King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 39:9 Mean?

Jeremiah 39:9 in the King James Version says “Then Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive into Babylon the remnant of the people that remained in t...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 39 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Jeremiah 39:9 · KJV

Context

7

Moreover he put out Zedekiah's eyes, and bound him with chains, to carry him to Babylon. with: Heb. with two brasen chains, or, fetters

8

And the Chaldeans burned the king's house, and the houses of the people, with fire, and brake down the walls of Jerusalem.

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

Read Jeremiah 39 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then Nebuzar-adan 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. Nebuzar-adan appears as God's appointed instrument for executing judgment and exile. The Hebrew title rav-tabachim ("captain of the guard," literally "chief of the executioners") suggests his role overseeing royal security and, in this context, implementing deportation policy. His appearance fulfills Jeremiah's prophecies of exile (20:4-6; 29:1-14).

The verse distinguishes three groups: (1) "remnant... that remained in the city"—survivors of siege and battle; (2) "those that fell away, that fell to him"—defectors who surrendered during the siege (as Jeremiah advocated); (3) "the rest of the people that remained"—perhaps those in surrounding territories. All groups face exile, demonstrating that judgment falls comprehensively, though those who surrendered earlier (verse 10) survived while resisters often died in battle or famine.

Theologically, this verse teaches: (1) Exile fulfills covenant curses for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:36, 64); (2) God's judgments are comprehensive and thorough; (3) even in judgment, God preserves a remnant for future restoration; (4) the consequences of national sin affect populations broadly, not merely leaders. The exile becomes foundational for later theological reflection (Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel) and shapes Jewish and Christian identity as a pilgrim people awaiting final restoration.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Babylonian deportation policy aimed to eliminate nationalistic resistance by removing leadership, skilled workers, and potential rebels while leaving only the poorest to tend fields (verse 10). This social engineering had been practiced effectively against other conquered nations. Archaeological evidence from Mesopotamia shows Judean exiles living in Babylonian communities, including settlements at Tel-abib (Ezekiel 3:15) and Nippur.

The exile lasted approximately seventy years (586-537 BCE), as Jeremiah prophesied (25:11-12; 29:10). During this period, Judaism underwent profound transformation: synagogue worship developed, Scripture assumed new centrality, and messianic expectations intensified. The exile's historical reality profoundly shaped both Jewish and Christian theology—the people of God became a diaspora community defined more by covenant faithfulness than geographical location, foreshadowing the church's global, dispersed nature (1 Peter 1:1; James 1:1).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the exile's historical reality inform Christian identity as 'exiles and strangers' in the world (1 Peter 2:11)?
  2. In what ways does God's preservation of a remnant even in comprehensive judgment demonstrate His covenant faithfulness?
  3. How might the exile's profound theological impact encourage you to see God's purposes even in discipline or suffering?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְאֵת֩1 of 19
H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

יֶ֥תֶר2 of 19

“the remnant”

H3499

properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)

הָעָ֖ם3 of 19

“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

הַנִּשְׁאָרִ֑ים4 of 19

“that remained”

H7604

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

בָּעִ֗יר5 of 19

“in the city”

H5892

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

וְאֶת6 of 19
H853

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

נָפְל֣וּ7 of 19

“and those that fell away”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר8 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נָפְל֣וּ9 of 19

“and those that fell away”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

עָלָ֔יו10 of 19
H5921

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

וְאֵ֛ת11 of 19
H853

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

יֶ֥תֶר12 of 19

“the remnant”

H3499

properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)

הָעָ֖ם13 of 19

“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

הַנִּשְׁאָרִ֑ים14 of 19

“that remained”

H7604

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

הֶגְלָ֛ה15 of 19

“carried away captive”

H1540

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

נְבוּזַרְאֲדָ֥ן16 of 19

“Then Nebuzaradan”

H5018

nebuzaradan, a babylonian general

רַב17 of 19

“the captain”

H7227

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

טַבָּחִ֖ים18 of 19

“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)

בָּבֶֽל׃19 of 19

“into Babylon”

H894

babel (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 39:9 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 39:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 40:1Genesis 37:36Jeremiah 10:182 Kings 25:202 Kings 25:11Jeremiah 52:26

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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