Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “That’s not true!” Jeremiah said. “I am not deserting to the Babylonians.” But Irijah would not listen to him; instead, he arrested Jeremiah and brought him to the officials. New Living Translation “That’s not true!” Jeremiah protested. “I had no intention of doing any such thing.” But Irijah wouldn’t listen, and he took Jeremiah before the officials. English Standard Version And Jeremiah said, “It is a lie; I am not deserting to the Chaldeans.” But Irijah would not listen to him, and seized Jeremiah and brought him to the officials. Berean Standard Bible “That is a lie,” Jeremiah replied. “I am not deserting to the Chaldeans!” But Irijah would not listen to him; instead, he arrested Jeremiah and took him to the officials. King James Bible Then said Jeremiah, It is false; I fall not away to the Chaldeans. But he hearkened not to him: so Irijah took Jeremiah, and brought him to the princes. New King James Version Then Jeremiah said, “False! I am not defecting to the Chaldeans.” But he did not listen to him. So Irijah seized Jeremiah and brought him to the princes. New American Standard Bible But Jeremiah said, “A lie! I am not deserting to the Chaldeans”; yet he would not listen to him. So Irijah arrested Jeremiah and brought him to the officials. NASB 1995 But Jeremiah said, “A lie! I am not going over to the Chaldeans"; yet he would not listen to him. So Irijah arrested Jeremiah and brought him to the officials. NASB 1977 But Jeremiah said, “A lie! I am not going over to the Chaldeans”; yet he would not listen to him. So Irijah arrested Jeremiah and brought him to the officials. Legacy Standard Bible But Jeremiah said, “A lie! I am not going over to the Chaldeans”; yet he would not listen to him. So Irijah seized Jeremiah and brought him to the officials. Amplified Bible But Jeremiah said, “That is a lie! I am not deserting to join the Chaldeans.” But the guard would not listen to him. So Irijah took Jeremiah and brought him to the princes (court officials). Christian Standard Bible “That’s a lie,” Jeremiah replied. “I am not defecting to the Chaldeans! ” Irijah would not listen to him but apprehended Jeremiah and took him to the officials. Holman Christian Standard Bible “That’s a lie,” Jeremiah replied. “I am not deserting to the Chaldeans!” Irijah would not listen to him but apprehended Jeremiah and took him to the officials. American Standard Version Then said Jeremiah, It is false; I am not falling away to the Chaldeans. But he hearkened not to him; so Irijah laid hold on Jeremiah, and brought him to the princes. Contemporary English Version "I'm not trying to join them!" I answered. But Irijah wouldn't listen, and he took me to the king's officials. English Revised Version Then said Jeremiah, It is false; I fall not away to the Chaldeans; but he hearkened not to him: so Irijah laid hold on Jeremiah, and brought him to the princes. GOD'S WORD® Translation Jeremiah answered, "That's a lie! I'm not deserting to the Babylonians." But Irijah wouldn't listen to him. Irijah arrested Jeremiah and took him to the officials. Good News Translation I answered, "That's not so! I'm not deserting." But Irijah would not listen to me. Instead, he arrested me and took me to the officials. International Standard Version Jeremiah said, "It's a lie! I'm not going over to the Chaldeans." But Irijah would not listen to him, and he arrested Jeremiah and brought him to the officials. NET Bible Jeremiah answered, "That's a lie! I am not deserting to the Babylonians." But Irijah would not listen to him. Irijah put Jeremiah under arrest and took him to the officials. New Heart English Bible Then Jeremiah said, "It is false; I am not falling away to the Chaldeans." But he did not listen to him; so Irijah laid hold on Jeremiah, and brought him to the officials. Webster's Bible Translation Then said Jeremiah, It is false; I fall not away to the Chaldeans. But he hearkened not to him: so Irijah took Jeremiah, and brought him to the princes. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“That is a lie,” Jeremiah replied. “I am not deserting to the Chaldeans!” But Irijah would not listen to him; instead, he arrested Jeremiah and took him to the officials. World English Bible Then Jeremiah said, “That is false! I am not defecting to the Chaldeans.” But he didn’t listen to him; so Irijah seized Jeremiah, and brought him to the princes. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Jeremiah says, “Falsehood! I am not defecting to the Chaldeans”; and he has not listened to him, and Irijah lays hold on Jeremiah, and brings him to the heads, Young's Literal Translation And Jeremiah saith, 'Falsehood -- I am not falling unto the Chaldeans;' and he hath not hearkened unto him, and Irijah layeth hold on Jeremiah, and bringeth him in unto the heads, Smith's Literal Translation And Jeremiah will say, A falsehood; I fall not to the Chaldean: And he heard not to him: and Irijah will seize upon Jeremiah and he will bring him to the chiefs. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Jeremias answered: It is not so, I am not fleeing to the Chaldeans. But he hearkened not to him: so Jerias took Jeremias and brought him to the princes. Catholic Public Domain Version And Jeremiah responded: “That is false. I am not fleeing to the Chaldeans.” But he did not listen to him. And so Irijah took Jeremiah, and he brought him to the leaders. New American Bible “That is a lie!” Jeremiah answered, “I am not deserting to the Chaldeans.” Without listening to him, Irijah kept Jeremiah in custody and brought him to the princes. New Revised Standard Version And Jeremiah said, “That is a lie; I am not deserting to the Chaldeans.” But Irijah would not listen to him, and arrested Jeremiah and brought him to the officials. