Jeremiah 52:24

Authorized King James Version

And the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest, and Zephaniah the second priest, and the three keepers of the door:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּקַּ֣ח

H3947

took

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

רַב

H7227

And the captain

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

טַבָּחִ֗ים

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)

אֶת

H853

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

שְׂרָיָה֙

H8304

Seraiah

serajah, the name of nine israelites

כֹּהֵ֣ן

H3548

priest

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

הָרֹ֔אשׁ

H7218

the chief

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

וְאֶת

H853

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

צְפַנְיָ֖ה

H6846

and Zephaniah

tsephanjah, the name of four israelites

#10

כֹּהֵ֣ן

H3548

priest

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

#11

הַמִּשְׁנֶ֑ה

H4932

the second

properly, a repetition, i.e., a duplicate (copy of a document), or a double (in amount); by implication, a second (in order, rank, age, quality or loc

#12

וְאֶת

H853

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

#13

שְׁלֹ֖שֶׁת

H7969

and the three

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

#14

שֹׁמְרֵ֥י

H8104

keepers

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

#15

הַסַּֽף׃

H5592

of the door

a vestibule (as a limit); also a dish (for holding blood or wine)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Jeremiah