Jeremiah 40 14

Jeremiah 40:14 kjv

And said unto him, Dost thou certainly know that Baalis the king of the Ammonites hath sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to slay thee? But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam believed them not.

Jeremiah 40:14 nkjv

and said to him, "Do you certainly know that Baalis the king of the Ammonites has sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to murder you?" But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam did not believe them.

Jeremiah 40:14 niv

and said to him, "Don't you know that Baalis king of the Ammonites has sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to take your life?" But Gedaliah son of Ahikam did not believe them.

Jeremiah 40:14 esv

and said to him, "Do you know that Baalis the king of the Ammonites has sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to take your life?" But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam would not believe them.

Jeremiah 40:14 nlt

They said to him, "Did you know that Baalis, king of Ammon, has sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to assassinate you?" But Gedaliah refused to believe them.

Jeremiah 40 verses

Jeremiah 40 14 Meaning

This verse describes an action taken by Johanan son of Kareah. He and his men, in their opposition to Ishmael son of Nethaniah's actions, intercept and confront Ishmael. Their motive is to prevent Ishmael from carrying away the Judean remnant taken captive at Mizpah. They assert their intention to protect these people from Ishmael's illegitimate taking and to save them.

Jeremiah 40 14 Context

This verse is part of the narrative following the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem and the appointment of Gedaliah as governor over the remaining population in Judah. Ishmael, an agent of the Ammonite king, conspires against Gedaliah and seizes many captives, including women and children, from Mizpah. Johanan and his military commanders learn of this atrocity. Reacting with righteous indignation and a sense of duty to protect the innocent, Johanan gathers his forces. Their immediate action is to intercept Ishmael, preventing him from successfully abducting the captured Judeans to Ammon. The verse highlights a critical moment where faith and courageous action are required to counter evil in a time of profound national trauma and instability. The broader context of Jeremiah's prophecy is one of judgment upon Judah for its sins, but also a message of hope for a remnant's restoration.

Jeremiah 40 14 Word Analysis

• And (וְ) (v'-): A conjunction, often starting a narrative clause or linking ideas. Here, it signifies the commencement of Johanan's decisive action following the report of Ishmael's crime.

• every (אִישׁ־אִישׁ) (ish-ish): Literally "man, man," emphasizing individuality within the group. It underscores that Johanan's contingent is comprised of distinct individuals.

• man (בְּמִשְׁתֵּ֣ה) (b'-mishteh): In some translations, this can refer to "each one." Here, coupled with "woman" and "children," it specifies the demographics of the captured populace.

• with (אֶת־) (et-): A direct object marker, indicating that the individuals mentioned are the objects of Ishmael's action.

• his (נָשָׁיו) (nashav): "his women" - the females among the captives.

• women (וּבְנָתָיו) (u-vanatav): "and his daughters" or "children," referring to the younger ones.

• and (וּבִילִ֣ים) (u-vilim): "and spoils/captives."

• their (הָרֹצְצִ֖ים) (ha-rotz'tzim): "their generals/captains," signifying the leadership within the captured group.

• children (הַגְּלוִּּ֖ים) (ha-gelu'im): "the captives."

• and (מִּמִּצְפָּ֑ה) (mi-Mitzpah): "from Mizpah," the place where the captive's had been gathered.

• their (מֵאֵתְהֶ֖ם) (me'ethehem): "from them," indicating those Ishmael took.

• captains (אִ֠ישְׁמָאֵ֗ל) (Yishmael): "Ishmael."

• and (בֶּן־נְתַנְיָ֖הוּ) (ben-Netanyah): "son of Nethaniah," identifying Ishmael's parentage, connecting him to a specific lineage.

• the (בְּנֵ֥י) (b'nei): "sons of" or "men."

• soldiers (חַיִל֙) (chayil): "army" or "force."

• of (אֲשֶׁ֣ר) (asher): "whom."

• the (נִ֠שְּׂטָ֣תוּ) (nishtatu): "carried away," the passive verb form highlighting their victim status.

• army (מִנֶּגֶד) (min-neged): "from before," indicating they were taken from the midst of the people.

• whom (לִ֭מּוֹ) (limmo): "to him" or "for him," meaning Ishmael.

• Ishmael (הֵקִ֙ים֙) (hekim): "raised up" or "set over," referring to Gedaliah's appointment, implicitly framing Ishmael's actions as an usurpation.

• had (עַמָּלִיקִיִ֙ים֙) (Amalekites): The mention of Nethaniah implies Ishmael might have had a relation or affinity to historical enemies of Israel like the Amalekites. (This interpretation is not directly in this verse but could be inferred in a broader study of Ishmael's name/lineage and the ongoing historical enmity of Amalek towards Israel, though it is a stretch to make it a direct word-level point).

• carried (גְּדַלְיָ֔הוּ) (Gedalyahu): "Gedaliah," the appointed governor.

• Word Group Analysis:

  • "And every man with his man, and their women, and their children": This phrase underscores the totality of the captured group, emphasizing that no one was spared by Ishmael, from the fighting men to the vulnerable women and children. It depicts a thorough act of plunder and abduction.
  • "and their captains, and the soldiers of the army whom Ishmael had carried away captive from Mizpah": This group highlights the specific leadership taken. The inclusion of "captains" and "soldiers" alongside "women" and "children" suggests Ishmael's intention was not just random violence but a calculated disruption of the remaining Judean community's ability to function and rebuild.
  • "against Ishmael the son of Nethaniah": This clearly identifies the perpetrator of the heinous act and the target of Johanan's opposition. The genealogy points to Ishmael's lineage, potentially placing him in a specific sociopolitical context within the remnant of Judah.

Jeremiah 40 14 Bonus Section

The action taken by Johanan and his captains is not merely a physical interception but a profound moral stand. It's about actively resisting injustice and seeking to reverse a devastating wrong. This verse speaks to the principle of "standing up" for others, particularly when they are in a vulnerable position and being exploited by someone who holds a position of authority or influence, as Ishmael implies he has. This is a testament to faith in action, believing that intervention is both necessary and possible, even in a chaotic post-exilic period. It resonates with the New Testament emphasis on love for one's neighbor being demonstrated through action (1 John 3:18).

Jeremiah 40 14 Commentary

Johanan's response is a decisive act of leadership and courage in the face of brutal violence. It's a demonstration of his commitment to protecting the vulnerable remnants of Judah, those spared from the initial destruction. His actions, coupled with those of his men, reflect a strong sense of responsibility towards their people and a moral opposition to Ishmael's treacherous deeds. This intervention prevents further devastation to a community already severely weakened. It underscores that true leadership often requires active defense of the weak against aggressors. The pursuit highlights the commitment of Johanan to counteract evil and protect those who had been so cruelly treated. This verse sets the stage for the confrontation and the complex aftermath that follows.