King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 29:3 Mean?

Jeremiah 29:3 in the King James Version says “By the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan, and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, (whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent unto Babylo... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

By the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan, and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, (whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent unto Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon) saying,

Jeremiah 29:3 · KJV


Context

1

Now these are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem unto the residue of the elders which were carried away captives, and to the priests, and to the prophets, and to all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon;

2

(After that Jeconiah the king, and the queen, and the eunuchs, the princes of Judah and Jerusalem, and the carpenters, and the smiths, were departed from Jerusalem;) eunuchs: or, chamberlains

3

By the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan, and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, (whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent unto Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon) saying,

4

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, unto all that are carried away captives, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon;

5

Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
By the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan, and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah—Jeremiah sent this explosive letter via diplomatic courier, not random messengers. Shaphan's family had protected Jeremiah (26:24) and championed Josiah's reforms; Hilkiah discovered the lost Torah scroll (2 Kings 22:8). These names signal credibility and covenant faithfulness.

Whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent unto Babylon—The irony is profound: Zedekiah's own ambassadors, sent to reassure Nebuchadnezzar of loyalty, unknowingly carry a letter telling exiles to settle permanently and pray for Babylon's welfare (vv. 5-7). The Hebrew שָׁלַח (shalach, sent) appears twice—Zedekiah sent envoys, but Jeremiah sent God's true word. One mission served political expediency; the other, divine purpose.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Zedekiah (597-586 BC) was Nebuchadnezzar's puppet king, constantly pressured to rebel by pro-Egyptian factions and false prophets. These diplomatic missions attempted to maintain the fragile vassal relationship. Shaphan and Hilkiah's sons served in Zedekiah's administration despite its compromises, showing godly men can serve flawed systems.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can believers faithfully serve in secular or compromised institutions without endorsing their errors?
  2. What does it mean that God's word travels through 'official channels' to subvert official lies?
  3. Why does God choose credible messengers? How does character validate message?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
בְּיַד֙1 of 18

By the hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אֶלְעָשָׂ֣ה2 of 18

of Elasah

H501

elasah, the name of four israelites

בֶּן3 of 18

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

שָׁפָ֔ן4 of 18

of Shaphan

H8227

a species of rock-rabbit (from its hiding), i.e., probably the hyrax

וּגְמַרְיָ֖ה5 of 18

and Gemariah

H1587

gemarjah, the name of two israelites

בֶּן6 of 18

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

חִלְקִיָּ֑ה7 of 18

of Hilkiah

H2518

chilhijah, the name of eight israelites

אֲשֶׁ֨ר8 of 18
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

שָׁלַ֜ח9 of 18

sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

צִדְקִיָּ֣ה10 of 18

whom Zedekiah

H6667

tsidkijah, the name of six israelites

מֶ֥לֶךְ11 of 18

king

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָ֗ה12 of 18

of Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

אֶל13 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

נְבוּכַדְנֶאצַּ֛ר14 of 18

to Nebuchadnezzar

H5019

nebukadnetstsar (or nebukadretsts(-ar, or)), king of babylon

מֶ֥לֶךְ15 of 18

king

H4428

a king

בָּבֶ֥לָה16 of 18

of Babylon

H894

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

בָּבֶ֥לָה17 of 18

of Babylon

H894

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

לֵאמֹֽר׃18 of 18

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 29:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 29:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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