Jeremiah 52 34

Jeremiah 52:34 kjv

And for his diet, there was a continual diet given him of the king of Babylon, every day a portion until the day of his death, all the days of his life.

Jeremiah 52:34 nkjv

And as for his provisions, there was a regular ration given him by the king of Babylon, a portion for each day until the day of his death, all the days of his life.

Jeremiah 52:34 niv

Day by day the king of Babylon gave Jehoiachin a regular allowance as long as he lived, till the day of his death.

Jeremiah 52:34 esv

and for his allowance, a regular allowance was given him by the king, according to his daily needs, until the day of his death, as long as he lived.

Jeremiah 52:34 nlt

So the Babylonian king gave him a regular food allowance as long as he lived. This continued until the day of his death.

Jeremiah 52 verses

Jeremiah 52 34 Meaning

This verse marks the conclusion of the book of Jeremiah, serving as an epilogue. It records Zedekiah's release from prison in Babylon, signifying a measure of continued existence or royal allowance after his long captivity. His sustenance by the king of Babylon and the provision for him until his death indicate a status beyond mere prisoner, perhaps acknowledging his former royal position.

Jeremiah 52 34 Context

Jeremiah chapter 52 concludes the prophetic book. It recounts the final destruction of Jerusalem and the deportation of its people to Babylon. The preceding verses detail the actions of Nebuzar-adan, the captain of the Babylonian guard, as he carried out Nebuchadnezzar's orders following the city's fall. This chapter serves as a historical appendix, confirming the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecies of judgment and exile. The verse specifically addresses the fate of King Zedekiah, focusing on his post-imprisonment situation. This finality underscores the reality of God's judgment against Judah for its persistent disobedience.

Jeremiah 52 34 Word Analysis

• and (וְ , wə): A conjunction connecting clauses or ideas.

• for (אֶל־ , ’el-): A preposition indicating purpose, direction, or destination.

• his (לוֹ , lô): A possessive pronoun, third person masculine singular.

• allowance (סַפְסֻפֹת , sapsûfôṯ): Plural of sapsûfâ. The meaning is not entirely clear, but likely refers to daily rations, sustenance, or provision. Some interpret it as "measures of food" or "portions."

• a (ה֣ , ha): The definite article, indicating definiteness.

• continual (תָּמִיד , tāmîd): An adverb meaning "continually," "regularly," "constantly."

• allowance (סַפְסוּפָה , sapsûfâ): Singular form, similar meaning to the plural above, referring to a daily portion.

• was given (נָתַן , nāṯaṉ): Verb, niphal stem, passive voice, "was given" or "was granted."

• him (לוֹ , lô): Prepositional phrase, "to him."

• of (מִן־ , min-): A preposition indicating origin or source.

• the king (הַמֶּלֶךְ , ha · mĕleḵ): Noun with definite article, "the king."

• of (מִבָּבֶל֙ , mi · bāḇel): "from Babylon."

• king (מֶלֶךְ , mĕleḵ): Noun, "king" (referring to the king of Babylon).

• of (בָּבֶל֙ , bāḇel): Noun, "Babylon."

• Babylon (בָּבֶל֙ , bāḇel): Proper noun, the Babylonian empire.

• in (עַד־ , ʿaḏ-): Preposition meaning "until" or "as far as."

• the (יוֹם־ , yôm-): Noun with definite article, "the day."

• day (יוֹם־ , yôm-): Noun, "day."

• of (מ֣וֹת֔וֹ , môwtāḇ): "his death."

• his (־֔וֹ , -ḇô): Possessive suffix.

• death (מוֹת֔וֹ , môwtāḇ): Noun, "death."

• Groups of words analysis:

  • "his allowance: an continual allowance was given him" (לוֹ סַפְסוּפֹת סַפְסוּפָה תָמִיד נָתַן לוֹ , lô sapsûfôṯ sapsûfâ tāmîd nāṯaṉ lô): This phrase emphasizes the ongoing provision for Zedekiah. The repetition of "allowance" with "continual" stresses that this was a regular, sustained care provided by the Babylonian king. It points to Zedekiah's continued existence as a recognized individual, albeit in captivity.

Jeremiah 52 34 Bonus Section

The Hebrew term for "allowance" (sapsûfâ) is rare and its exact meaning debated. It suggests a daily sustenance rather than just a one-time provision, highlighting Zedekiah's continued living existence, albeit in a dependent state. The provision for him "until his death" contrasts with the immediate slaughter of his sons. This might be interpreted as a small, lingering remnant of royal consideration, or simply the standard practice of the Babylonian regime towards deposed royalty whom they intended to keep alive in captivity. The ultimate end of all earthly kingship is before God's eternal kingdom, a theme echoed throughout scripture where earthly powers are shown to be transient.

Jeremiah 52 34 Commentary

This verse offers a somber yet practical epilogue to the book of Jeremiah, focusing on the final disposition of King Zedekiah. After witnessing the brutal blinding and the murder of his sons, Zedekiah himself was taken to Babylon and imprisoned. However, this verse reveals that his imprisonment was not necessarily the harshest confinement possible. The king of Babylon granted him a daily ration and continued provision until his death. This act, while rooted in Babylonian policy, also underscores Zedekiah's status as a deposed monarch, whose former royal lineage still commanded a degree of acknowledgement in the defeated land's affairs. It's a quiet end to a reign marked by tragic failure and the catastrophic judgment of God upon Jerusalem, reinforcing the weight and reality of the prophecies Jeremiah delivered. This is a concluding historical note, providing a tangible outcome to the prophecies of exile and national devastation.