Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But Gedaliah son of Ahikam said to Johanan son of Kareah, “Don’t do such a thing! What you are saying about Ishmael is not true.” New Living Translation But Gedaliah said to Johanan, “I forbid you to do any such thing, for you are lying about Ishmael.” English Standard Version But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said to Johanan the son of Kareah, “You shall not do this thing, for you are speaking falsely of Ishmael.” Berean Standard Bible But Gedaliah son of Ahikam said to Johanan son of Kareah, “Do not do such a thing! What you are saying about Ishmael is a lie.” King James Bible But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said unto Johanan the son of Kareah, Thou shalt not do this thing: for thou speakest falsely of Ishmael. New King James Version But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said to Johanan the son of Kareah, “You shall not do this thing, for you speak falsely concerning Ishmael.” New American Standard Bible But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said to Johanan the son of Kareah, “Do not do this thing, for you are telling a lie about Ishmael.” NASB 1995 But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said to Johanan the son of Kareah, “Do not do this thing, for you are telling a lie about Ishmael.” NASB 1977 But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said to Johanan the son of Kareah, “Do not do this thing, for you are telling a lie about Ishmael.” Legacy Standard Bible But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said to Johanan the son of Kareah, “Do not do this thing, for you are telling a lie about Ishmael.” Amplified Bible But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said to Johanan the son of Kareah, “Do not do this thing, for you are lying about Ishmael.” Christian Standard Bible But Gedaliah son of Ahikam responded to Johanan son of Kareah, “Don’t do that! What you’re saying about Ishmael is a lie.” Holman Christian Standard Bible But Gedaliah son of Ahikam responded to Johanan son of Kareah, “Don’t do that! What you’re saying about Ishmael is a lie.” American Standard Version But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said unto Johanan the son of Kareah, Thou shalt not do this thing; for thou speakest falsely of Ishmael. Contemporary English Version Gedaliah answered, "Don't kill Ishmael! What you've said about him can't be true." English Revised Version But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said unto Johanan the son of Kareah, Thou shalt not do this thing: for thou speakest falsely of Ishmael. GOD'S WORD® Translation Gedaliah, son of Ahikam, told Johanan, Kareah's son, "Don't do that! What you are saying about Ishmael is a lie." Good News Translation But Gedaliah answered, "Don't do it! What you are saying about Ishmael is not true!" International Standard Version Ahikam's son Gedaliah replied to Kareah's son Jonathan, "Don't do this! You're lying about Ishmael!" NET Bible But Gedaliah son of Ahikam said to Johanan son of Kareah, "Do not do that because what you are saying about Ishmael is not true." New Heart English Bible But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said to Johanan the son of Kareah, "You shall not do this thing; for you speak falsely of Ishmael." Webster's Bible Translation But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said to Johanan the son of Kareah, Thou shalt not do this thing: for thou speakest falsely of Ishmael. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut Gedaliah son of Ahikam said to Johanan son of Kareah, “Do not do such a thing! What you are saying about Ishmael is a lie.” World English Bible But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said to Johanan the son of Kareah, “You shall not do this thing, for you speak falsely of Ishmael.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Gedaliah son of Ahikam says to Johanan son of Kareah, “You do not do this thing, for you are speaking falsehood concerning Ishmael.” Young's Literal Translation And Gedaliah son of Ahikam saith unto Johanan son of Kareah, 'Thou dost not do this thing, for falsehood thou art speaking concerning Ishmael.' Smith's Literal Translation And Gedaliah son of Ahikam will say to Johanan son of Kareah, Thou shalt not do this word, for thou speakest falsehood concerning Ishmael. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Codolias the son of Ahicam said to Johanan the son of Cares: Do not this thing: for what thou sayst of Ismahel is false. Catholic Public Domain Version And Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam, said to Johanan, the son of Kareah: “Do not do this word. For what you have said about Ishmael is false.” New American Bible Gedaliah, son of Ahikam, answered Johanan, son of Kareah, “You must not do that. What you are saying about Ishmael is a lie!” New Revised Standard Version But Gedaliah son of Ahikam said to Johanan son of Kareah, “Do not do such a thing, for you are telling a lie about Ishmael.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said to Johanan the son of Kareah, You shall not do this thing; for you are speaking falsely of Ishmael. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Gedaliah, son of Akhiqam, said to Yokhanan, son of Qorakh, “You shall not make this response, because you have spoken a lie against Ishmayl!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said unto Johanan the son of Kareah: 'Thou shalt not do this thing; for thou speakest falsely of Ishmael.' Brenton Septuagint Translation But Godolias said to Joanan, Do not the thing, for thou speakest lies concerning Ismael. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Plot Against Gedaliah…15Then Johanan son of Kareah spoke privately to Gedaliah at Mizpah. “Let me go and kill Ishmael son of Nethaniah,” he said. “No one will know it. Why should he take your life and scatter all the people of Judah who have gathered to you, so that the remnant of Judah would perish?” 16But Gedaliah son of Ahikam said to Johanan son of Kareah, “Do not do such a thing! What you are saying about Ishmael is a lie.” Cross References 2 Kings 25:22-24 Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, over the people he had left behind in the land of Judah. / When all the commanders of the armies and their men heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah as governor, they came to Gedaliah at Mizpah—Ishmael son of Nethaniah, Johanan son of Kareah, Seraiah son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite, and Jaazaniah son of the Maacathite, as well as their men. / And Gedaliah took an oath before them and their men, assuring them, “Do not be afraid of the servants of the Chaldeans. Live in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will be well with you.” Jeremiah 41:1-3 In the seventh month, Ishmael son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, who was a member of the royal family and one of the king’s chief officers, came with ten men to Gedaliah son of Ahikam at Mizpah, and they ate a meal together there. / Then Ishmael son of Nethaniah and the ten men who were with him got up and struck down Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, with the sword, killing the one whom the king of Babylon had appointed to govern the land. / Ishmael also killed all the Jews who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah, as well as the Chaldean soldiers who were there. Jeremiah 39:10 But Nebuzaradan left behind in the land of Judah some of the poor people who had no property, and at that time he gave them vineyards and fields. 2 Chronicles 36:20-21 Those who escaped the sword were carried by Nebuchadnezzar into exile in Babylon, and they became servants to him and his sons until the kingdom of Persia came to power. / So the land enjoyed its Sabbath rest all the days of the desolation, until seventy years were completed, in fulfillment of the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah. Isaiah 37:30-32 And this will be a sign to you, O Hezekiah: This year you will eat what grows on its own, and in the second year what springs from the same. But in the third year you will sow and reap; you will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. / And the surviving remnant of the house of Judah will again take root below and bear fruit above. / For a remnant will go forth from Jerusalem, and survivors from Mount Zion. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this. Ezekiel 33:24-26 “Son of man, those living in the ruins in the land of Israel are saying, ‘Abraham was only one man, yet he possessed the land. But we are many; surely the land has been given to us as a possession.’ / Therefore tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘You eat meat with the blood in it, lift up your eyes to your idols, and shed blood. Should you then possess the land? / You have relied on your swords, you have committed detestable acts, and each of you has defiled his neighbor’s wife. Should you then possess the land?’ Nehemiah 9:30-31 You were patient with them for many years, and Your Spirit admonished them through Your prophets. Yet they would not listen, so You gave them into the hands of the neighboring peoples. / But in Your great compassion, You did not put an end to them; nor did You forsake them, for You are a gracious and compassionate God. Lamentations 3:22-23 Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. / They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness! Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Romans 12:18 If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. 1 Peter 3:11 He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. Proverbs 16:7 When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him. Psalm 37:11 But the meek will inherit the land and delight in abundant prosperity. Isaiah 32:17 The work of righteousness will be peace; the service of righteousness will be quiet confidence forever. James 3:18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness. Treasury of Scripture But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said to Johanan the son of Kareah, You shall not do this thing: for you speak falsely of Ishmael. Thou shalt. Jeremiah 41:2 Then arose Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and the ten men that were with him, and smote Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan with the sword, and slew him, whom the king of Babylon had made governor over the land. Matthew 10:16,17 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves… Romans 3:8 And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just. Jump to Previous Ahikam Ahi'kam Falsehood Falsely Gedaliah Gedali'ah Ishmael Ish'mael Johanan Joha'nan Kareah Kare'ah Lie Speak Speakest Speaking Telling True.Jump to Next Ahikam Ahi'kam Falsehood Falsely Gedaliah Gedali'ah Ishmael Ish'mael Johanan Joha'nan Kareah Kare'ah Lie Speak Speakest Speaking Telling True.Jeremiah 40 1. Jeremiah, being set free by Nebuzaradan, goes to Gedaliah.7. The dispersed Jews repair unto him. 13. Johanan revealing Ishmael's conspiracy is not believed. But Gedaliah son of Ahikam said to Johanan son of Kareah Gedaliah, appointed by the Babylonians as governor over the remnant in Judah, was the son of Ahikam, a supporter of the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 26:24). Ahikam's protection of Jeremiah suggests a family legacy of loyalty to God's prophets. Johanan, a military leader, represents the remaining Judean forces. This interaction occurs after the Babylonian conquest, highlighting the political instability and power struggles among the remnant. “Do not do such a thing! What you are saying about Ishmael is a lie.” Persons / Places / Events 1. Gedaliah son of AhikamAppointed by the Babylonians as governor over the remnant in Judah after the destruction of Jerusalem. Known for his trust and desire for peace among the people. 2. Johanan son of Kareah A military leader among the remnant in Judah. He warned Gedaliah about a plot against his life by Ishmael. 3. Ishmael A member of the royal family who was plotting against Gedaliah. His actions were driven by political motives and personal ambition. 4. Mizpah The location where Gedaliah governed and where the remnant of Judah gathered after the Babylonian conquest. 5. The Babylonian Conquest The backdrop of this event, where Jerusalem was destroyed, and the people of Judah were either exiled or left in the land under Babylonian rule. Teaching Points Discernment and WisdomGedaliah's failure to heed Johanan's warning highlights the need for discernment and wisdom in leadership and personal decisions. Trust and Verification While trust is essential in relationships, it should be balanced with verification, especially when dealing with serious allegations. Consequences of Ignoring Warnings Ignoring wise counsel can lead to dire consequences, as seen in the eventual assassination of Gedaliah. God's Sovereignty Amidst Human Schemes Despite human plots and failures, God's sovereign plan prevails, reminding us to trust in His ultimate justice and purpose. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Jeremiah 40:16?2. How does Jeremiah 40:16 demonstrate God's protection over His chosen leaders? 3. What can we learn about discernment from Gedaliah's response in Jeremiah 40:16? 4. How does Jeremiah 40:16 connect with Proverbs 3:5-6 on trusting God? 5. How can we apply Gedaliah's trust in God to our daily decisions? 6. What does Jeremiah 40:16 teach about the importance of seeking God's guidance? 7. What is the historical context of Jeremiah 40:16 and its significance in biblical history? 8. How does Jeremiah 40:16 reflect God's sovereignty and justice? 9. What role does Jeremiah play in the events of Jeremiah 40:16? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 40? 11. Jeremiah 40 (especially verses 13–16) – Are there any external accounts to corroborate or challenge the internal conflicts hinted at, particularly with Ishmael’s faction? 