Jeremiah 40:9
And Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan sware unto them and to their men, saying, Fear not to serve the Chaldeans: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשָּׁבַ֨ע
sware
H7650
וַיִּשָּׁבַ֨ע
sware
Strong's:
H7650
Word #:
1 of 21
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 21
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 21
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
שָׁפָן֙
of Shaphan
H8227
שָׁפָן֙
of Shaphan
Strong's:
H8227
Word #:
7 of 21
a species of rock-rabbit (from its hiding), i.e., probably the hyrax
וּלְאַנְשֵׁיהֶ֣ם
H376
וּלְאַנְשֵׁיהֶ֣ם
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
8 of 21
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
10 of 21
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּֽירְא֖וּ
Fear
H3372
תִּֽירְא֖וּ
Fear
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
11 of 21
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
וְעִבְד֛וּ
and serve
H5647
וְעִבְד֛וּ
and serve
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
12 of 21
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
הַכַּשְׂדִּ֑ים
the Chaldeans
H3778
הַכַּשְׂדִּ֑ים
the Chaldeans
Strong's:
H3778
Word #:
13 of 21
a kasdite, or descendant of kesed; by implication, a chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people
שְׁב֣וּ
dwell in
H3427
שְׁב֣וּ
dwell in
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
14 of 21
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
וְעִבְד֛וּ
and serve
H5647
וְעִבְד֛וּ
and serve
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
16 of 21
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
17 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בָּבֶ֖ל
of Babylon
H894
בָּבֶ֖ל
of Babylon
Strong's:
H894
Word #:
19 of 21
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
Cross References
Jeremiah 27:11But the nations that bring their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him, those will I let remain still in their own land, saith the LORD; and they shall till it, and dwell therein.2 Kings 25:24And Gedaliah sware to them, and to their men, and said unto them, Fear not to be the servants of the Chaldees: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon; and it shall be well with you.
Historical Context
Gedaliah, appointed governor by Babylon, attempted to build a peaceful remnant community. His counsel echoed Jeremiah's consistent message.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance godly submission to authority with prophetic resistance to evil?
- What does Gedaliah's counsel teach about wisdom in post-judgment circumstances?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Gedaliah swears to the remnant: 'Fear not to serve the Chaldeans: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you.' He counsels submission to God's appointed authority for that time. This wisdom contrasts with false patriotism that resists God's will. Gedaliah's assassination (41:2) shows that not everyone accepts God's post-judgment order.