Jeremiah 52:31
And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, in the five and twentieth day of the month, that Evil-merodach king of Babylon in the first year of his reign lifted up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah, and brought him forth out of prison,
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִי֩
H1961
וַיְהִי֩
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 30
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
וָשֶׁ֜בַע
And it came to pass in the seven
H7651
וָשֶׁ֜בַע
And it came to pass in the seven
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
3 of 30
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
לְגָלוּת֙
of the captivity
H1546
לְגָלוּת֙
of the captivity
Strong's:
H1546
Word #:
5 of 30
captivity; concretely, exiles (collectively)
יְהוּדָ֔ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֔ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
8 of 30
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
עָשָׂר֙
H6240
עָשָׂר֙
Strong's:
H6240
Word #:
10 of 30
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
נָשָׂ֡א
lifted up
H5375
נָשָׂ֡א
lifted up
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
15 of 30
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
בָּבֶ֜ל
of Babylon
H894
בָּבֶ֜ל
of Babylon
Strong's:
H894
Word #:
19 of 30
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
22 of 30
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
רֹאשׁ֙
the head
H7218
רֹאשׁ֙
the head
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
23 of 30
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
יְהוּדָ֔ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֔ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
26 of 30
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
וַיֹּצֵ֥א
and brought him forth
H3318
וַיֹּצֵ֥א
and brought him forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
27 of 30
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
אֹת֖וֹ
H853
אֹת֖וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
28 of 30
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Psalms 3:3But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.Psalms 27:6And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.Proverbs 21:1The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.Genesis 40:13Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thine head, and restore thee unto thy place: and thou shalt deliver Pharaoh's cup into his hand, after the former manner when thou wast his butler.
Historical Context
This occurred around 561 BC. Jehoiachin's elevation, though he never returned to Judah, symbolized the Davidic line's continued existence despite exile.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God sometimes provide glimpses of hope even after severe judgment?
- What does Jehoiachin's preservation teach about God's faithfulness to His covenant promises?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jehoiachin's release from prison and elevation to favor with the Babylonian king Evil-merodach provides a hopeful ending to Jeremiah's book. After 37 years in prison, the Davidic king receives mercy and honor. This hints at future restoration and keeps alive the Davidic covenant promise (2 Sam 7:12-16). Though judged, the line continues - ultimately fulfilled in Christ, David's greater Son.