12. Jeremiah 40:5-6 - How historically plausible is it that Jeremiah traveled freely to live with Gedaliah despite the chaos of the Babylonian occupation? 13. How does this account align with or contradict the parallel narrative in 2 Kings 25:22-26 regarding Gedaliah's murder? 14. Do the promises in Jer 42 about the safety of the remnant conflict with the calamities in Jer 43? What Does Jeremiah 40:16 Mean But Gedaliah son of Ahikam- Gedaliah is the governor appointed by Nebuchadnezzar after Jerusalem’s fall (Jeremiah 40:5–6; 2 Kings 25:22). - His father, Ahikam, had once protected Jeremiah (Jeremiah 26:24), suggesting a family known for mercy and loyalty to God’s prophet. - Yet even faithful lineage cannot substitute for personal vigilance; Proverbs 22:3 reminds that “the prudent see danger and take refuge.” Gedaliah’s good intentions will soon collide with harsh reality (Jeremiah 41:1–3). said to Johanan son of Kareah - Johanan, a military leader among the remnant (Jeremiah 40:7–8), brings credible intelligence about treachery. - His name repeatedly appears as one who tries to defend the people (Jeremiah 40:13–15). - Contrast Johanan’s alertness with Gedaliah’s complacency; Ecclesiastes 4:13 states, “Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to take a warning.” Do not do such a thing! - Gedaliah rejects Johanan’s proposal to pre-emptively strike Ishmael. - His motive seems noble: he wants to avoid violence and bloodshed among the remnant. Romans 12:18 exhorts, “If it is possible… be at peace with everyone.” - Yet pacifism here ignores clear evidence. Psalm 82:4 commands, “Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked.” Balance between peace and justice is vital. What you are saying about Ishmael is a lie. - Gedaliah flatly denies the report, calling it false. - Earlier, notice Ishmael’s lineage: he is of royal blood (Jeremiah 41:1), bitter over Babylon’s dominance, and backed by Ammon’s king (Jeremiah 40:14). The threat is real. - Gedaliah’s dismissal shows misplaced trust, echoing Proverbs 14:15: “The simple believe every word, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” - His unbelief leads to disaster; in Jeremiah 41:2–3 Ishmael assassinates him and slaughters many others. The episode underlines James 1:22—hearing truth without acting on it brings ruin. summary Jeremiah 40:16 portrays a well-meaning but naïve leader who ignores a verified warning. Gedaliah’s refusal to act—rooted in an idealistic desire for peace—opens the door for Ishmael’s murderous plot and devastates the fragile remnant. The verse warns believers to couple mercy with discernment, test every report against Scripture and facts, and remember that true stewardship sometimes requires decisive, protective action. Hebrew But Gedaliahגְּדַלְיָ֤הוּ (gə·ḏal·yā·hū) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1436: Gedaliah -- 'Yah is great', three Israelites son בֶן־ (ḇen-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son of Ahikam אֲחִיקָם֙ (’ă·ḥî·qām) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 296: Ahikam -- 'my brother has arisen', an Israelite said וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Johanan יוֹחָנָ֣ן (yō·w·ḥā·nān) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3110: Jochanan son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son of Kareah, קָרֵ֔חַ (qā·rê·aḥ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7143: Kareah -- 'bald one', a man of Judah “Do not אַֽל־ (’al-) Adverb Strong's 408: Not do תַּעֲשֵׂ֖ה (ta·‘ă·śêh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 6213: To do, make such a thing! הַדָּבָ֣ר (had·dā·ḇār) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause What you are אַתָּ֥ה (’at·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you saying דֹבֵ֖ר (ḏō·ḇêr) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue about אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Ishmael יִשְׁמָעֵֽאל׃ (yiš·mā·‘êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3458: Ishmael -- 'God hears', the name of several Israelites is a lie.” שֶׁ֛קֶר (še·qer) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 8267: Deception, disappointment, falsehood Links Jeremiah 40:16 NIVJeremiah 40:16 NLT Jeremiah 40:16 ESV Jeremiah 40:16 NASB Jeremiah 40:16 KJV Jeremiah 40:16 BibleApps.com Jeremiah 40:16 Biblia Paralela Jeremiah 40:16 Chinese Bible Jeremiah 40:16 French Bible Jeremiah 40:16 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Jeremiah 40:16 But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said (Jer.) |
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