Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version However, before Jeremiah turned to go, Nebuzaradan added, “Go back to Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed over the towns of Judah, and live with him among the people, or go anywhere else you please.” Then the commander gave him provisions and a present and let him go. New Living Translation If you decide to stay, then return to Gedaliah son of Ahikam and grandson of Shaphan. He has been appointed governor of Judah by the king of Babylon. Stay there with the people he rules. But it’s up to you; go wherever you like.” Then Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, gave Jeremiah some food and money and let him go. English Standard Version If you remain, then return to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon appointed governor of the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people. Or go wherever you think it right to go.” So the captain of the guard gave him an allowance of food and a present, and let him go. Berean Standard Bible But before Jeremiah turned to go, Nebuzaradan added, “Return to Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed over the cities of Judah, and stay with him among the people, or go anywhere else that seems right.” Then the captain of the guard gave him a ration and a gift and released him. Berean Literal Bible And while he had not turned again: “And You may return to Gedaliah son of Ahikam son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed over the cities of Judah, and you may dwell with him in the midst of the people or go to wherever is upright for you to go.” And the captain of the guards gave rations to him, and a present, and he sent him away. King James Bible Now while he was not yet gone back, he said, Go back also to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon hath made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people: or go wheresoever it seemeth convenient unto thee to go. So the captain of the guard gave him victuals and a reward, and let him go. New King James Version Now while Jeremiah had not yet gone back, Nebuzaradan said, “Go back to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people. Or go wherever it seems convenient for you to go.” So the captain of the guard gave him rations and a gift and let him go. New American Standard Bible As Jeremiah was still not going back, he said, “Go on back then to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed over the cities of Judah, and stay with him among the people; or else go anywhere it seems right for you to go.” So the captain of the bodyguard gave him a ration and a gift, and let him go. NASB 1995 As Jeremiah was still not going back, he said, “Go on back then to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed over the cities of Judah, and stay with him among the people; or else go anywhere it seems right for you to go.” So the captain of the bodyguard gave him a ration and a gift and let him go. NASB 1977 As Jeremiah was still not going back, he said, “Go on back then to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed over the cities of Judah, and stay with him among the people; or else go anywhere it seems right for you to go.” So the captain of the bodyguard gave him a ration and a gift and let him go. Legacy Standard Bible But as Jeremiah had not yet set out to return, he said, “Return then to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed over the cities of Judah, and stay with him among the people; or else go anywhere that is right in your eyes to go.” So the captain of the bodyguard gave him a ration and a gift and let him go. Amplified Bible While Jeremiah was still hesitating, the captain of the bodyguard said, “Go on back then to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed [governor] over the cities of Judah, and stay with him among the people; or else go wherever it seems right for you to go.” So the captain of the bodyguard gave him an allowance of food and a gift and let him go. Berean Annotated Bible But before Jeremiah turned to go, Nebuzaradan added, “Return to Gedaliah (YHWH is great) son of Ahikam (my brother has arisen), the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon (confusion by mixing) has appointed over the cities of Judah (praised), and stay with him among the people, or go anywhere else that seems right. Then the captain of the guard gave him a ration and a gift and released him. Christian Standard Bible When Jeremiah had not yet turned to go, Nebuzaradan said to him, “Return to Gedaliah son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed over the cities of Judah, and stay with him among the people or go wherever it seems right for you to go.” So the captain of the guards gave him a ration and a gift and released him. Holman Christian Standard Bible When Jeremiah had not yet turned to go, Nebuzaradan said to him: “Return to Gedaliah son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed over the cities of Judah, and stay with him among the people or go wherever you want to go.” So the captain of