Jeremiah 40:5

Authorized King James Version

Now while he was not yet gone back, he said, Go back also to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon hath made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people: or go wheresoever it seemeth convenient unto thee to go. So the captain of the guard gave him victuals and a reward, and let him go.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְעוֹדֶ֣נּוּ

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

וְשֻׁ֡בָה

H7725

Now while he was not yet gone back

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

וְשֻׁ֡בָה

H7725

Now while he was not yet gone back

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

גְּדַלְיָ֣ה

H1436

also to Gedaliah

gedaljah, the name of five israelites

בֶּן

H1121

the son

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

H296

of Ahikam

achikam, an israelite

בֶּן

H1121

the son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#10

שָׁפָ֡ן

H8227

of Shaphan

a species of rock-rabbit (from its hiding), i.e., probably the hyrax

#11

אֲשֶׁר֩

H834

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

#12

הִפְקִ֨יד

H6485

hath made governor

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

#13

מֶֽלֶךְ

H4428

whom the king

a king

#14

בָּבֶ֜ל

H894

of Babylon

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

#15

בְּעָרֵ֣י

H5892

over the cities

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#16

יְהוּדָ֗ה

H3063

of Judah

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

#17

וְשֵׁ֤ב

H3427

and dwell

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#18

אִתּוֹ֙

H854

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

#19

בְּת֣וֹךְ

H8432

with him among

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

#20

הָעָ֔ם

H5971

the people

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

#21

א֠וֹ

H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

#22

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#23

כָּל

H3605

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

#24

הַיָּשָׁ֧ר

H3477

wheresoever it seemeth convenient

straight (literally or figuratively)

#25

בְּעֵינֶ֛יךָ

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

#26

לָלֶ֖כֶת

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#27

לֵ֑ךְ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#28

וַיִּתֶּן

H5414

gave

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

#29

ל֧וֹ

#30

רַב

H7227

So the captain

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

#31

טַבָּחִ֛ים

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)

#32

אֲרֻחָ֥ה

H737

him victuals

a ration of food

#33

וּמַשְׂאֵ֖ת

H4864

and a reward

properly, (abstractly) a raising (as of the hands in prayer), or rising (of flame); figuratively, an utterance; concretely, a beacon (as raised); a pr

#34

וַֽיְשַׁלְּחֵֽהוּ׃

H7971

and let him go

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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of covenant community reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 40 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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