Jeremiah 38:18
New International Version
But if you will not surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, this city will be given into the hands of the Babylonians and they will burn it down; you yourself will not escape from them.’”

New Living Translation
But if you refuse to surrender, you will not escape! This city will be handed over to the Babylonians, and they will burn it to the ground.’”

English Standard Version
But if you do not surrender to the officials of the king of Babylon, then this city shall be given into the hand of the Chaldeans, and they shall burn it with fire, and you shall not escape from their hand.”

Berean Standard Bible
But if you do not surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, then this city will be delivered into the hands of the Chaldeans. They will burn it down, and you yourself will not escape their grasp.’ ”

King James Bible
But if thou wilt not go forth to the king of Babylon's princes, then shall this city be given into the hand of the Chaldeans, and they shall burn it with fire, and thou shalt not escape out of their hand.

New King James Version
But if you do not surrender to the king of Babylon’s princes, then this city shall be given into the hand of the Chaldeans; they shall burn it with fire, and you shall not escape from their hand.’ ”

New American Standard Bible
But if you do not surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, then this city will be handed over to the Chaldeans; and they will burn it with fire, and you yourself will not escape from their hands.’”

NASB 1995
‘But if you will not go out to the officers of the king of Babylon, then this city will be given over to the hand of the Chaldeans; and they will burn it with fire, and you yourself will not escape from their hand.’”

NASB 1977
‘But if you will not go out to the officers of the king of Babylon, then this city will be given over to the hand of the Chaldeans; and they will burn it with fire, and you yourself will not escape from their hand.’”

Legacy Standard Bible
But if you will not go out to the officers of the king of Babylon, then this city will be given over to the hand of the Chaldeans; and they will burn it with fire, and you yourself will not escape from their hand.’”

Amplified Bible
But if you will not go out to the officers of the king of Babylon, then this city will be given into the hand of the Chaldeans [of Babylon] and they will set it on fire; and you yourself will not escape from their hand.’”

Christian Standard Bible
But if you do not surrender to the officials of the king of Babylon, then this city will be handed over to the Chaldeans. They will burn it, and you yourself will not escape from them.’ ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But if you do not surrender to the officials of the king of Babylon, then this city will be handed over to the Chaldeans. They will burn it down, and you yourself will not escape from them.’”

American Standard Version
But if thou wilt not go forth to the king of Babylon's princes, then shall this city be given into the hand of the Chaldeans, and they shall burn it with fire, and thou shalt not escape out of their hand.

Contemporary English Version
But if you don't surrender, I will let the Babylonian army capture Jerusalem and burn it down, and you will be taken prisoner."

English Revised Version
But if thou wilt not go forth to the king of Babylon's princes, then shall this city be given into the hand of the Chaldeans, and they shall burn it with fire, and thou shalt not escape out of their hand.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But if you don't surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, this city will be handed over to the Babylonians. They will burn it down, and you will not escape from them."

Good News Translation
But if you do not surrender, then this city will be handed over to the Babylonians, who will burn it down, and you will not escape from them."

International Standard Version
But if you don't surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, then this city will be given to the Chaldeans, and they'll burn it with fire. You won't escape from their hands.'"

Majority Standard Bible
But if you do not surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, then this city will be delivered into the hands of the Chaldeans. They will burn it down, and you yourself will not escape their grasp.’”

NET Bible
But if you do not surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, this city will be handed over to the Babylonians and they will burn it down. You yourself will not escape from them.'"

New Heart English Bible
But if you will not go forth to the king of Babylon's officers, then shall this city be given into the hand of the Chaldeans, and they shall burn it with fire, and you shall not escape out of their hand.'"

Webster's Bible Translation
But if thou wilt not go forth to the king of Babylon's princes, then shall this city be given into the hand of the Chaldeans, and they shall burn it with fire, and thou shalt not escape from their hand.

World English Bible
But if you will not go out to the king of Babylon’s princes, then this city will be given into the hand of the Chaldeans, and they will burn it with fire, and you won’t escape out of their hand.’”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And if you do not go forth to the heads of the king of Babylon, then this city has been given into the hand of the Chaldeans, and they have burned it with fire, and you do not escape from their hand.”

Young's Literal Translation
And if thou dost not go forth unto the heads of the king of Babylon, then hath this city been given into the hand of the Chaldeans, and they have burnt it with fire, and thou dost not escape from their hand.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And if thou wilt not go forth to the chiefs of the king of Babel, and this city was given into the hand of the Chaldeans, and they burnt it with fire, and thou shalt not escape from their hand.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But if thou wilt not go out to the princes of the king of Babylon, this city shall be delivered into the hands of the Chaldeans, and they shall burn it with fire: and thou shalt not escape out of their hands.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But if you will not go to the rulers of the king of Babylon, this city will be delivered into the hands of the Chaldeans, and they will burn it with fire. And you will not escape from their hand.”