the guard gave him a ration and a gift and released him. American Standard Version Now while he was not yet gone back, Go back then, said he, to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon hath made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people; or go wheresoever it seemeth right unto thee to go. So the captain of the guard gave him victuals and a present, and let him go. Contemporary English Version King Nebuchadnezzar has chosen Gedaliah to rule Judah. You can live near Gedaliah, and he will provide for you, or you can live anywhere else you choose. Nebuzaradan gave me a supply of food, then let me leave. English Revised Version Now while he was not yet gone back, Go back then, said he, to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon hath made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people: or go wheresoever it seemeth convenient unto thee to go. So the captain of the guard gave him victuals and a present, and let him go. GOD'S WORD® Translation "If you wish to remain, then go back to Gedaliah, son of Ahikam and grandson of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon appointed to govern the cities of Judah. Live among the people with him, or go anywhere you want." The captain of the guard gave Jeremiah some food and a present and let him go. Good News Translation When I did not answer, Nebuzaradan said, "Go back to Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam and grandson of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylonia has made governor of the towns of Judah. You may stay with him and live among the people, or you may go anywhere you think you should." Then he gave me a present and some food to take with me, and let me go on my way. International Standard Version When he still did not respond, Nebuzaradan said, "Return to Ahikam's son Gedaliah, whom the king of Babylon has appointed over the cities of Judah, and remain with him among the people—or go wherever it seems right for you to go." Then the captain of the guard gave him an allowance of food and a gift and sent him off. NET Bible Before Jeremiah could turn to leave, the captain of the guard added, "Go back to Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam and grandson of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon appointed to govern the towns of Judah. Go back and live with him among the people. Or go wherever else you choose." Then the captain of the guard gave Jeremiah some food and a present and let him go. New Heart English Bible Now while he had not yet gone back, "Go back then," he said, "to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people; or go wherever it seems right to you to go." So the captain of the guard gave him food and a present, and let him go. Webster's Bible Translation Now while he had not yet gone back, he said, Go back also to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon had made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people: or go wherever it seemeth convenient to thee to go. So the captain of the guard gave him provisions and a reward, and let him go. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut before Jeremiah turned to go, Nebuzaradan added, “Return to Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed over the cities of Judah, and stay with him among the people, or go anywhere else that seems right.” Then the captain of the guard gave him a ration and a gift and released him. World English Bible Now while he had not yet gone back, “Go back then,” he said, “to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people; or go wherever it seems right to you to go.” So the captain of the guard gave him food and a present, and let him go. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd while he does not reply—“Or turn back to Gedaliah son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him in the midst of the people, or wherever it is right in your eyes to go—go.” And the chief of the executioners gives a ration and gift to him, and sends him away, Berean Literal Bible And while he had not turned again: “And You may return to Gedaliah son of Ahikam son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed over the cities of Judah, and you may dwell with him in the midst of the people or go to wherever is upright for you to go.” And the captain of the guards gave rations to him, and a present, and he sent him away. Young's Literal Translation and while he doth not reply -- 'Or turn back unto Gedaliah son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon hath appointed over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him in the midst of the people, or whithersoever it is right in thine eyes to go -- go.' And the chief of the executioners giveth to him for the way, and a gift, and sendeth him away, Smith's Literal Translation And while he will not turn back, And turn back to Gedaliah, son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babel appointed over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him in the midst of the people: or to all the straight in thine eyes to go, go. And the chief of the cooks: will give to him a portion and a gift, and he will send him away. