Jeremiah 39 14

Jeremiah 39:14 kjv

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 39:14 nkjv

then they sent someone to take Jeremiah from the court of the prison, and committed him to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, that he should take him home. So he dwelt among the people.

Jeremiah 39:14 niv

sent and had Jeremiah taken out of the courtyard of the guard. They turned him over to Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, to take him back to his home. So he remained among his own people.

Jeremiah 39:14 esv

sent and took Jeremiah from the court of the guard. They entrusted him to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, that he should take him home. So he lived among the people.

Jeremiah 39:14 nlt

sent messengers to bring Jeremiah out of the prison. They put him under the care of Gedaliah son of Ahikam and grandson of Shaphan, who took him back to his home. So Jeremiah stayed in Judah among his own people.

Jeremiah 39 verses

Jeremiah 39 14 Meaning

This verse describes Jeremiah being released from prison by Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, who had a merciful disposition towards Jeremiah. Nebuzaradan followed his instructions, which were likely guided by divine providence, to treat Jeremiah with kindness. This act signifies a transition from confinement and potential punishment to a position of freedom and consideration by the Babylonian authorities.

Jeremiah 39 14 Context

Jeremiah chapter 39 describes the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar. Despite Zedekiah's rebellion and the city's destruction, the chapter shifts focus to the prophet Jeremiah. Nebuzaradan, the captain of the Babylonian forces, receives orders from his king concerning Jeremiah. These orders are not explicitly stated in this verse but are implied by Nebuzaradan's actions. Historically, this event marks the end of Judah as an independent kingdom and the beginning of the Babylonian exile. The surrounding verses detail the aftermath of the siege, including the capture of Zedekiah and the plundering of the city. Jeremiah, who had consistently prophesied Jerusalem's doom and urged surrender, was treated with a degree of respect by the Babylonians.

Jeremiah 39 14 Word Analysis

• Then - (Hebrew: וְ-) və - This is a vav conjunctive, indicating a continuation of the narrative and linking this action directly to what has just occurred (the capture of Jerusalem and the fate of its people).
• Nebuzaradan - (Hebrew: נְבֽוּזַרְאֲדָ֛ן) Nəḇūzara’ḏan - This is the name of the Babylonian commander. His name is of Mesopotamian origin. He was the captain of Nebuchadnezzar's bodyguard and a high-ranking military official.
• the captain of the guard - (Hebrew: שַׂר־הַטַּבָּחִ֖ים) śar-haṭṭabbāḥîm - This title means "chief of the butchers" or "chief of the bodyguards." It refers to Nebuzaradan's position as the commander of Nebuchadnezzar's personal guard, responsible for the execution of military orders.
• the chief of the bodyguards - (Hebrew: רַ֖ב הַֽסַּ֠רִיסִ֠ים) raḇ hasarisîm - This phrase is sometimes used in conjunction with or as a descriptor of Nebuzaradan's role. It denotes a high-ranking official, perhaps overseeing multiple high-ranking officers, including the guard. Some interpretations suggest this might be another way to describe Nebuzaradan's ultimate authority in this situation.
• went forth - (Hebrew: יָצָ֣א) yāṣā’ - This verb simply means to go out, emerge, or come forth. In this context, it indicates Nebuzaradan physically came out to meet or attend to Jeremiah.
• and met him - (Hebrew: וַיִּפְגְּשֵׁ֣הוּ) wayyipgəšêhū - This signifies an encounter or meeting. Nebuzaradan actively sought out or found Jeremiah.
• in - (Hebrew: בְּ) bə - A preposition indicating location.
• the court of the prison - (Hebrew: בֵּ֣ית הַמַּסְגֵּ֔ר) bêṯ hammasgêr - This literally translates to "house of confinement" or "house of imprisonment." It refers to the place where Jeremiah was being held captive. The term "masger" can imply a restricted or confined space.
• and - (Hebrew: וְ) və - A conjunctive particle.
• took him - (Hebrew: לָקַ֖ח אֹת֔וֹ) lāqaḥ ‘ōṯō - This indicates that Nebuzaradan brought Jeremiah out from his place of confinement.
• then - (Hebrew: כִּֽי־) kî- - This is often translated as "because" or "for," suggesting the reason for the next action.
• he knew - (Hebrew: יָדַ֣ע) yāḏa‘ - To have knowledge of, to be aware.
• that - (Hebrew: כִּֽי) kî - That introduces a subordinate clause.
• he was - (Hebrew: ה֛וּא) hū’ - Pronoun, referring to Jeremiah.
• appointed to him - (Hebrew: נָת֣וּן ל֔וֹ) nāṯûnaph lōw - This signifies that Jeremiah had been entrusted to Nebuzaradan, or that a decision had been made regarding Jeremiah's custody and treatment. The implication is that Nebuzaradan had received specific instructions or had the authority to act regarding Jeremiah. It can also imply Jeremiah was designated to him by divine providence or the king's decree.
• and - (Hebrew: וַ) wa - A conjunctive particle.
• he gave - (Hebrew: נָתַ֖ן) nāṯan - To give, bestow, grant.
• him - (Hebrew: אֹת֖וֹ) ‘ōṯō - Referring to Jeremiah.
• his choice - (Hebrew: מִבְחַרְתּוֹ) miḇḥarṯōw - This is a key phrase. It could mean his "most desired" or "best choice" among options. Given the context, it likely refers to a decision Nebuzaradan was empowered to make concerning Jeremiah's future—either to return him to his home or perhaps to take him captive to Babylon under favorable conditions. It suggests agency and discretionary power.
• and - (Hebrew: וַ) wa - A conjunctive particle.
• sent him - (Hebrew: שִׁלַּ֖ח אֹת֔וֹ) šillaḥ ‘ōṯō - To send, dispatch.

