King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 40:16 Mean?
“But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said unto Johanan the son of Kareah, Thou shalt not do this thing: for thou speakest falsely of Ishmael.”
Jeremiah 40:16 · KJV
Context
14
And said unto him, Dost thou certainly know that Baalis the king of the Ammonites hath sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to slay thee? But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam believed them not. to slay: Heb. to strike thee in soul?
15
Then Johanan the son of Kareah spake to Gedaliah in Mizpah secretly, saying, Let me go, I pray thee, and I will slay Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and no man shall know it: wherefore should he slay thee, that all the Jews which are gathered unto thee should be scattered, and the remnant in Judah perish?
16
But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said unto Johanan the son of Kareah, Thou shalt not do this thing: for thou speakest falsely of Ishmael.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryGedaliah's response—'Thou shalt not do this thing: for thou speakest falsely of Ishmael'—reveals both admirable moral conviction and tragic misjudgment. By refusing to authorize Ishmael's assassination, Gedaliah maintained ethical integrity, declining to shed blood based on unconfirmed conspiracy despite credible intelligence. His flat prohibition 'Thou shalt not do this thing' echoes covenantal language forbidding murder (Exodus 20:13). His claim 'thou speakest falsely of Ishmael' wasn't necessarily accusing Johanan of deliberate lies, but rather expressing disbelief that Ishmael could be plotting murder. This reveals Gedaliah's character: trusting, perhaps naive, unwilling to believe evil of others without conclusive proof. From one perspective, this reflects commendable grace and unwillingness to condemn without evidence. From another, it shows dangerous refusal to exercise proper discernment and act on credible threats. The tragic outcome (Ishmael's assassination of Gedaliah in 41:1-3) validates Johanan's warning and demonstrates the real consequences of failing to believe truth when presented. This passage raises profound questions about when trust becomes foolishness, when giving benefit of the doubt becomes dereliction of duty, and how leaders should balance mercy with protection of those entrusted to them. Gedaliah's error wasn't in maintaining moral standards but in refusing to believe credible testimony about Ishmael's intentions.
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Historical & Cultural Context
Gedaliah's refusal to believe Johanan's warning occurred approximately in September 586 BC, roughly two months before Ishmael's assassination at a feast in the seventh month (41:1), likely October 586 BC. This timing suggests Gedaliah had several weeks to investigate, take precautions, or reconsider his assessment, but apparently maintained his trust in Ishmael throughout. His response 'thou speakest falsely of Ishmael' may reflect personal relationship—perhaps Gedaliah and Ishmael had earlier positive interactions that made the accusation seem incredible. Or it may reflect Gedaliah's broader philosophy of giving people the benefit of doubt and refusing to act on suspicion rather than proof. Either way, this decision cost him his life and led to the community's collapse. The historical parallel to Jesus' interaction with Judas is instructive: Jesus knew Judas would betray Him (John 6:70-71, 13:21-27) yet didn't prevent it, instead allowing betrayal to unfold within God's sovereign purposes. The difference is that Jesus' 'failure' to stop His betrayer accomplished redemptive purposes, while Gedaliah's failure to stop his betrayer simply resulted in tragedy without redemptive outcome. The question remains whether Gedaliah should have listened to Johanan or whether his moral stance, though costing his life, maintained integrity worth preserving.
Reflection Questions
- How can leaders distinguish between healthy trust that gives people the benefit of doubt and naive credulity that ignores credible warnings?
- What responsibility do leaders have to protect communities entrusted to them even when that requires believing uncomfortable truths about people they trust?
- In what ways does Gedaliah's refusal to believe evil of Ishmael parallel how believers sometimes ignore clear warnings about false teachers or corrupt influences in the church?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 19 wordsבֶּן3 of 19
“the son”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בֶּן7 of 19
“the son”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אַֽל9 of 19
H408not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תַּעֲשֵׂ֖10 of 19
“Thou shalt not do”
H6213to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת11 of 19
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַדָּבָ֣ר12 of 19
“this thing”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
כִּֽי14 of 19
H3588(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
דֹבֵ֖ר17 of 19
“for thou speakest”
H1696perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
יִשְׁמָעֵֽאל׃19 of 19
“of Ishmael”
H3458jishmael, the name of abraham's oldest son, and of five israelites
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 40:16 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 40:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge