King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 42:8 Mean?

Jeremiah 42:8 in the King James Version says “Then called he Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces which were with him, and all the people fro...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 42 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then called he Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces which were with him, and all the people from the least even to the greatest,”

Jeremiah 42:8 · KJV

Context

6

Whether it be good, or whether it be evil, we will obey the voice of the LORD our God, to whom we send thee; that it may be well with us, when we obey the voice of the LORD our God.

7

And it came to pass after ten days, that the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah.

8

Then called he Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces which were with him, and all the people from the least even to the greatest,

9

And said unto them, Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, unto whom ye sent me to present your supplication before him;

10

If ye will still abide in this land, then will I build you, and not pull you down, and I will plant you, and not pluck you up: for I repent me of the evil that I have done unto you.

Read Jeremiah 42 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jeremiah's assembly of the leadership—'Then called he Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces which were with him, and all the people from the least even to the greatest'—mirrors their earlier approach to him (v.1), demonstrating prophetic reciprocity: they came to him collectively, now he addresses them collectively. The specific naming of Johanan signals his leadership role and particular responsibility for the community's response. The phrase 'all the captains of the forces' emphasizes military leadership's presence, significant because they had power to enforce or resist prophetic direction. The inclusion of 'all the people from the least even to the greatest' makes everyone witness to God's word, establishing corporate accountability—none could later claim ignorance. This comprehensive assembly ensures that God's revealed will is communicated publicly and completely, not filtered through intermediaries who might soften its message. The formal gathering anticipates the gravity of what follows: God's clear command to remain in Judah rather than flee to Egypt (verses 9-17), and His promise of protection versus warning of destruction based on obedience or disobedience. Jeremiah's gathering of everyone before delivering God's word demonstrates pastoral wisdom: ensuring all hear directly prevents misunderstanding and establishes that their response is fully informed choice, not ignorance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This assembly occurred at Geruth Chimham near Bethlehem after the ten-day waiting period. That Jeremiah could gather 'all the people from the least even to the greatest' indicates the remnant was small enough to assemble in one location—probably a few thousand people at most rather than tens of thousands. The emphasis on 'all the captains of the forces' shows the military commanders' crucial role: they had practical power to lead the community either in obedience (remaining in Judah) or rebellion (fleeing to Egypt). Ancient Near Eastern practice for delivering prophetic or royal decrees involved such public assemblies where entire communities heard official proclamations. This ensured transparency and prevented claims of misrepresentation. The assembly format also created social pressure toward compliance—publicly heard divine commands are harder to reject than private counsel. However, as subsequent events showed, even public declaration of God's clear word proved insufficient to prevent rebellion when the message contradicted the people's fear-driven plans. The assembly thus served both to establish divine will clearly and to demonstrate the people's culpability when they chose disobedience despite full knowledge.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why is public, comprehensive communication of God's word important for establishing accountability and preventing misunderstanding?
  2. What does Johanan's specific naming suggest about leadership's particular responsibility for community response to divine direction?
  3. How does including 'all the people from the least even to the greatest' in hearing God's word establish corporate rather than merely individual responsibility for obedience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיִּקְרָ֗א1 of 16

“Then called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל2 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יֽוֹחָנָן֙3 of 16

“he Johanan”

H3110

jochanan, the name of nine israelites

בֶּן4 of 16

“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

קָרֵ֔חַ5 of 16

“of Kareah”

H7143

kareach, an israelite

וְאֶ֛ל6 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל7 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

שָׂרֵ֥י8 of 16

“and all the captains”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

הַחֲיָלִ֖ים9 of 16

“of the forces”

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

אֲשֶׁ֣ר10 of 16
H834

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

אִתּ֑וֹ11 of 16
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

וּלְכָ֨ל12 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָעָ֔ם13 of 16

“which were with him and all the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

לְמִקָּטֹ֥ן14 of 16

“from the least”

H6996

abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)

וְעַד15 of 16
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

גָּדֽוֹל׃16 of 16

“even to the greatest”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

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 42:8 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 42:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 42:1Jeremiah 40:8Jeremiah 43:2-5Jeremiah 40:13Jeremiah 41:11-16

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