King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 32:28 Mean?

Jeremiah 32:28 in the King James Version says “Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the Chaldeans, and into the hand of Nebuch...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the Chaldeans, and into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and he shall take it:”

Jeremiah 32:28 · KJV

Context

26

Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah, saying,

27

Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?

28

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the Chaldeans, and into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and he shall take it:

29

And the Chaldeans, that fight against this city, shall come and set fire on this city, and burn it with the houses, upon whose roofs they have offered incense unto Baal, and poured out drink offerings unto other gods, to provoke me to anger.

30

For the children of Israel and the children of Judah have only done evil before me from their youth: for the children of Israel have only provoked me to anger with the work of their hands, saith the LORD.

Read Jeremiah 32 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the Chaldeans—God answers Jeremiah by confirming the judgment. The divine passive I will give (נֹתֵן אָנֹכִי) emphasizes God's active sovereignty; Babylon is merely His instrument. Nebuchadrezzar (נְבוּכַדְרֶאצַּר)—the Hebrew spelling—is identified as God's appointed agent, called 'my servant' in Jeremiah 25:9.

The phrase he shall take it uses lakad (לָכַד, capture/seize), the same verb for capturing prey. This military certainty wasn't fatalism but prophetic realism based on covenant curses (Deuteronomy 28:49-52). God's sovereignty over pagan empires demonstrates that human history unfolds under divine providence, not chaos. Romans 13:1 echoes this: 'there is no authority except from God.'

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Historical & Cultural Context

Nebuchadnezzar II (605-562 BC) besieged Jerusalem three times (605, 597, 587 BC). The 587 BC siege, referenced here, culminated in the city's destruction and the temple's burning. Despite being a pagan tyrant, God used him to execute covenant judgment on Judah's idolatry.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's sovereignty over pagan rulers challenge modern notions of political power?
  2. When has God used difficult circumstances or 'enemies' to discipline or refine you?
  3. Does recognizing God's hand in judgment lead you to repentance or resentment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
לָכֵ֕ן1 of 16
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

כֹּ֖ה2 of 16
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר3 of 16

“Therefore thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֑ה4 of 16

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הִנְנִ֣י5 of 16
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

נֹתֵן֩6 of 16

“Behold I will give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת7 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָעִ֨יר8 of 16

“this city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַזֹּ֜את9 of 16
H2063

this (often used adverb)

וּבְיַ֛ד10 of 16

“and into 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

הַכַּשְׂדִּ֗ים11 of 16

“of the Chaldeans”

H3778

a kasdite, or descendant of kesed; by implication, a chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people

וּבְיַ֛ד12 of 16

“and into 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

נְבֽוּכַדְרֶאצַּ֥ר13 of 16

“of Nebuchadrezzar”

H5019

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

מֶֽלֶךְ14 of 16

“king”

H4428

a king

בָּבֶ֖ל15 of 16

“of Babylon”

H894

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

וּלְכָדָֽהּ׃16 of 16

“and he shall take”

H3920

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

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 32:28 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 32:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 32:3Jeremiah 32:24Jeremiah 19:7-12Jeremiah 32:362 Chronicles 36:17Jeremiah 20:5

Places in This Verse

Babylon 1Settlement · Modern: Babylon · 32.54°N, 44.42°E296 verses across 15 books
ChaldeaRegion · Modern: Tell el Muqayyar · 30.96°N, 46.10°E85 verses across 11 books
View all places in Jeremiah 32 →

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