King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 39:11 Mean?

Jeremiah 39:11 in the King James Version says “Now Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon gave charge concerning Jeremiah to Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, saying, to: ...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 39 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon gave charge concerning Jeremiah to Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, saying, to: Heb. by the hand of”

Jeremiah 39:11 · KJV

Context

9

Then Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive into Babylon the remnant of the people that remained in the city, and those that fell away, that fell to him, with the rest of the people that remained. captain: or, chief marshal: Heb. chief of the executioners, or, slaughtermen

10

But Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard left of the poor of the people, which had nothing, in the land of Judah, and gave them vineyards and fields at the same time. at the: Heb. in that day

11

Now Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon gave charge concerning Jeremiah to Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, saying, to: Heb. by the hand of

12

Take him, and look well to him, and do him no harm ; but do unto him even as he shall say unto thee. look: Heb. set thine eyes upon him

13

So Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard sent, and Nebushasban, Rabsaris, and Nergalsharezer, Rabmag, and all the king of Babylon's princes;

Read Jeremiah 39 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon gave charge concerning Jeremiah (צִוָּה, tzivvah)—The verb tzavah means to command, give orders. The pagan emperor issued protective orders for God's prophet while the covenant king languished in chains—stunning reversal. God had promised Jeremiah, 'I will make you... a fortified city, an iron pillar' (1:18), and even Babylon's king became unwittingly God's instrument to preserve His servant.

To Nebuzar-adan the captain of the guard (רַב־טַבָּחִים, rav-tabachim)—Literally 'chief of the executioners/butchers,' this title emphasizes the irony: the man responsible for slaughter is charged with Jeremiah's safety. God's providence operates through the most unlikely instruments. Nebuchadnezzar had somehow heard of Jeremiah (perhaps through earlier Babylonian intelligence or Jewish informants), recognizing that this prophet had consistently counseled submission to Babylon as God's appointed judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Nebuchadnezzar's awareness of Jeremiah likely came from multiple sources: intelligence reports about Jerusalem's internal politics, testimonies from earlier deportees (597 BC), and possibly Jeremiah's letter to the exiles (chapter 29). The king would have valued a voice advocating cooperation with Babylon. Nebuzar-adan served as Nebuchadnezzar's chief enforcer, overseeing both military operations and the administration of conquered territories.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's protection of Jeremiah through pagan authorities demonstrate His absolute sovereignty?
  2. When has God used unexpected or unlikely people to preserve and provide for you?
  3. What does this passage teach about the difference between earthly political success and divine approval?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַיְצַ֛ו1 of 11

“gave charge”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

נְבוּכַדְרֶאצַּ֥ר2 of 11

“Now Nebuchadrezzar”

H5019

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

מֶֽלֶךְ3 of 11

“king”

H4428

a king

בָּבֶ֖ל4 of 11

“of Babylon”

H894

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

עַֽל5 of 11
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יִרְמְיָ֑הוּ6 of 11

“concerning Jeremiah”

H3414

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

בְּיַ֛ד7 of 11

“to”

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

נְבוּזַרְאֲדָ֥ן8 of 11

“Nebuzaradan”

H5018

nebuzaradan, a babylonian general

רַב9 of 11

“the captain”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

טַבָּחִ֖ים10 of 11

“of the guard”

H2876

properly, a butcher; hence, a lifeguardsman (because he was acting as an executioner); also a cook (usually slaughtering the animal for food)

לֵאמֹֽר׃11 of 11

“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 39:11 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 39:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 15:21Acts 24:23Jeremiah 15:11Job 5:19Jeremiah 37:2

Places in This Verse

Babylon 1Settlement · Modern: Babylon · 32.54°N, 44.42°E296 verses across 15 books
View all places in Jeremiah 39 →

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