shall come to you and they will say to you: ‘Show us what you have spoken with the King and what the King said to you, do not hide from us lest we kill you!’
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
But if the princes hear that I have talked with thee, and they come unto thee, and say unto thee: Declare unto us now what thou hast said unto the king; hide it not from us, and we will not put thee to death; also what the king said unto thee;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And if the princes shall hear that I have spoken to thee, and they come to thee, and say to thee, Tell us, what said the king to thee? hide it not from us, and we will in no wise slay thee, and what said the king to thee?
Audio Bible



Context
Jeremiah Rescued
24Then Zedekiah warned Jeremiah, “Do not let anyone know about this conversation, or you will die. 25If the officials hear that I have spoken with you, and they come and demand of you, ‘Tell us what you said to the king and what he said to you; do not hide it from us, or we will kill you,’ 26then tell them, ‘I was presenting to the king my petition that he not return me to the house of Jonathan to die there.’ ”…

Cross References
Jeremiah 37:17
Later, King Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah and received him in his palace, where he asked him privately, “Is there a word from the LORD?” “There is,” Jeremiah replied. “You will be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon.”

Jeremiah 21:2
“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.”

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.

Jeremiah 32:3-5
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. / Zedekiah 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. / He 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.’”

Jeremiah 29:25-26
this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “In your own name you have sent out letters to all the people of Jerusalem, to the priest Zephaniah son of Maaseiah, and to all the priests. You said to Zephaniah: / ‘The LORD has appointed you priest in place of Jehoiada, to be the chief officer in the house of the LORD, responsible for any madman who acts like a prophet—you must put him in stocks and neck irons.

Jeremiah 26:11-16
Then the priests and prophets said to the officials and all the people, “This man is worthy of death, for he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears!” / But Jeremiah said to all the officials and all the people, “The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that you have heard. / So now, correct your ways and deeds, and obey the voice of the LORD your God, so that He might relent of the disaster He has pronounced against you. ...

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 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.

2 Kings 25:4-7
Then the city was breached; and though the Chaldeans had surrounded the city, all the men of war fled by night by way of the gate between the two walls near the king’s garden. They headed toward the Arabah, / but the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho, and his whole army deserted him. / The Chaldeans seized the king and brought him up to the king of Babylon at Riblah, where they pronounced judgment on him. ...

2 Chronicles 36:12-13
And he did evil in the sight of the LORD his God and did not humble himself before Jeremiah the prophet, who spoke for the LORD. / He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God. But Zedekiah stiffened his neck and hardened his heart against turning to the LORD, the God of Israel.

Ezekiel 12:13
But I will spread My net over him, and he will be caught in My snare. I will bring him to Babylon, the land of the Chaldeans; yet he will not see it, and there he will die.

Matthew 10:28
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.

Matthew 26:59-66
Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. / But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward / and declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’” ...

Mark 14:55-64
Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but they did not find any. / For many bore false witness against Jesus, but their testimony was inconsistent. / Then some men stood up and testified falsely against Him: ...

Luke 12:4-5
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!


Treasury of Scripture

But if the princes hear that I have talked with you, and they come to you, and say to you, Declare to us now what you have said to the king, hide it not from us, and we will not put you to death; also what the king said to you:

See on ver.

Jeremiah 38:4-6,27
Therefore the princes said unto the king, We beseech thee, let this man be put to death: for thus he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words unto them: for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt…

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Death Declare Ears Heads Hear Hide Keeping Kill Princes Rulers Speak Talked Talking 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.














If the officials hear
The term "officials" refers to the princes or leaders of Judah during the time of Jeremiah. In Hebrew, the word used is "śārîm," which denotes those in positions of authority. Historically, these officials were often resistant to Jeremiah's prophecies, which called for submission to Babylon as God's will. Their hearing of Jeremiah's conversation with King Zedekiah would have been a matter of political intrigue, as they were deeply invested in the nation's affairs and often opposed to Jeremiah's message.

that I have spoken with you
The act of speaking here is significant, as it implies a private and potentially subversive conversation. In the Hebrew context, "dābar" (to speak) often carries the weight of delivering a message or decree. Jeremiah's role as a prophet was to convey God's words, and his conversations with the king were crucial in advising and warning him according to divine instruction.

and they come and demand of you
The phrase "come and demand" suggests a forceful interrogation. The Hebrew root "bāqash" (to seek or demand) indicates an urgent and pressing inquiry. This reflects the tense political climate in Jerusalem, where the officials were eager to uncover any dissent or conspiracy against their plans. It underscores the pressure Jeremiah faced from those in power.

‘Tell us what you said to the king and what the king said to you
This demand for transparency highlights the officials' suspicion and desire for control. The repetition of "what you said" and "what the king said" emphasizes their need to know every detail of the conversation. In the ancient Near Eastern context, such dialogues between a prophet and a king were of utmost importance, as they could influence national policy and divine favor.

do not hide it from us
The command "do not hide" uses the Hebrew "kāḥad," meaning to conceal or keep secret. This reflects the officials' fear of hidden agendas and their determination to uncover any potential threats. In a broader scriptural context, the theme of hidden versus revealed truth is prevalent, with God's messages often being revealed through His prophets despite opposition.

or we will kill you,’
The threat of death underscores the severity of the situation. The Hebrew "māweth" (death) is a stark reminder of the life-and-death stakes involved in prophetic ministry. Jeremiah's life was frequently in danger due to his unpopular messages, yet he remained faithful to God's calling. This phrase highlights the cost of discipleship and the courage required to stand for truth in the face of mortal danger.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
If
וְכִֽי־ (wə·ḵî-)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the officials
הַשָּׂרִים֮ (haś·śā·rîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

hear
יִשְׁמְע֣וּ (yiš·mə·‘ū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

that
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

I have spoken
דִבַּ֣רְתִּי (ḏib·bar·tî)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

with
אִתָּךְ֒ (’it·tāḵ)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

you and come
וּבָ֣אוּ (ū·ḇā·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

and demand
וְֽאָמְר֪וּ (wə·’ā·mə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

of you,
אֵלֶ֣יךָ (’ê·le·ḵā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

‘Tell
הַגִּֽידָה־ (hag·gî·ḏāh-)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

us what
מַה־ (mah-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

you said
דִּבַּ֧רְתָּ (dib·bar·tā)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

to
אֵלֶ֟יךָ (’ê·le·ḵā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

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

and what
וּמַה־ (ū·mah-)
Conjunctive waw | Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

[he]
הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

said
דִּבֶּ֥ר (dib·ber)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

to you;
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

do not
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

hide it
תְּכַחֵ֥ד (tə·ḵa·ḥêḏ)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3582: To secrete, by act, word, to destroy

from us,
מִמֶּ֖נּוּ (mim·men·nū)
Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

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

we will kill you,’
נְמִיתֶ֑ךָ (nə·mî·ṯe·ḵā)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common plural | second person masculine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill


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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 38:25 But if the princes hear that (Jer.)
Jeremiah 38:24
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