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen Jeremiah said, You lie; I am not escaping to the Chaldeans. But he would not listen to him; so Neriah seized Jeremiah and brought him to the princes. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Jeremiah said to him: “You lie! I do not flee to the Chaldeans!” And he did not listen to him, and Neriah held Jeremiah and brought him to the Princes OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then said Jeremiah: 'It is false; I fall not away to the Chaldeans'; but he hearkened not to him; so Irijah laid hold on Jeremiah, and brought him to the princes. Brenton Septuagint Translation And he said, It is false; I do not flee to the Chaldeans. But he hearkened not to him; and Saruia caught Jeremias, and brought him to the princes. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jeremiah Imprisoned…13But when he reached the Gate of Benjamin, the captain of the guard, whose name was Irijah son of Shelemiah, the son of Hananiah, seized him and said, “You are deserting to the Chaldeans!” 14“That is a lie,” Jeremiah replied. “I am not deserting to the Chaldeans!” But Irijah would not listen to him; instead, he arrested Jeremiah and took him to the officials. 15The officials were angry with Jeremiah, and they beat him and placed him in jail in the house of Jonathan the scribe, for it had been made into a prison.… Cross References Jeremiah 38:4-6 Then the officials said to the king, “This man ought to die, for he is discouraging the warriors who remain in this city, as well as all the people, by speaking such words to them; this man is not seeking the well-being of these people, but their ruin.” / “Here he is,” replied King Zedekiah. “He is in your hands, since the king can do nothing to stop you.” / So they took Jeremiah and dropped him into the cistern of Malchiah, the king’s son, which was in the courtyard of the guard. They lowered Jeremiah with ropes into the cistern, which had no water but only mud, and Jeremiah sank down into the mud. 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 26:8-11 and as soon as he had finished telling all the people everything the LORD had commanded him to say, the priests and prophets and all the people seized him, shouting, “You must surely die! / How dare you prophesy in the name of the LORD that this house will become like Shiloh and this city will be desolate and deserted!” And all the people assembled against Jeremiah in the house of the LORD. / When the officials of Judah heard these things, they went up from the king’s palace to the house of the LORD and sat there at the entrance of the New Gate. ... Acts 21:28-33 crying out, “Men of Israel, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and against our law and against this place. Furthermore, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.” / For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple. / The whole city was stirred up, and the people rushed together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut. ... Acts 24:5-9 We have found this man to be a pestilence, stirring up dissension among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, / and he even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. / but Lysias the commander came with great force and took him out of our hands, ... Matthew 26:59-61 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.’” John 18:29-30 So Pilate went out to them and asked, “What accusation are you bringing against this man?” / “If He were not a criminal,” they replied, “we would not have handed Him over to you.” 1 Kings 22:27 and tell them that this is what the king says: ‘Put this man in prison and feed him only bread and water until I return safely.’” 2 Chronicles 16:10 Asa was angry with the seer and became so enraged over this matter that he put the man in prison. And at the same time Asa oppressed some of the people. Nehemiah 6:6-8 that read: “It is reported among the nations—and Geshem agrees—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and this is why you are building the wall. According to these reports, you are to become their king, / and you have even appointed prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim on your behalf: ‘There is a king in Judah.’ Soon these rumors will reach the ears of the king. So come, let us confer together.” / Then I sent him this reply: “There is nothing to these rumors you are spreading; you are inventing them in your own mind.” Psalm 35:11 Hostile witnesses come forward; they make charges I know nothing about. Psalm 109:2-4 For wicked and deceitful mouths open against me; they speak against me with lying tongues. / They surround me with hateful words and attack me without cause. / In return for my love they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer. Isaiah 53:7-8 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth. / By oppression and judgment He was taken away, and who can recount His descendants? For He was cut off from the land of the living; He was stricken for the transgression of My people. Lamentations 3:52-54 Without cause my enemies hunted me like a bird. / They dropped me alive into a