King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 39:14 Mean?

Jeremiah 39:14 in the King James Version says “Even they sent, and took Jeremiah out of the court of the prison, and committed him unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the ... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 39 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Jeremiah 39:14 · KJV


Context

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,

16

Go and speak to Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring my words upon this city for evil, and not for good; and they shall be accomplished in that day before thee.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Even they sent, and took Jeremiah out of the court of the prison (מֵחֲצַר הַמַּטָּרָה, mechatzar hamattarah)—The 'court of the guard/prison' where Zedekiah had confined him (37:21, 38:6-13) becomes his place of liberation. Imprisoned by his own people for prophesying truth, freed by pagans who conquered because of that truth—profound irony. The verb laqach (לָקַח, 'took') suggests decisive removal from confinement.

And committed him unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, that he should carry him home (הַבַּיְתָה, habbaytah)—Gedaliah (appointed Babylonian governor, 40:5) came from a family friendly to Jeremiah—Ahikam had protected him from execution (26:24), and Shaphan had read the law scroll to Josiah (2 Kings 22:8-10). God provided covenant-community care even amid judgment. So he dwelt among the people (בְּתוֹךְ הָעָם, betokh ha'am)—Jeremiah remained with the remnant rather than enjoying Babylonian luxury, embodying the shepherd-prophet who stays with the afflicted flock.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Gedaliah's appointment as governor represented Babylonian policy of using local administrators from cooperative noble families. His grandfather Shaphan had been Josiah's secretary during the great reformation (2 Kings 22-23). The family's reformist credentials and Jeremiah-friendly stance made Gedaliah politically suitable. Jeremiah's choice to remain with the impoverished remnant rather than accept probable honors in Babylon demonstrates his genuine prophetic calling.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jeremiah's release from prison by conquerors illustrate that vindication comes from God, not human systems?
  2. What does Jeremiah's choice to dwell among the suffering remnant teach about faithful ministry in crisis?
  3. How does Gedaliah's family's multi-generational faithfulness demonstrate the importance of godly legacy?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַיִּשְׁלְחוּ֩1 of 20

Even they sent

H7971

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

וַיִּקְח֨וּ2 of 20

and took

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶֽת3 of 20
H853

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

יִרְמְיָ֜הוּ4 of 20

Jeremiah

H3414

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

מֵחֲצַ֣ר5 of 20

out of the court

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

הַמַּטָּרָ֗ה6 of 20

of the prison

H4307

a jail (as a guard-house); also an aim (as being closely watched)

וַיִּתְּנ֤וּ7 of 20

and committed

H5414

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

אֹתוֹ֙8 of 20
H853

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

אֶל9 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

גְּדַלְיָ֙הוּ֙10 of 20

him unto Gedaliah

H1436

gedaljah, the name of five israelites

בֶּן11 of 20

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

אֲחִיקָ֣ם12 of 20

of Ahikam

H296

achikam, an israelite

בֶּן13 of 20

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

שָׁפָ֔ן14 of 20

of Shaphan

H8227

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

לְהוֹצִאֵ֖הוּ15 of 20

that he should carry

H3318

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

אֶל16 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַבָּ֑יִת17 of 20

him home

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וַיֵּ֖שֶׁב18 of 20

so he dwelt

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בְּת֥וֹךְ19 of 20

among

H8432

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

הָעָֽם׃20 of 20

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 39:14 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 39:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study