Jeremiah 39:6 kjv
Then the king of Babylon slew the sons of Zedekiah in Riblah before his eyes: also the king of Babylon slew all the nobles of Judah.
Jeremiah 39:6 nkjv
Then the king of Babylon killed the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes in Riblah; the king of Babylon also killed all the nobles of Judah.
Jeremiah 39:6 niv
There at Riblah the king of Babylon slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes and also killed all the nobles of Judah.
Jeremiah 39:6 esv
The king of Babylon slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah at Riblah before his eyes, and the king of Babylon slaughtered all the nobles of Judah.
Jeremiah 39:6 nlt
The king of Babylon made Zedekiah watch as he slaughtered his sons at Riblah. The king of Babylon also slaughtered all the nobles of Judah.
Jeremiah 39 6 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Jeremiah 39:2 | "And on the ninth day of the fourth month... all the words of the Lord." | Jer 39:2 (Context of Siege's End) |
| Jeremiah 39:3 | "And all the princes of the king of Babylon came..." | Jer 39:3 (Presence of Officials) |
| Jeremiah 39:11 | "Now the king of Babylon gave orders concerning Jeremiah..." | Jer 39:11 (Nebuchadnezzar's Order) |
| Jeremiah 39:13 | "So the captains sent and took Jeremiah..." | Jer 39:13 (Taking of Jeremiah) |
| Jeremiah 39:14 | "They sent and brought Jeremiah out of the court of the guard..." | Jer 39:14 (Jeremiah's Release) |
| Jeremiah 52:25 | "He took also seven men of them that were near the king's presence..." | Jer 52:25 (Similar List of Men) |
| 2 Kings 25:4 | "Then the king of Babylon appointed another king..." | 2 Kgs 25:4 (Aftermath of Fall) |
| 2 Kings 25:7 | "And they slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes..." | 2 Kgs 25:7 (Brutality of Conquest) |
| Isaiah 39:1 | "At that time Merodach-baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon..." | Isa 39:1 (Babylonian King Mention) |
| Ezekiel 6:7 | "And your slain shall be among them..." | Ezk 6:7 (Divine Judgment) |
| Ezekiel 36:19 | "And I scattered them among the heathen..." | Ezk 36:19 (Consequences of Sin) |
| Psalm 79:3 | "Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem..." | Psa 79:3 (Cries for Justice) |
| Lamentations 4:1 | "How is the gold become dim! how is it changed! the most fine gold..." | Lam 4:1 (Description of Ruin) |
| Lamentations 1:14 | "The yoke of my transgressions was bound together, and made fit for my neck" | Lam 1:14 (Burden of Sin) |
| Isaiah 43:28 | "And I will give up the holy things to profanation..." | Isa 43:28 (God's Judgment) |
| Jeremiah 32:29 | "And they shall burn this city with fire..." | Jer 32:29 (Fulfillment of Prophecy) |
| 2 Chronicles 36:17 | "Therefore he brought upon them the king of the Chaldees, who slew their..." | 2 Chron 36:17 (King's Wrath) |
| Acts 4:27 | "For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed..." | Acts 4:27 (Persecution of Christ) |
| 2 Corinthians 4:9 | "Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed..." | 2 Cor 4:9 (Christian Endurance) |
| Revelation 18:17 | "For in one hour so great riches is come to nought..." | Rev 18:17 (Judgment of Babylon) |
Jeremiah 39 verses
Jeremiah 39 6 Meaning
This verse describes a pivotal moment in the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. It details the immediate aftermath of Jerusalem's fall, focusing on the actions taken by the Babylonian commanders. The word "captains" (Hebrew: סָרִיסִים, sarisiym) here refers to high-ranking military or court officials, indicating that these were not just common soldiers carrying out orders, but men in positions of authority.
Jeremiah 39 6 Context
Jeremiah chapter 39 recounts the final days of Jerusalem before its destruction by the Babylonian army under Nebuchadnezzar. The city had been under siege for an extended period. This verse occurs immediately after the walls of Jerusalem were breached and the Babylonian army entered the city. It describes the presence and actions of key Babylonian figures—the chief eunuch, the king's bodyguards, and other high officials—who were present at the fall and subsequent occupation. The broader context is the fulfillment of God's judgment upon Judah for its persistent sin and disobedience, as foretold by Jeremiah and other prophets. This event marks a devastating turning point, leading to the exile of the people of Judah to Babylon.