New American Bible
But if you do not surrender to the princes of Babylon’s king, this city shall fall into the hand of the Chaldeans, who shall destroy it by fire, and you shall not escape their hand.”

New Revised Standard Version
But if you do not surrender to the officials of the king of Babylon, then this city shall be handed over to the Chaldeans, and they shall burn it with fire, and you yourself shall not escape from their hand.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But if you do not go forth to the king of Babylon's princes, then this city shall be delivered into the hand of the Chaldeans, and they shall burn it with fire, and you shall not escape from their hands.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And if you will not go out to the Princes of the King of Babel, this city is handed over into the hand of the Chaldeans, and they will burn it in fire and you shall certainly not escape from their hands!’”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
but if thou wilt not go forth to the king of Babylon's princes, then shall this city be given into the hand of the Chaldeans, and they shall burn it with fire, and thou shalt not escape out of their hand.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But if thou wilt not go forth this city shall be delivered into the hands of the Chaldeans, and they shall burn it with fire, and thou shalt by no means escape.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jeremiah Rescued
17Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “This is what the LORD God of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘If you indeed surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, then you will live, this city will not be burned down, and you and your household will survive. 18But if you do not surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, then this city will be delivered into the hands of the Chaldeans. They will burn it down, and you yourself will not escape their grasp.’” 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.”…

Cross References
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. ...

Jeremiah 39:5-7
But the army of the Chaldeans pursued them and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho. They seized him and brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon at Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he pronounced judgment on him. / There at Riblah the king of Babylon slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and he also killed all the nobles of Judah. / Then he put out Zedekiah’s eyes and bound him with bronze chains to take him to Babylon.

Jeremiah 21:9-10
Whoever stays in this city will die by sword and famine and plague, but whoever goes out and surrenders to the Chaldeans who besiege you will live; he will retain his life like a spoil of war. / For I have set My face against this city to bring disaster and not good, declares the LORD. It will be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon, who will destroy it with fire.’

Jeremiah 52:7-11
Then the city was breached; and though the Chaldeans had surrounded the city, all the men of war fled the city 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 Zedekiah 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 in the land of Hamath, where he pronounced judgment on Zedekiah. ...

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.

2 Chronicles 36:17-20
So He brought up against them the king of the Chaldeans, who put their young men to the sword in the sanctuary, sparing neither young men nor young women, neither elderly nor infirm. God gave them all into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, / who carried off everything to Babylon—all the articles of the house of God, both large and small, and the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the king and his officials. / Then the Chaldeans set fire to the house of God and broke down the wall of Jerusalem. They burned down all the palaces and destroyed every article of value. ...

Lamentations 2:9
Her gates have sunk into the ground; He has destroyed and shattered their bars. Her king and her princes are exiled among the nations, the law is no more, and even her prophets find no vision from the LORD.

Ezekiel 17:20-21
I will spread My net over him and catch him in My snare. I will bring him to Babylon and execute judgment upon him there for the treason he committed against Me. / All his choice troops will fall by the sword, and those who survive will be scattered to every wind. Then you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken.’

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 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 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.”

Matthew 24:2
“Do you see all these things?” He replied. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”

Luke 21:24
They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive into all the nations. And Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

Mark 13:2
“Do you see all these great buildings?” Jesus replied. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”

2 Kings 24:14-16
He carried into exile all Jerusalem—all the commanders and mighty men of valor, all the craftsmen and metalsmiths—ten thousand captives in all. Only the poorest people of the land remained. / Nebuchadnezzar carried away Jehoiachin to Babylon, as well as the king’s mother, his wives, his officials, and the leading men of the land. He took them into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. / The king of Babylon also brought into exile to Babylon all seven thousand men of valor and a thousand craftsmen and metalsmiths—all strong and fit for battle.


Treasury of Scripture

But if you will not go forth to the king of Babylon's princes, then shall this city be given into the hand of the Chaldeans, and they shall burn it with fire, and you shall not escape out of their hand.

if thou.

2 Kings 24:12
And Jehoiachin the king of Judah went out to the king of Babylon, he, and his mother, and his servants, and his princes, and his officers: and the king of Babylon took him in the eighth year of his reign.

2 Kings 25:27-30
And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, that Evilmerodach king of Babylon in the year that he began to reign did lift up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah out of prison; …

then.