pit and cast stones upon me. / The waters flowed over my head, and I thought I was going to die. Daniel 6:4-5 Thus the administrators and satraps sought a charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom, but they could find no charge or corruption, because he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found in him. / Finally these men said, “We will never find any charge against this Daniel unless we find something against him concerning the law of his God.” Treasury of Scripture Then said Jeremiah, It is false; I fall not away to the Chaldeans. But he listened not to him: so Irijah took Jeremiah, and brought him to the princes. said. Jeremiah 40:4-6 And now, behold, I loose thee this day from the chains which were upon thine hand. If it seem good unto thee to come with me into Babylon, come; and I will look well unto thee: but if it seem ill unto thee to come with me into Babylon, forbear: behold, all the land is before thee: whither it seemeth good and convenient for thee to go, thither go… Nehemiah 6:8 Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart. Psalm 27:12 Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. false. Jump to Previous Arrested Babylonians Chaldaeans Chaldeans Chalde'ans Deserting Ear Fall Falling Falsehood Hearkened Hold Irijah Iri'jah Jeremiah Laid Officials Princes Prisoner Rulers Seized That's True.Jump to Next Arrested Babylonians Chaldaeans Chaldeans Chalde'ans Deserting Ear Fall Falling Falsehood Hearkened Hold Irijah Iri'jah Jeremiah Laid Officials Princes Prisoner Rulers Seized That's True.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. “That is a lie,” Jeremiah replied. Jeremiah's response highlights his integrity and commitment to truth, a consistent theme throughout his prophetic ministry. In the context of ancient Israel, prophets were often mistrusted or accused of treason, especially when their messages were unpopular. Jeremiah's declaration here is a defense against false accusations, reflecting the broader biblical theme of truth versus falsehood, as seen in passages like John 8:44, where Satan is described as the father of lies. “I am not deserting to the Chaldeans!” But Irijah would not listen to him; instead, he arrested Jeremiah and took him to the officials. Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah. Known for his perseverance in the face of opposition and his deep emotional connection to his prophetic mission. 2. Irijah The son of Shelemiah, a captain of the guard who accused Jeremiah of defecting to the Chaldeans (Babylonians), leading to Jeremiah's arrest. 3. Chaldeans (Babylonians) A powerful empire that was besieging Jerusalem at the time. They were seen as a threat and enemy to Judah. 4. Officials of Judah The leaders and authorities in Jerusalem who were responsible for maintaining order and making decisions during the siege. 5. Jerusalem The capital city of Judah, under siege by the Babylonians during this period, creating a tense and desperate environment. Teaching Points Integrity in the Face of False AccusationsJeremiah's response to Irijah's false accusation demonstrates the importance of maintaining integrity and truthfulness, even when misunderstood or falsely accused. Perseverance in Ministry Despite being arrested and facing opposition, Jeremiah continued his prophetic mission. This teaches us the value of perseverance in our own callings, regardless of external pressures. Trust in God's Sovereignty Jeremiah's situation reminds us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem unjust or when we face wrongful accusations. The Cost of Discipleship Following God's call can lead to persecution and misunderstanding, as seen in Jeremiah's life. We must be prepared for the cost of discipleship. Responding to Injustice Jeremiah's calm response to Irijah's accusation encourages us to respond to injustice with grace and truth, trusting God to vindicate us. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Jeremiah 37:14?2. How does Jeremiah 37:14 illustrate the importance of standing firm in truth? 3. What can we learn from Jeremiah's response to false accusations in Jeremiah 37:14? 4. How does Jeremiah 37:14 connect to Jesus' trials in the New Testament? 5. How can we apply Jeremiah's integrity in Jeremiah 37:14 to our daily lives? 6. What does Jeremiah 37:14 teach about trusting God amidst false accusations? 7. Why did Jeremiah deny being a deserter in Jeremiah 37:14? 8. How does Jeremiah 37:14 reflect on the theme of false accusations? 9. What historical context surrounds Jeremiah's arrest in Jeremiah 37:14? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 37? 11. In Psalm 74:9, the claim of having no prophet conflicts with other biblical texts that record active prophets around that era—how can both accounts be true? 12. How do we address the lack of extrabiblical records confirming Babylon's interactions with Jerusalem in Jeremiah 37? 13. Jeremiah 14:11-12: Why would God forbid prayers of intercession, when other biblical passages encourage praying for others? 14. Jeremiah 11:14: Why would God forbid prayer for the people when other passages emphasize intercession and mercy? What Does Jeremiah 37:14 Mean That is a lie- Jeremiah recognizes a direct violation of God’s command not to bear false witness (Exodus 20:16). - The prophet’s immediate denial shows moral clarity; he will not let a falsehood stand unchallenged, reflecting the Lord’s own hatred of lies (Proverbs 12:22; John 8:44). - Previous verse: “When he was at the Gate of Benjamin, the captain of the guard… arrested Jeremiah the prophet, saying, ‘You are deserting to the Chaldeans!’ ” (Jeremiah 37:13). The slander begins at the city gate—symbolic of public judgment (Ruth 4:1). Jeremiah replied - Courage marks his response. He answers calmly but firmly, like Peter and John who said, “We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). - Jeremiah’s earlier resolve—“His word is in my heart like a burning fire…I cannot hold it in” (Jeremiah 20:9)—drives him to speak truth even when threatened. - Faithful witnesses always respond; silence would grant falsehoods power (2 Timothy 4:2). I am not deserting to the Chaldeans! - Important nuance: Jeremiah had proclaimed that surrendering when God commanded it would be life-saving (Jeremiah 21:9; 38:2). Obedience for the people, however, was not the same as personal treason for the prophet. - Like Elijah accused of being Israel’s “troubler” (1 Kings 18:17-18), Jeremiah faces the charge of betrayal because his message contradicted nationalistic hopes. - His denial underscores integrity: he will deliver God’s word yet remain loyal to his people—“pressed on every side, but not crushed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-10). But Irijah would not listen to him - Refusal to listen echoes Judah’s larger spiritual deafness: “They did not listen or incline their ear” (Jeremiah 17:23). - Hardened hearts fulfill Isaiah 6:9-10; they hear the words yet resist the truth. - Stephen experienced the same obstinacy: “They covered their ears and rushed together at him” (Acts 7:57). Sin’s stubbornness blinds even to obvious innocence. Instead, he arrested Jeremiah - Persecution of God’s messengers is a repeated pattern: Pashhur had earlier beaten and jailed Jeremiah (Jeremiah 20:2-3). - Jesus prepared His followers: “If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you” (John 15:20). - Arrest does not signal divine abandonment but participation in the sufferings that precede vindication (Matthew 5:11-12). And took him to the officials - Formal charges in a corrupt court: “The priests and prophets said to the officials, ‘This man deserves the sentence of death’” (Jeremiah 26:11). - Authorities should protect truth yet often misuse power, as when “the assembly of elders… led Him into their council” (Luke 22:66) concerning Jesus. - Paul, too, faced officials in Caesarea (Acts 24:1); faithful servants may stand before earthly rulers but remain accountable to the heavenly King. summary Jeremiah 37:14 portrays a faithful prophet confronting a false accusation, steadfastly declaring truth, yet suffering unjust arrest because hardened hearts refuse God’s word. The verse illustrates the cost of obedience, the inevitability of opposition to divine truth, and God’s call to unwavering integrity. (14) Irijah took Jeremiah, and brought him to the princes.--These were probably, as a body, identical with those named in Jeremiah 36:12, but the party opposed to the prophet were now apparently stronger than they had been. Neither they nor Irijah would listen to the prophet's denial of the accusation. The fact that the siege had been raised by the Chaldaeans may have given fresh strength to the party of resistance. Possibly also many of the prophet's friends had shared the captivity of Jehoiakim.Hebrew “That is a lie,”שֶׁ֗קֶר (še·qer) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 8267: Deception, disappointment, falsehood Jeremiah יִרְמְיָ֜הוּ (yir·mə·yā·hū) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3414: Jeremiah -- 'Yah loosens', the name of a number of Israelites replied. וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “I am not אֵינֶ֤נִּי (’ê·nen·nî) Adverb | first person common singular Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle deserting נֹפֵל֙ (nō·p̄êl) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 5307: To fall, lie to עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the Chaldeans!” הַכַּשְׂדִּ֔ים (hak·kaś·dîm) Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 3778: Chaldeans -- a region of southern Babylon and its inhab But Irijah יִרְאִיָּיה֙ (yir·’î·yāyh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3376: Irijah -- 'Yah sees', an Israelite of Jeremiah's time would not וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no listen שָׁמַ֖ע (šā·ma‘) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently to him; אֵלָ֑יו (’ê·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to instead, he arrested וַיִּתְפֹּ֤שׂ (way·yiṯ·pōś) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 8610: To manipulate, seize, chiefly to capture, wield, to overlay, to use unwarrantably Jeremiah בְּיִרְמְיָ֔הוּ (bə·yir·mə·yā·hū) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3414: Jeremiah -- 'Yah loosens', the name of a number of Israelites and took וַיְבִאֵ֖הוּ (way·ḇi·’ê·hū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go him to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the officials. הַשָּׂרִֽים׃ (haś·śā·rîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince Links Jeremiah 37:14 NIVJeremiah 37:14 NLT Jeremiah 37:14 ESV Jeremiah 37:14 NASB Jeremiah 37:14 KJV Jeremiah 37:14 BibleApps.com Jeremiah 37:14 Biblia Paralela Jeremiah 37:14 Chinese Bible Jeremiah 37:14 French Bible Jeremiah 37:14 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Jeremiah 37:14 Then said Jeremiah It is false (Jer.) |
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