Jeremiah 39 6 Word Analysis
- And it came to pass (וַֽיְהִי, way’hi): This is a common introductory phrase in Hebrew narrative, signaling the continuation of the story. It signifies a sequence of events.
- when (בְּעֵת, be‘eth): Indicates the time at which the following action occurred, emphasizing the timing of the Babylonians' entry.
- Jerusalem was broken (ירושלים נִבְקָֽעָה, Yerushalayim nivqa‘ah): The Hebrew word nivqa‘ah means "breached," "broken through," or "split open." It vividly portrays the catastrophic entry of the enemy into the city.
- that (כִּי, ki): Here acts as a conjunction, introducing the subsequent information about who entered the city.
- then (אָז, az): Denotes a specific point in time, referring to the moment Jerusalem fell.
- all the princes of the king of Babylon (כָּל־ שָׂרֵי מֶֽלֶךְ בָּבֶל, kol- sarê melek Bāvel): This phrase indicates the presence of the highest echelon of the Babylonian military and administrative leadership, including:
- Nergal-sharezer (נרגַּל שַׂרְאֵצֶר, Nergal-śar’ēṣer): A specific named official. His name likely means "Nergal, protect the king" or "Nergal is the king's support," connecting him to the Babylonian deity Nergal. He held a significant position, perhaps a prince or high official. Historical records suggest he later became king of Babylon.
- His companions (וּרְגַע מֶֽשֶׂךְ, urega Mesekh): While the precise meaning of urega Mesekh is debated among scholars, it is commonly translated as "and Rag-em-melech" or interpreted as other officials present. It refers to a group of significant Babylonian officials who were present and actively involved in the siege and aftermath.
- The chief eunuch (סָרִיס, sarīs): This term does not necessarily imply castration in the context of Hebrew or Babylonian court usage; it can refer to a high-ranking official, a chamberlain, or a trusted courtier. The "chief eunuch" would have been a person of considerable power and authority within the king's administration. In this context, he likely oversaw aspects of the conquest and subsequent administration. The biblical account emphasizes the presence of these authoritative figures to highlight the gravity and comprehensive nature of the conquest.
- Samgar-nebu (שַׂמְגַּר־נְב֔וּ, Samgar-neḇū): Another named official, with his name possibly combining a pre-Babylonian name with the Babylonian deity Nebo.
- Sarsechim (שַׂרְסְכִ֖ים, sarseekim): This is another title or name for high-ranking officials in the Babylonian court. The repetition of titles and names underscores the importance of the individuals present during this crucial moment.
- Rab-saris (רַב־סָרִיס, Rab-sarīs): "Rab" means "chief" or "great." Thus, Rab-sarīs means "Chief Eunuch" or "Chief Officer," indicating the highest-ranking among the eunuchs or officers. This was a position of significant influence.
- Nergal-sharezer (נרגַּל שַׂרְאֵצֶר, Nergal-śar’ēṣer): Mentioned again here, emphasizing his primary role or significance among the group.
- and all the residue of the king of Babylon's officers (וְכֹל שְׁאָר שָׂרֵי מֶֽלֶךְ בָּבֶל, vekhol-she’ār sarê melek Bāvel): This final phrase encompasses all other remaining senior officials of the Babylonian king present, indicating a complete delegation of authority for the military action and its consequences.
Jeremiah 39 6 Bonus Section
The mention of specific Babylonian officials, such as Nergal-sharezer, provides historical grounding for the event. Archeological findings and historical records from Mesopotamia corroborate the existence of these individuals and their roles in the Babylonian administration and military campaigns. The precise identification of urega Mesekh and other transliterated names can vary slightly among translations due to the challenges of transliterating ancient Akkadian or other languages into Hebrew and then into modern languages. The collective presence of these officials signifies a coordinated effort and underscores the complete collapse of Jerusalem's defenses and governance. This verse also sets the stage for later actions, such as Jeremiah's specific treatment by these very same officials.
Jeremiah 39 6 Commentary
Jeremiah 39:3, as presented here, describes the critical moment when the Babylonian military leadership, consisting of high-ranking officials and commanders, breached Jerusalem's walls. The repeated naming of these officials and their titles emphasizes the significance of their presence. It signifies the official and authorized nature of the conquest. Their entry was not a rogue action but the culmination of a planned military campaign executed by the highest echelons of the Babylonian administration. This was a divine judgment enacted through human agents. The passage highlights that these were not merely soldiers but the key personnel responsible for implementing the king's will and carrying out the destruction. Their actions represented the absolute authority of Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian empire over Jerusalem.