Jeremiah 39 11

Jeremiah 39:11 kjv

Now Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon gave charge concerning Jeremiah to Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, saying,

Jeremiah 39:11 nkjv

Now Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon gave charge concerning Jeremiah to Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, saying,

Jeremiah 39:11 niv

Now Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had given these orders about Jeremiah through Nebuzaradan commander of the imperial guard:

Jeremiah 39:11 esv

Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon gave command concerning Jeremiah through Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, saying,

Jeremiah 39:11 nlt

King Nebuchadnezzar had told Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, to find Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 39 verses

Jeremiah 39 11 Meaning

This verse describes Nebuzaradan, the captain of Nebuchadnezzar's guard, taking Jeremiah from the court of the guards and entrusting him to Gedaliah, son of Ahikam, to be taken to his home. It signifies Jeremiah's protection and release from Babylonian captivity due to Nebuchadnezzar's prior command.

Jeremiah 39 11 Context

Jeremiah 39 describes the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians. Despite Jeremiah's prophecies of doom and the impending destruction, he was instrumental in warning the people and had also prophesied the terms of their captivity. The verse specifically takes place after Jerusalem has been conquered, the temple plundered, and many inhabitants exiled. Nebuchadnezzar, showing a specific interest in Jeremiah, had given prior instructions concerning him, which Nebuzaradan is now carrying out. Gedaliah, son of Ahikam, is appointed governor over the remaining populace in Judah, marking a significant moment in the aftermath of the siege.

Jeremiah 39 11 Word Analysis

• and (וְ) - Hebrew: wə-. Conjunction, meaning "and," used here to connect Nebuzaradan's action to previous events or instructions.
• Nebuzaradan (נְבֽוּזַרְדָ֧ן) - Hebrew: Nəḇūzarədān. A proper noun, referring to the captain of Nebuchadnezzar's guard. A high-ranking military official.
• captain (שַׂר) - Hebrew: śar. Means "chief," "captain," "prince," "leader." Indicates Nebuzaradan's significant position of authority.
• of the guard (הַטַּבָּחִ֔ים) - Hebrew: haṭṭabbāḥîm. "The bodyguard," "the executioners," or "the slaughtermen." Refers to the royal bodyguard, often responsible for security and carrying out judgments.
• took (לָקַ֣ח) - Hebrew: lāqaḥ. Means "to take," "to get," "to receive," "to fetch." Here, it signifies Nebuzaradan apprehending or fetching Jeremiah.
• Jeremiah (אֶת־יִרְמְיָ֛הוּ) - Hebrew: ’et-Yirməyāhû. The name of the prophet.
• from the court (מֵחֲצַ֥ר) - Hebrew: mêḥăṣar. "From the court," "from the enclosure," "from the courtyard." Specifically refers to the court of the prison or the guardhouse.
• of the guards (הַמַּסָּ֑אר) - Hebrew: hammassār. "The guards," "the confinement," or "the prison." It specifies the location from which Jeremiah was taken.
• and (וַ) - Hebrew: wa-. Conjunction.
• delivered (וַֽיִּתְּנֵ֛הוּ) - Hebrew: wayitənnêhû. From root n-t-n (נתן), meaning "to give," "to deliver," "to hand over." The suffix "hu" (him) indicates Jeremiah was given.
• him (אֹת֣וֹ) - Hebrew: ’ōṯō. Direct object pronoun.
• Gedaliah (אֶל־גְּדַלְיָ֥הוּ) - Hebrew: ’el-Gəḏalyāhû. Name of Gedaliah, son of Ahikam.
• son (בֶּן־) - Hebrew: ḇen-. Means "son."
• of Ahikam (אֲחִיקָֽם) - Hebrew: ’Ǎḥîqām. Name of Ahikam. Ahikam was a figure who supported Jeremiah earlier.
• to (אֶל־) - Hebrew: ’el-. Preposition indicating destination or recipient.
• his home (בֵּית־אִ֖ישׁ) - Hebrew: bêṯ-’îš. Literally "house of a man" or "house of the owner/man." Refers to his own residence or place of dwelling, signifying a move to private accommodation.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "captain of the guard" (שַׂר הַטַּבָּחִים): This phrase establishes Nebuzaradan's powerful military status. The "tavachim" (guards/executioners) highlights his role in maintaining order and carrying out severe judgments, making his intervention for Jeremiah all the more significant.
• "court of the guards" (חֲצַר הַמַּסָּאר): This denotes the specific place of Jeremiah's confinement, indicating he was not merely overlooked but was held within a security detention facility.
• "delivered him to Gedaliah" (וַיִּתְּנֵהוּ אֶל־גְּדַלְיָה): This action signifies a transfer of custody and implies a specific commission or instruction. Handing Jeremiah to Gedaliah, a man known to have protected Jeremiah previously (Jeremiah 26:24), shows deliberate care.
• "son of Ahikam" (בֶּן־אֲחִיקָם): Ahikam's previous support of Jeremiah lends credibility and reinforces the safety of Gedaliah as Jeremiah's guardian. This relationship provides assurance.

Jeremiah 39 11 Bonus Section

The specific care shown to Jeremiah by Nebuchadnezzar, and subsequently executed by Nebuzaradan, aligns with God's sovereign control over even pagan kings and armies. This event is not a testament to Babylonian benevolence towards Israel but a fulfillment of God's promises to protect His prophet, even through His enemies. Jeremiah’s commission included warnings of judgment but also assurances of God's presence and eventual restoration, making his personal safety crucial for the continuation of his prophetic ministry. The appointment of Gedaliah, a Judahite from a respected family, provided a fragile hope for the remaining population, and Jeremiah's presence with him would offer spiritual guidance in the desolation.

Jeremiah 39 11 Commentary

This verse highlights divine providence in action amidst national catastrophe. Nebuzaradan, an agent of Babylonian power, carries out King Nebuchadnezzar's orders, which were likely informed by prior intelligence about Jeremiah's distinctive role and potentially his prophetic pronouncements. The transfer from the "court of the guards" (prison) to the home of Gedaliah signifies a transition from imprisonment to a protected freedom within the conquered land. Gedaliah's appointment as governor of the remnant populace underscores that God, while allowing judgment, also establishes order and protection for those He chooses to preserve. Jeremiah's careful handling by Nebuzaradan points to an acknowledgment of his unique status, likely seen as more than just a political dissident, perhaps even recognized for his uncoremoniousness and prophetic voice by some high-ranking Babylonians.