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd come not with me: but dwell with Godolias the son of Ahicam the son of Saphan, whom the king of Babylon hath made governor over the cities of Juda: dwell therefore with him in the midst of the people: or whithersoever it shall please thee to go, go. And the general of the army gave him victuals and presents, and let him go. Catholic Public Domain Version And you may decline to come with me. For you may live with Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has made governor over the cities of Judah. Therefore, you may live with him in the midst of the people. And you may go wherever it will please you to go.” And the leader of the military also gave him foods and gifts, and he released him. New American Bible Or go to Gedaliah, son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has set over the cities of Judah. Stay with him among the people. Or go wherever you want!” The captain of the bodyguard gave him food and gifts and let him go. New Revised Standard Version If you remain, then return to Gedaliah son of Ahikam son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon appointed governor of the towns of Judah, and stay with him among the people; or go wherever you think it right to go.” So the captain of the guard gave him an allowance of food and a present, and let him go. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen he said to him again, If you remain, dwell among the people with Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has made governor over the cities of Judah; or go wherever it seems good to you to go. Then Nebuzaradan, the general of the guard gave him presents after the custom and let him go. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he said to him: “If you remain, dwell with Gedaliah, son of Akhiqam, son of Shaphan, among the people whom the King of Babel authorized in the villages of Judea, or wherever is excellent in your eyes to go, go.” And Nebuzaradan the High Guard gave him gifts on the road and he released him OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Yet he would not go back.--Go back then to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon hath made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people; or go wheresoever it seemeth right unto thee to go.' So the captain of the guard gave him an allowance and a present, and let him go. Brenton Septuagint Translation But if not, depart; return to Godolias the son of Achicam, the son of Saphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed governor in the land of Juda, and dwell with him in the midst of the people in the land of Juda: to whatsoever places it seems good in thine eyes to go, do thou even go. And the captain of the guard made him presents, and let him go. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jeremiah Remains in Judah…4But now, behold, I am freeing you today from the chains that were on your wrists. If it pleases you to come with me to Babylon, then come, and I will take care of you. But if it seems wrong to you to come with me to Babylon, go no farther. Look, the whole land is before you. Wherever it seems good and right to you, go there.” 5But before Jeremiah turned to go, Nebuzaradan added, “Return to Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed over the cities of Judah, and stay with him among the people, or go anywhere else that seems right.” Then the captain of the guard gave him a ration and a gift and released him. 6So Jeremiah went to Gedaliah son of Ahikam at Mizpah and stayed with him among the people who were left in the land.… Cross References But before Jeremiah turned to go Genesis 24:56 But he replied, “Do not delay me, since the LORD has made my journey a success. Send me on my way so that I may go to my master.” 2 Kings 2:2 and Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. Luke 24:29 But they pleaded with Him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So He went in to stay with them. Nebuzaradan added 2 Kings 25:8 On the seventh day of the fifth month, in the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign over Babylon, Nebuzaradan captain of the guard, a servant of the king of Babylon, entered Jerusalem. Jeremiah 52:12 On the tenth day of the fifth month, in the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign over Babylon, Nebuzaradan captain of the guard, a servant of the king of Babylon, entered Jerusalem. 2 Kings 25:11 Then Nebuzaradan captain of the guard carried into exile the people who remained in the city, along with the deserters who had defected to the king of Babylon and the rest of the population. “Return to Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, 2 Kings 25:23 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. Jeremiah 26:24 Nevertheless, Ahikam son of Shaphan supported Jeremiah, so he was not handed over to the people to be put to death. 