Word Group Analysis

• "Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard...went forth and met him in the court of the prison": This emphasizes Nebuzaradan's proactive involvement and the physical location of their meeting, signifying the transition from captivity to freedom.
• "Then Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, the chief of the bodyguards, knew that he was appointed to him": This phrase highlights the specific charge Nebuzaradan had over Jeremiah and the authority he possessed. The understanding that Jeremiah was "appointed" to him could stem from the king's specific instruction or a general directive about how to handle captured foreign prophets.
• "and took him and brought him forth": This action marks Jeremiah's release from his confined state.
• "and gave him his choice and sent him": This showcases Nebuzaradan’s authority to decide Jeremiah's fate, presenting him with options, which in this case led to Jeremiah's freedom and return to his people.

Jeremiah 39 14 Bonus Section

The "choice" given to Jeremiah by Nebuzaradan could refer to whether he wished to go to Babylon and receive a pension, as described in Jeremiah 40:1-6, or to return to his people in Judea. This demonstrates that Nebuzaradan was acting upon a specific royal directive. The captain's understanding that Jeremiah was "appointed to him" might also signify that Nebuzaradan saw himself as the custodian of this specific prophetic figure, according to the king's commands. This preferential treatment for Jeremiah contrasts sharply with the brutal fate of Zedekiah and his sons.

Jeremiah 39 14 Commentary

Nebuzaradan, a high-ranking Babylonian officer, found Jeremiah in confinement. His actions reveal a respect, possibly mandated by King Nebuchadnezzar or influenced by a divine understanding of Jeremiah's role, that contrasted with the harsh treatment of others. The phrase "knew that he was appointed to him" suggests that Jeremiah was specifically designated to Nebuzaradan, either for execution, detention, or, as it turned out, favorable treatment. Nebuzaradan exercised his authority to grant Jeremiah freedom, allowing him to choose his immediate path. This choice, facilitated by the Babylonian captain, underscores divine providence intervening even amidst national catastrophe. The Lord had assured Jeremiah of protection, and this event illustrates how God worked through unexpected means to ensure the prophet's safety and continued ministry. The verse exemplifies God's faithfulness to His servants, even when they face dire circumstances and persecution from their own people. Jeremiah's experience highlights that God's purposes often unfold through human intermediaries whose actions may seem independent but are guided by a higher plan.