Jeremiah Chapter 39 · Verse 14

Authorized King James Version

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Even they sent, and took Jeremiah out of the court of the prison, and committed him unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, that he should carry him home: so he dwelt among the people.

Original Language Analysis

וַיִּשְׁלְחוּ֩ Even they sent H7971
וַיִּשְׁלְחוּ֩ Even they sent
Strong's: H7971
Word #: 1 of 20
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
וַיִּקְח֨וּ and took H3947
וַיִּקְח֨וּ and took
Strong's: H3947
Word #: 2 of 20
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
אֶֽת H853
אֶֽת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 3 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יִרְמְיָ֜הוּ Jeremiah H3414
יִרְמְיָ֜הוּ Jeremiah
Strong's: H3414
Word #: 4 of 20
jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites
מֵחֲצַ֣ר out of the court H2691
מֵחֲצַ֣ר out of the court
Strong's: H2691
Word #: 5 of 20
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
הַמַּטָּרָ֗ה of the prison H4307
הַמַּטָּרָ֗ה of the prison
Strong's: H4307
Word #: 6 of 20
a jail (as a guard-house); also an aim (as being closely watched)
וַיִּתְּנ֤וּ and committed H5414
וַיִּתְּנ֤וּ and committed
Strong's: H5414
Word #: 7 of 20
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֹתוֹ֙ H853
אֹתוֹ֙
Strong's: H853
Word #: 8 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֶל H413
אֶל
Strong's: H413
Word #: 9 of 20
near, with or among; often in general, to
גְּדַלְיָ֙הוּ֙ him unto Gedaliah H1436
גְּדַלְיָ֙הוּ֙ him unto Gedaliah
Strong's: H1436
Word #: 10 of 20
gedaljah, the name of five israelites
בֶּן the son H1121
בֶּן the son
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 11 of 20
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֲחִיקָ֣ם of Ahikam H296
אֲחִיקָ֣ם of Ahikam
Strong's: H296
Word #: 12 of 20
achikam, an israelite
בֶּן the son H1121
בֶּן the son
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 13 of 20
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
שָׁפָ֔ן of Shaphan H8227
שָׁפָ֔ן of Shaphan
Strong's: H8227
Word #: 14 of 20
a species of rock-rabbit (from its hiding), i.e., probably the hyrax
לְהוֹצִאֵ֖הוּ that he should carry H3318
לְהוֹצִאֵ֖הוּ that he should carry
Strong's: H3318
Word #: 15 of 20
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
אֶל H413
אֶל
Strong's: H413
Word #: 16 of 20
near, with or among; often in general, to
הַבָּ֑יִת him home H1004
הַבָּ֑יִת him home
Strong's: H1004
Word #: 17 of 20
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
וַיֵּ֖שֶׁב so he dwelt H3427
וַיֵּ֖שֶׁב so he dwelt
Strong's: H3427
Word #: 18 of 20
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
בְּת֥וֹךְ among H8432
בְּת֥וֹךְ among
Strong's: H8432
Word #: 19 of 20
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
הָעָֽם׃ the people H5971
הָעָֽם׃ the people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 20 of 20
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Analysis & Commentary

Even they sent, and took Jeremiah out of the court of the prison (מֵחֲצַר הַמַּטָּרָה, mechatzar hamattarah)—The 'court of the guard/prison' where Zedekiah had confined him (37:21, 38:6-13) becomes his place of liberation. Imprisoned by his own people for prophesying truth, freed by pagans who conquered because of that truth—profound irony. The verb laqach (לָקַח, 'took') suggests decisive removal from confinement.

And committed him unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, that he should carry him home (הַבַּיְתָה, habbaytah)—Gedaliah (appointed Babylonian governor, 40:5) came from a family friendly to Jeremiah—Ahikam had protected him from execution (26:24), and Shaphan had read the law scroll to Josiah (2 Kings 22:8-10). God provided covenant-community care even amid judgment. So he dwelt among the people (בְּתוֹךְ הָעָם, betokh ha'am)—Jeremiah remained with the remnant rather than enjoying Babylonian luxury, embodying the shepherd-prophet who stays with the afflicted flock.

Historical Context

Gedaliah's appointment as governor represented Babylonian policy of using local administrators from cooperative noble families. His grandfather Shaphan had been Josiah's secretary during the great reformation (2 Kings 22-23). The family's reformist credentials and Jeremiah-friendly stance made Gedaliah politically suitable. Jeremiah's choice to remain with the impoverished remnant rather than accept probable honors in Babylon demonstrates his genuine prophetic calling.

Questions for Reflection