2 Kings 22:12-14 and commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Achbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the servant of the king: / “Go and inquire of the LORD for me, for the people, and for all Judah concerning the words in this book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the LORD that burns against us because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book by doing all that is written about us.” / So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went and spoke to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, the keeper of the wardrobe. She lived in Jerusalem, in the Second District. whom the king of Babylon has appointed over the cities of Judah, 2 Kings 25:22 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. Jeremiah 27:6 So now I have placed all these lands under the authority of My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. I have even made the beasts of the field subject to him. Jeremiah 28:14 For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘I have put a yoke of iron on the neck of all these nations to make them serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and they will serve him. I have even given him control of the beasts of the field.’” and stay with him among the people, 2 Kings 25:24 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 42:10-12 ‘If you will indeed stay in this land, then I will build you up and not tear you down; I will plant you and not uproot you, for I will relent of the disaster I have brought upon you. / Do not be afraid of the king of Babylon, whom you now fear; do not be afraid of him, declares the LORD, for I am with you to save you and deliver you from him. / And I will show you compassion, and he will have compassion on you and restore you to your own land.’ Jeremiah 29:5-7 “Build houses and settle down. Plant gardens and eat their produce. / Take wives and have sons and daughters. Take wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Multiply there; do not decrease. / Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you as exiles. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper.” or go anywhere else that seems right.” Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Treasury of Scripture Now while he was not yet gone back, he said, Go back also to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people: or go wherever it seems convenient to you to go. So the captain of the guard gave him victuals and a reward, and let him go. Go back. Jeremiah 39:14 Even they sent, and took Jeremiah out of the court of the prison, and committed him unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, that he should carry him home: so he dwelt among the people. 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. 2 Kings 25:22-24 And as for the people that remained in the land of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had left, even over them he made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, ruler… Ahikam. Jeremiah 26:24 Nevertheless the hand of Ahikam the son of Shaphan was with Jeremiah, that they should not give him into the hand of the people to put him to death. 2 Kings 22:12,14 And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's, saying, … 2 Chronicles 34:20 And the king commanded Hilkiah, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Abdon the son of Micah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah a servant of the king's, saying, or go. Jeremiah 40:4 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. Jeremiah 15:11 The LORD said, Verily it shall be well with thy remnant; verily I will cause the enemy to entreat thee well in the time of evil and in the time of affliction. Ezra 7:6,27 This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him… gave him. Jeremiah 52:31-34 And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, in the five and twentieth day of the month, that Evilmerodach king of Babylon in the first year of his reign lifted up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah, and brought him forth out of prison, … 2 Kings 8:7-9 And Elisha came to Damascus; and Benhadad the king of Syria was sick; and it was told him, saying, The man of God is come hither… Job 22:29 When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person. victuals and a reward. Jump to Previous Ahikam Babylon Captain Cities Convenient Dwell Food Gedaliah Governor Guard Judah Present Reward Right Seemeth Seems Shaphan Victuals Wheresoever WhereverJump to Next Ahikam Babylon Captain Cities Convenient Dwell Food Gedaliah Governor Guard Judah Present Reward Right Seemeth Seems Shaphan Victuals Wheresoever WhereverJeremiah 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 before Jeremiah turned to go Jeremiah, the prophet, had been freed from captivity by the Babylonians. This moment signifies a turning point in his life, as he is given the choice to decide his next steps. The phrase indicates a pause, suggesting divine intervention or guidance in his decision-making process. Nebuzaradan added “Return to Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan whom the king of Babylon has appointed over the cities of Judah and stay with him among the people or go anywhere else that seems right Then the captain of the guard gave him a ration and a gift and released him Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA prophet of God who warned Judah of impending judgment and was later released by the Babylonians. 