Jeremiah 38:3,23
Thus saith the LORD, This city shall surely be given into the hand of the king of Babylon's army, which shall take it…

Jeremiah 24:8-10
And as the evil figs, which cannot be eaten, they are so evil; surely thus saith the LORD, So will I give Zedekiah the king of Judah, and his princes, and the residue of Jerusalem, that remain in this land, and them that dwell in the land of Egypt: …

Jeremiah 32:3-5
For Zedekiah king of Judah had shut him up, saying, Wherefore dost thou prophesy, and say, Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall take it; …

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Babylon Babylonians Babylon's Burn Captains Chaldaeans Chaldeans Chalde'ans City Escape Fire Forth Hand Handed Hands Heads Officers Princes Surrender Wilt
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Babylon Babylonians Babylon's Burn Captains Chaldaeans Chaldeans Chalde'ans City Escape Fire Forth Hand Handed Hands Heads Officers Princes Surrender Wilt
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.














But if you do not surrender
The phrase "But if you do not surrender" is a conditional statement that highlights the choice given to Zedekiah, the king of Judah. The Hebrew root for "surrender" is "נָפַל" (naphal), which means to fall or to submit. This word choice emphasizes the act of yielding or submitting to a greater power, in this case, the Babylonians. Historically, surrendering was seen as an act of humility and wisdom when faced with overwhelming odds. In the context of Jeremiah's prophecy, it underscores the importance of obedience to God's directive, even when it seems counterintuitive. Theologically, it serves as a reminder that God's ways are higher than human ways, and submission to His will is paramount.

to the officials of the king of Babylon
The "officials of the king of Babylon" refers to the leaders and military commanders under King Nebuchadnezzar. The Babylonian Empire was a dominant force during this period, known for its military prowess and administrative efficiency. The mention of "officials" indicates the structured and organized nature of Babylonian governance. From a historical perspective, Babylon was a symbol of human pride and opposition to God, yet God used it as an instrument of judgment against Judah. This phrase reminds us that God can use even those who do not acknowledge Him to fulfill His purposes.

this city will be delivered into the hands of the Chaldeans
"Delivered into the hands of the Chaldeans" signifies the transfer of control and power. The Chaldeans, synonymous with the Babylonians, were known for their advanced culture and military strength. The Hebrew word for "delivered" is "נָתַן" (nathan), meaning to give or to hand over. This conveys the inevitability of Jerusalem's fall if Zedekiah refuses to heed God's warning. Scripturally, it serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the fulfillment of prophetic warnings. It also highlights God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to orchestrate events according to His divine plan.

and they will burn it down
The phrase "and they will burn it down" is a vivid depiction of the destruction that awaits Jerusalem. Fire, in biblical terms, often symbolizes judgment and purification. The act of burning the city signifies total devastation and the end of an era for Judah. Historically, the burning of Jerusalem in 586 BC marked a significant turning point, leading to the Babylonian exile. This phrase serves as a stark warning of the severe consequences of ignoring God's commands. It also foreshadows the hope of eventual restoration, as fire also purifies and prepares for new beginnings.

and you yourself will not escape their grasp
"You yourself will not escape their grasp" is a personal warning to Zedekiah. The Hebrew root for "escape" is "מָלַט" (malat), meaning to slip away or be delivered. This emphasizes the certainty of capture if Zedekiah chooses to resist. Theologically, it underscores the futility of relying on human strength and wisdom in opposition to God's will. It serves as a personal call to repentance and trust in God's plan, even when it involves surrender and apparent defeat. This phrase is a poignant reminder of the personal accountability each individual has before God and the importance of aligning one's actions with His divine purposes.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But if
וְאִ֣ם (wə·’im)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

you do not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

surrender
תֵצֵ֗א (ṯê·ṣê)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

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

the officers
שָׂרֵי֙ (śā·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

of the king
מֶ֣לֶךְ (me·leḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Babylon,
בָּבֶ֔ל (bā·ḇel)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 894: Babylon -- an eastern Mediterranean empire and its capital city

then this
הַזֹּאת֙ (haz·zōṯ)
Article | Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,

city
הָעִ֤יר (hā·‘îr)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5892: Excitement

will be handed over to
וְנִתְּנָ֞ה (wə·nit·tə·nāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

the Chaldeans.
הַכַּשְׂדִּ֔ים (hak·kaś·dîm)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3778: Chaldeans -- a region of southern Babylon and its inhab

They will burn it down,
וּשְׂרָפ֖וּהָ (ū·śə·rā·p̄ū·hā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural | third person feminine singular
Strong's 8313: To be, on fire

and you
וְאַתָּ֖ה (wə·’at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

yourself will not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

escape
תִמָּלֵ֥ט (ṯim·mā·lêṭ)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 4422: To be smooth, to escape, to release, rescue, to bring forth young, emit sparks

their grasp.’”
מִיָּדָֽם׃ (mî·yā·ḏām)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3027: A hand


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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 38:18 But if you will not go forth (Jer.)
Jeremiah 38:17
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