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Jeremiah 38:25

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:

Jeremiah 38:25 · King James Version

Meaning

As this verse from the book of Jeremiah illustrates, there is a deep sense of intrigue and danger surrounding the prophet's interactions with the princes. The princes seem to be suspicious of Jeremiah's communication with the king and want to know exactly what was discussed. By telling Jeremiah that they will not harm him if he reveals the king's words, they are subtly threatening him with death if he refuses to comply. This verse demonstrates the complexity of political relationships and power dynamics in the ancient world, where even prophets like Jeremiah were caught in the middle of conflicting interests. It also highlights the importance of secrecy and discretion in such environments, as revealing certain information could lead to severe consequences. Overall, this verse sheds light on the precarious position that Jeremiah found himself in, torn between loyalty to the king and the dangerous demands of the princes.

Theological Overview

Within this verse, we see a crucial moment in the story of the prophet Jeremiah. The princes are inquiring about the conversation between Jeremiah and the king, seeking to uncover the words exchanged in secret. This raises questions about the dynamics of power and authority in the ancient world, as well as the consequences of speaking truth to those in positions of influence. From a theological perspective, this verse highlights the importance of honesty and integrity in the face of potential danger. It also brings up themes of loyalty to God above all else, even when faced with the threat of death. The word 'hide' in this context carries the connotation of concealment or secrecy, emphasizing the need for transparency and openness in all aspects of life. Overall, this verse presents a challenging scenario for Jeremiah and prompts us to consider our own willingness to stand up for what is right, regardless of the risks involved.

Jeremiah 38:25 in other translations

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:

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 what the king said to you:

Douay-Rheims

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:

Geneva Bible (1599)

But if ye princes vnderstand that I haue talked with thee, and they come vnto thee, and say vnto thee, Declare vnto vs nowe, what thou hast sayde vnto the King, hide it not from vs, and we will not slay thee: also what the King sayd vnto thee,