King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 39:13 Mean?
“So Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard sent, and Nebushasban, Rabsaris, and Nergalsharezer, Rabmag, and all the king of Babylon's princes;”
Jeremiah 39:13 · KJV
Context
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;
14
Even they sent, and took Jeremiah out of the court of the prison, and committed him unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, that he should carry him home: so he dwelt among the people.
15
Now the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah, while he was shut up in the court of the prison, saying,
Commentary
KJV Study CommentarySo Nebuzar-adan the captain of the guard sent, and Nebushasban, Rab-saris, and Nergal-sharezer, Rab-mag—The repetition of these high officials (cf. v. 3) emphasizes the extraordinary honor shown to Jeremiah. Multiple princes collaborated in his release, demonstrating that this was no minor administrative matter but a coordinated royal command. All the king of Babylon's princes (כָּל־רַבֵּי מֶלֶךְ־בָּבֶל, kol-rabbei melekh-bavel)—The collective leadership involved in freeing one prophet underscores God's providential orchestration.
These same officials who sat in judgment at the middle gate (v. 3) now execute mercy toward God's messenger. The verb 'sent' (שָׁלַח, shalach) often denotes official delegation—this was formal, authorized action. While Jerusalem's nobility faced execution (v. 6), its faithful prophet received honor from the conquerors themselves.
These same officials who sat in judgment at the middle gate (v. 3) now execute mercy toward God's messenger. The verb 'sent' (שָׁלַח, shalach) often denotes official delegation—this was formal, authorized action. While Jerusalem's nobility faced execution (v. 6), its faithful prophet received honor from the conquerors themselves.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The involvement of multiple high-ranking officials suggests careful execution of Nebuchadnezzar's orders, likely intended to send a political message to the remaining Jewish population that cooperation with Babylonian authority would be rewarded. The coordination also ensured there would be no 'accidents' or misunderstandings resulting in harm to Jeremiah, whom the king had specifically commanded to protect.
Reflection Questions
- How does the collective effort to protect Jeremiah demonstrate God's ability to orchestrate multiple human wills toward His purposes?
- What does the honor shown to Jeremiah by pagans reveal about true spiritual authority?
- How does this multi-official rescue foreshadow God's mobilization of Persian officials to restore Jerusalem (Ezra/Nehemiah)?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 15 wordsטַבָּחִ֗ים4 of 15
“of the guard”
H2876properly, a butcher; hence, a lifeguardsman (because he was acting as an executioner); also a cook (usually slaughtering the animal for food)
רַב6 of 15
H0וְנֵרְגַ֥ל8 of 15
H0רַב10 of 15
H0וְכֹ֖ל12 of 15
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בָּבֶֽל׃15 of 15
“of Babylon's”
H894babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
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 39:13 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 39:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge