Jeremiah 21:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He who ventures forth and approaches the Chaldeans that surround you will survive, and his soul will be for gain, enjoying life. The Hebrew text articulates this notion more distinctly: into acquisition signifies being taken as prey, and the implication is this: he who does not escape, as stated, will perish, but he who does escape shall live, having fallen into the hands of the adversary. The term "acquiring" indicates a benefit, which is life. In place of εἰς ὠφέλειαν, ancient Greek manuscripts present εἰς σκῦλα, which is translated in the Slavic version as into captivity.

You shall communicate to this people, 'Thus says the Lord, Behold, I present before you the pathway of life and the pathway of death. Those who remain in this city will perish by the sword, famine, and pestilence. However, anyone who escapes and seeks refuge with the Chaldeans, who surround you, will survive, and his life will be preserved. For I have turned my face against this city for harm and not for blessing, declares the Lord. It will be handed over to the king of Babylon, who will set it ablaze. To the royal envoys who approached the prophet seeking the Lord's guidance, he provided the statement above, which was to be conveyed to King Zedekiah.