King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 52:32 Mean?

Jeremiah 52:32 in the King James Version says “And spake kindly unto him, and set his throne above the throne of the kings that were with him in Babylon, kindly: Heb. ... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 52 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And spake kindly unto him, and set his throne above the throne of the kings that were with him in Babylon, kindly: Heb. good things with him

Jeremiah 52:32 · King James Version


Context

30

In the three and twentieth year of Nebuchadrezzar Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive of the Jews seven hundred forty and five persons: all the persons were four thousand and six hundred.

31

And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, in the five and twentieth day of the month, that Evilmerodach king of Babylon in the first year of his reign lifted up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah, and brought him forth out of prison ,

32

And spake kindly unto him, and set his throne above the throne of the kings that were with him in Babylon, kindly: Heb. good things with him

33

And changed his prison garments: and he did continually eat bread before him all the days of his life.

34

And for his diet, there was a continual diet given him of the king of Babylon, every day a portion until the day of his death, all the days of his life. every: Heb. the matter of the day in his day


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Spake kindly unto him (וַיְדַבֵּר אִתּוֹ טֹבוֹת, literally 'spoke good things to him')—Evil-Merodach (Amel-Marduk) released Jehoiachin from prison after 37 years (v. 31). Set his throne above the throne of the kings—gave him honor above other captive monarchs in Babylon.

This sudden reversal mirrors Joseph's exaltation (Genesis 41:40). The Davidic line, seemingly extinct, shows signs of life. Though Jesus came through Jehoiachin's line (Matthew 1:11-12), this restoration hints at God's covenant faithfulness—the lamp of David will not be extinguished (1 Kings 11:36).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Amel-Marduk (562-560 BC) succeeded Nebuchadnezzar. Archaeological tablets from Babylon (1939 discovery) list rations for 'Yaukin, king of Judah' and his five sons, confirming this biblical account's historicity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jehoiachin's exaltation after 37 years of prison foreshadow Christ's exaltation after humiliation?
  2. What does God's preservation of the Davidic line through Jehoiachin teach about His covenant faithfulness despite judgment?
  3. In what seemingly dead situations might God be preserving His purposes that will later flourish?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר1 of 12

And spake

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אִתּ֖וֹ2 of 12
H854

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

טֹב֑וֹת3 of 12

kindly

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

וַיִּתֵּן֙4 of 12

unto him and set

H5414

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

אֶת5 of 12
H853

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

לְכִסֵּ֧א6 of 12

his throne

H3678

properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

מִמַּ֗עַל7 of 12

above

H4605

properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

לְכִסֵּ֧א8 of 12

his throne

H3678

properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

מְּלָכִ֛ים9 of 12

of the kings

H4428

a king

אֲשֶׁ֥ר10 of 12
H834

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

אִתּ֖וֹ11 of 12
H854

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

בְּבָבֶֽל׃12 of 12

that were with him in 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 52:32 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 52:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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