Jeremiah 40:1

Authorized King James Version

The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, after that Nebuzar-adan the captain of the guard had let him go from Ramah, when he had taken him being bound in chains among all that were carried away captive of Jerusalem and Judah, which were carried away captive unto Babylon.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הַדָּבָ֞ר

H1697

The word

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

הָיָ֤ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אֶֽל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יִרְמְיָ֙הוּ֙

H3414

that came to Jeremiah

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

מֵאֵ֣ת

H853

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

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

from the LORD

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

אַחַ֣ר׀

H310

after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

שַׁלַּ֣ח

H7971

had let him go

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

#10

אֹת֗וֹ

H853

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

#11

נְבוּזַרְאֲדָ֛ן

H5018

that Nebuzaradan

nebuzaradan, a babylonian general

#12

רַב

H7227

the captain

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

#13

טַבָּחִ֖ים

H2876

of the guard

properly, a butcher; hence, a lifeguardsman (because he was acting as an executioner); also a cook (usually slaughtering the animal for food)

#14

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#15

הָֽרָמָ֑ה

H7414

from Ramah

ramah, the name of four places in palestine

#16

בְּקַחְתּ֣וֹ

H3947

when he had taken

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#17

אֹת֗וֹ

H853

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

#18

וְהֽוּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#19

אָס֤וּר

H631

him being bound

to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle

#20

בָּֽאזִקִּים֙

H246

in chains

manacles

#21

בְּת֨וֹךְ

H8432

among

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

#22

כָּל

H3605

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

#23

גָּל֤וּת

H1546

all that were carried away captive

captivity; concretely, exiles (collectively)

#24

יְרוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙

H3389

of Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

#25

וִֽיהוּדָ֔ה

H3063

and Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

#26

הַמֻּגְלִ֖ים

H1540

which were carried away captive

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

#27

בָּבֶֽלָה׃

H894

unto Babylon

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Jeremiah.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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