2. Nebuzaradan The captain of the Babylonian guard who released Jeremiah and offered him provisions and freedom. 3. Gedaliah Appointed by the king of Babylon as governor over the cities of Judah, representing a remnant of leadership after the exile. 4. Ahikam Father of Gedaliah, known for protecting Jeremiah earlier in his ministry. 5. Shaphan Grandfather of Gedaliah, a scribe during King Josiah's reign, associated with the discovery of the Book of the Law. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in AdversityDespite the destruction of Jerusalem, God orchestrates events to protect and provide for Jeremiah, demonstrating His control over all circumstances. The Role of Leadership Gedaliah's appointment signifies the importance of godly leadership even in times of judgment and exile. Divine Provision Nebuzaradan's gift to Jeremiah illustrates how God can use unexpected sources to meet our needs. Choices in Freedom Jeremiah's option to stay with Gedaliah or go elsewhere highlights the responsibility of making wise decisions when given freedom. Legacy of Faithfulness The mention of Ahikam and Shaphan underscores the impact of a family legacy committed to God's purposes. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Jeremiah 40:5?2. How does Jeremiah 40:5 illustrate God's provision and guidance in difficult times? 3. What can we learn about obedience from Jeremiah's decision in Jeremiah 40:5? 4. How does Jeremiah 40:5 connect with God's promises in Jeremiah 29:11? 5. In what ways can we trust God's plan like Jeremiah in Jeremiah 40:5? 6. How can Jeremiah 40:5 inspire us to seek God's will in our choices? 7. What does Jeremiah 40:5 reveal about God's guidance during times of uncertainty? 8. How does Jeremiah 40:5 illustrate the theme of divine providence? 9. What historical context is essential to understanding Jeremiah 40:5? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 40? 11. Jeremiah 40:5–6 – How historically plausible is it that Jeremiah traveled freely to live with Gedaliah despite the chaos of the Babylonian occupation? 12. 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? 13. Who was Gedaliah in the Bible? 14. How can we reconcile Jeremiah’s presence in Egypt with traditions that he remained in Judah (Jer 43:6–7)? What Does Jeremiah 40:5 Mean But before Jeremiah turned to goJeremiah had just been unchained at Ramah (Jeremiah 40:1-4). Freedom was literally one step away when the captain paused him. This moment underlines how God can insert fresh direction even when we think a chapter is closed (Proverbs 16:9; Acts 16:6-10). Jeremiah’s willingness to wait reflects his lifelong obedience to the Lord’s timing (Jeremiah 1:7-8; 37:13-14). Nebuzaradan added Nebuzaradan, though a pagan officer, shows remarkable respect for the prophet, echoing how Nebuchadnezzar had earlier charged him to protect Jeremiah (Jeremiah 39:11-12). God can move the hearts of authorities to favor His servants (Proverbs 21:1; Daniel 1:9). The extra word from Nebuzaradan highlights God’s providence: Jeremiah is not merely released; he is guided. Return to Gedaliah son of Ahikam Gedaliah’s appointment (2 Kings 25:22) is more than political; it fulfills God’s promise to leave “a remnant” in the land (Jeremiah 24:5-7). Gedaliah’s father Ahikam had once shielded Jeremiah (Jeremiah 26:24), so the invitation places the prophet under a family historically friendly to his ministry. The Lord often provides relationships that guard His messengers (Acts 18:9-11). Stay with him among the people Remaining with the remnant aligned with Jeremiah’s own message: submit to Babylon and live (Jeremiah 27:11; 29:4-7). By staying, Jeremiah would pastor those left behind, modeling faithfulness when circumstances look bleak (Psalm 23:4; Lamentations 3:21-23). Or go anywhere else that seems right Nebuzaradan grants genuine choice: “go anywhere else that seems right.” Free will sits beside God’s sovereignty; the Lord opens doors yet leaves His servant to walk through the one he judges best (Jeremiah 21:8; Deuteronomy 30:19). Even in captivity God’s people are not pawns but participants. Then the captain of the guard gave him a ration and a gift and released him Practical provision—food and a present—confirms that God “supplies all your needs” (Philippians 4:19; 1 Kings 17:4-6). Release completes the promise of protection made in Jeremiah 15:20-21. What looked like defeat for Judah becomes personal deliverance for Jeremiah; divine faithfulness shines brightest in crisis. summary Jeremiah 40:5 shows God steering events for His prophet even through foreign officers. The verse highlights (1) God’s precise timing, (2) unexpected channels of favor, (3) care for the remnant through a trusted governor, (4) the balance of divine guidance and human choice, and (5) tangible provision. Jeremiah’s story reassures believers that the Lord’s sovereignty and love are unbroken, even in the aftermath of national judgment. (5) Go back also to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam.--The captain of the guard seems to have felt, on second thoughts, possibly after hearing the prophet's unrecorded answer, that he had not taken sufficient precaution for Jeremiah's safety, and therefore consigns him once more to the care of his friend and protector. On parting with him he treats him as an honoured guest, sends him a portion of food from his own table (comp. Jeremiah 52:34)--a welcome gift, doubtless, after the privations of the siege--and an honorarium, in money as a compensation for the sufferings he had undergone as a preacher of submission to the conqueror.Governor over the cities of Judah.--The official title is significant. Jerusalem is treated as if it had been blotted from the face of the earth, and required no superintendence. Gedaliah, the prophet's friend, had obviously acted on his counsels, and accepted the sovereignty of Nebuchadnezzar as being for the time the ordinance of God. A true patriot might well hold it to be his duty at such a time to accept office under the conqueror, in the hope of being able to do something for the remnant of the nation that was left under his charge. Verse 5. - Now while he was not yet, etc. This rendering, however, seems against the Hebrew usage. Two renderings are open to us.1. "But since one returneth not from Babylon, then go back to Gedaliah," etc.; so Hitzig. 2. Taking ver. 5 as a continuation of "but if it seemeth ill to thee," etc., "forbear" (in ver. 4), and, supplying, "I have spoken the word," continue, "and it shall not be reversed; yea, go back;" so Graf, regarding the passage as an explanation of the permission to "forbear." A reward; rather, a present. Hebrew But before Jeremiahלֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no turned to go, יָשׁ֗וּב (yā·šūḇ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again Nebuzaradan וְשֻׁ֡בָה (wə·šu·ḇāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again told him, אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to “Return to Gedaliah גְּדַלְיָ֣ה (gə·ḏal·yāh) 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, אֲחִיקָ֣ם (’ă·ḥî·qām) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 296: Ahikam -- 'my brother has arisen', an Israelite the son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son of Shaphan, שָׁפָ֡ן (šā·p̄ān) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 8227: A species of rockrabbit, the hyrax whom אֲשֶׁר֩ (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that the king מֶֽלֶךְ־ (me·leḵ-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4428: A king of Babylon בָּבֶ֜ל (bā·ḇel) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 894: Babylon -- an eastern Mediterranean empire and its capital city has appointed הִפְקִ֨יד (hip̄·qîḏ) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6485: To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit over the cities בְּעָרֵ֣י (bə·‘ā·rê) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 5892: Excitement of Judah, יְהוּדָ֗ה (yə·hū·ḏāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites and stay וְשֵׁ֤ב (wə·šêḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry with אִתּוֹ֙ (’it·tōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among him among בְּת֣וֹךְ (bə·ṯō·wḵ) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 8432: A bisection, the centre the people, הָעָ֔ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock or א֠וֹ (’ōw) Conjunction Strong's 176: Desire, if go לָלֶ֖כֶת (lā·le·ḵeṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk anywhere else אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to that seems right.” הַיָּשָׁ֧ר (hay·yā·šār) Article | Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 3477: Straight, right Then the captain רַב־ (raḇ-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 7227: Much, many, great of the guard טַבָּחִ֛ים (ṭab·bā·ḥîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 2876: A butcher, a lifeguardsman, a cook gave וַיִּתֶּן־ (way·yit·ten-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set him ל֧וֹ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 0: 0 a ration אֲרֻחָ֥ה (’ă·ru·ḥāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 737: A meal, allowance and a gift וּמַשְׂאֵ֖ת (ū·maś·’êṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4864: A raising, rising, an utterance, a beacon, a present and released him. וַֽיְשַׁלְּחֵֽהוּ׃ (way·šal·lə·ḥê·hū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out Links Jeremiah 40:5 NIVJeremiah 40:5 NLT Jeremiah 40:5 ESV Jeremiah 40:5 NASB Jeremiah 40:5 KJV Jeremiah 40:5 BibleApps.com Jeremiah 40:5 Biblia Paralela Jeremiah 40:5 Chinese Bible Jeremiah 40:5 French Bible Jeremiah 40:5 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Jeremiah 40:5 Now while he was not yet gone (Jer.) |
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