King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 41:5 Mean?

Jeremiah 41:5 in the King James Version says “That there came certain from Shechem, from Shiloh, and from Samaria, even fourscore men, having their beards shaven, and...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“That there came certain from Shechem, from Shiloh, and from Samaria, even fourscore men, having their beards shaven, and their clothes rent, and having cut themselves, with offerings and incense in their hand, to bring them to the house of the LORD.”

Jeremiah 41:5 · KJV

Context

3

Ishmael also slew all the Jews that were with him, even with Gedaliah, at Mizpah, and the Chaldeans that were found there, and the men of war.

4

And it came to pass the second day after he had slain Gedaliah, and no man knew it,

5

That there came certain from Shechem, from Shiloh, and from Samaria, even fourscore men, having their beards shaven, and their clothes rent, and having cut themselves, with offerings and incense in their hand, to bring them to the house of the LORD.

6

And Ishmael the son of Nethaniah went forth from Mizpah to meet them, weeping all along as he went: and it came to pass, as he met them, he said unto them, Come to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam. weeping: Heb. in going and weeping

7

And it was so, when they came into the midst of the city, that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah slew them, and cast them into the midst of the pit, he, and the men that were with him.

Read Jeremiah 41 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
These men came from northern regions to worship at Jerusalem's ruins, bringing offerings despite the temple's destruction. Their devotion shows that true worship transcends buildings. The 'meat offerings and incense' demonstrate continued faith in YAHWEH even after judgment. God preserves a remnant of sincere worshipers even in darkest times.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This occurred shortly after Jerusalem's destruction. That worshipers still came to the ruins shows the temple's centrality to Jewish faith and hope for restoration.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you maintain devotion to God when external structures and supports are removed?
  2. What does this teach about the nature of true worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
לְהָבִ֖יא1 of 18

“That there came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אִ֔ישׁ2 of 18

“men”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מִשְּׁכֶ֞ם3 of 18

“from Shechem”

H7927

shekem, a place in palestine

מִשִּׁל֤וֹ4 of 18

“from Shiloh”

H7887

shiloh, a place in palestine

וּמִשֹּֽׁמְרוֹן֙5 of 18

“and from Samaria”

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

שְׁמֹנִ֣ים6 of 18

“even fourscore”

H8084

eighty, also eightieth

אִ֔ישׁ7 of 18

“men”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מְגֻלְּחֵ֥י8 of 18

“shaven”

H1548

properly, to be bald, i.e., (causatively) to shave; figuratively to lay waste

זָקָ֛ן9 of 18

“having their beards”

H2206

the beard (as indicating age)

וּקְרֻעֵ֥י10 of 18

“rent”

H7167

to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)

בְגָדִ֖ים11 of 18

“and their clothes”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

וּמִתְגֹּֽדְדִ֑ים12 of 18

“and having cut”

H1413

to crowd; also to gash (as if by pressing into)

וּמִנְחָ֤ה13 of 18

“themselves with offerings”

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

וּלְבוֹנָה֙14 of 18

“and incense”

H3828

frankincense (from its whiteness or perhaps that of its smoke)

בְּיָדָ֔ם15 of 18

“in their hand”

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

לְהָבִ֖יא16 of 18

“That there came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בֵּ֥ית17 of 18

“them to the house”

H1004

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

יְהוָֽה׃18 of 18

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 41:5 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 41:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 16:24Deuteronomy 14:1Joshua 18:12 Kings 25:9Judges 9:11 Kings 12:1

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
Samaria 1Settlement · Modern: Samaria · 32.28°N, 35.20°E113 verses across 12 books
ShechemSettlement · Modern: Tell Balatah · 32.21°N, 35.28°E45 verses across 10 books
ShilohSettlement · Modern: Khirbet Seilun · 32.06°N, 35.29°E37 verses across 8 books
View all places in Jeremiah 41 →

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