King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 37:12 Mean?

Jeremiah 37:12 in the King James Version says “Then Jeremiah went forth out of Jerusalem to go into the land of Benjamin, to separate himself thence in the midst of th...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then Jeremiah went forth out of Jerusalem to go into the land of Benjamin, to separate himself thence in the midst of the people. separate: or, to slip away from thence in the midst of the people”

Jeremiah 37:12 · KJV

Context

10

For though ye had smitten the whole army of the Chaldeans that fight against you, and there remained but wounded men among them, yet should they rise up every man in his tent, and burn this city with fire. wounded: Heb. thrust through

11

And it came to pass, that when the army of the Chaldeans was broken up from Jerusalem for fear of Pharaoh's army, broken: Heb. made to ascend

12

Then Jeremiah went forth out of Jerusalem to go into the land of Benjamin, to separate himself thence in the midst of the people. separate: or, to slip away from thence in the midst of the people

13

And when he was in the gate of Benjamin, a captain of the ward was there, whose name was Irijah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Hananiah; and he took Jeremiah the prophet, saying, Thou fallest away to the Chaldeans.

14

Then said Jeremiah, It is false; I fall not away to the Chaldeans. But he hearkened not to him: so Irijah took Jeremiah, and brought him to the princes. false: Heb. falsehood, or, a lie

Read Jeremiah 37 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then Jeremiah went forth out of Jerusalem to go into the land of Benjamin, to separate himself thence in the midst of the people—the phrase lahaliq misham (לַחֲלִק מִשָּׁם, to separate himself/divide/receive a portion) has been interpreted various ways: receiving family inheritance, conducting property transactions (related to his field purchase in 32:6-15), or simply withdrawing for personal business. The Hebrew halaq (חָלַק) can mean divide, share, or receive a portion, often used for inheritance distribution.

The specificity of the land of Benjamin indicates Jeremiah's hometown region—Anathoth, a priestly city about three miles northeast of Jerusalem (1:1). The timing during Babylon's withdrawal made travel possible. Jeremiah's action was entirely innocent—handling legitimate family business—yet would be grotesquely misinterpreted as desertion.

This teaches that even innocent actions can be twisted by hostile audiences. Jesus experienced similar false accusations (Matthew 26:59-61; John 10:33). The righteous should act with integrity regardless of how actions might be misconstrued, trusting vindication to God (1 Peter 2:12, 3:16). Jeremiah's clear conscience enabled him to declare 'It is false' when accused (v. 14).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Anathoth in Benjamin territory was Jeremiah's family home, assigned to priests descended from Aaron (Joshua 21:18). His relatives there had previously threatened his life for prophesying (11:21-23), making this journey potentially dangerous even apart from the false arrest. The reference to separating himself 'in the midst of the people' may indicate dividing family property or receiving his inheritance portion while travel was possible. Alternatively, it may simply mean he went to be among his kinsmen during the siege's temporary lifting.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should we respond when innocent actions are maliciously misinterpreted?
  2. What does Jeremiah's attempt to handle family business teach about maintaining normal responsibilities despite extraordinary ministry demands?
  3. Why is it important to act with integrity even when we know our actions might be misunderstood?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וַיֵּצֵ֤א1 of 10

“went forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

יִרְמְיָ֙הוּ֙2 of 10

“Then Jeremiah”

H3414

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

מִיר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם3 of 10

“out of Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

לָלֶ֖כֶת4 of 10
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אֶ֣רֶץ5 of 10

“into the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

בִּנְיָמִ֑ן6 of 10

“of Benjamin”

H1144

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

לַחֲלִ֥ק7 of 10

“to separate”

H2505

to be smooth (figuratively)

מִשָּׁ֖ם8 of 10
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

בְּת֥וֹךְ9 of 10

“himself thence in the midst”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

הָעָֽם׃10 of 10

“of the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

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 37:12 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 37:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 1:1Matthew 10:23Joshua 21:17-18Jeremiah 32:8-9Nehemiah 6:111 Chronicles 6:60

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Jeremiah 37 →

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