Jeremiah 37:12
Jeremiah 37:12 in Multiple Translations
Jeremiah started to leave Jerusalem to go to the land of Benjamin to claim his portion there among the people.
Then Jeremiah went forth out of Jerusalem to go into the land of Benjamin, to separate himself thence in the midst of the people.
then Jeremiah went forth out of Jerusalem to go into the land of Benjamin, to receive his portion there, in the midst of the people.
Jeremiah went out of Jerusalem to go into the land of Benjamin, with the purpose of taking up his heritage there among the people.
Jeremiah was on his way out of Jerusalem to go to his home in the territory of Benjamin to claim his share of his family's property.
Then Ieremiah went out of Ierusalem to goe into the land of Beniamin, separating himselfe thence from among the people.
that Jeremiah goeth out from Jerusalem to go [to] the land of Benjamin, to receive a portion thence in the midst of the people.
then Jeremiah went out of Jerusalem to go into the land of Benjamin, to receive his portion there, in the middle of the people.
Then Jeremiah went out of Jerusalem to go into the land of Benjamin, to separate himself thence in the midst of the people.
And when he was come to the gate of Benjamin, the captain of the gate, who I was there in his turn, was one named Jerias, the son of Selemias, the son of Hananias: and he took hold of Jeremias the prophet, saying: Thou art fleeing to the Chaldeans.
I started to leave the city. I intended to go to the area where the descendants of Benjamin live, in order to take possession of my share of the property from my family.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 37:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Jeremiah 37:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּצֵ֤א
יִרְמְיָ֨הוּ֙
מִ/יר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
לָ/לֶ֖כֶת
אֶ֣רֶץ
בִּנְיָמִ֑ן
לַ/חֲלִ֥ק
מִ/שָּׁ֖ם
בְּ/ת֥וֹךְ
הָ/עָֽם
וַ/יֵּצֵ֤א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יִרְמְיָ֨הוּ֙
Yirmᵉyâh
H3414
Jeremiah
N-proper
מִ/יר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
Jerusalem
Prep | N-proper
לָ/לֶ֖כֶת
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
בִּנְיָמִ֑ן
Binyâmîyn
H1144
Benjamin
N-proper
לַ/חֲלִ֥ק
châlaq
H2505
to divide
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
מִ/שָּׁ֖ם
shâm
H8033
there
Prep | Adv
בְּ/ת֥וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms
הָ/עָֽם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 37:12
וַ/יֵּצֵ֤א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
יִרְמְיָ֨הוּ֙
Yirmᵉyâh
H3414
"Jeremiah"
N-proper
Jeremiah means whom Jehovah has appointed, a major prophet and author of the book of Jeremiah. He was the son of Hilkiah and a priest from Anathoth.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Jer.35.3; son of: Habazziniah (H2262); father of: Jaazaniah (H2970) § Jeremiah = "whom Jehovah has appointed" 1) the major prophet, son of Hilkiah of the priestly family in Anathoth; author of the prophetic book bearing his name 2) a man of Libnah and father of Hamutal the wife of king Josiah 3) a Gadite who joined David at Ziklag 4) a Manassehite, one of the mighty men of valour of the Transjordanic half tribe of Manasseh 5) a Gadite and warrior of David 6) a warrior of David 7) a priest who joined Nehemiah in the covenant ceremony 8) a priest also in the time of Nehemiah; maybe same as 7 9) father of Jaazaniah the Rechabites
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: Jeremiah. See also: 2 Kings 23:31; Jeremiah 36:4; Jeremiah 1:1.
מִ/יר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
"Jerusalem"
Prep | N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
לָ/לֶ֖כֶת
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
בִּנְיָמִ֑ן
Binyâmîyn
H1144
"Benjamin"
N-proper
Benjamin means son of the right hand, referring to the youngest son of Jacob and the tribe that descended from him. The term is first used in Genesis 35:18. Benjamin was a brother of Joseph and a half-brother of Reuben and others.
Definition: § Benjamin = "son of the right hand" a gate in Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 160 OT verses. KJV: Benjamin. See also: Genesis 35:18; 1 Samuel 9:21; Psalms 68:28.
לַ/חֲלִ֥ק
châlaq
H2505
"to divide"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
To smooth means to make something slippery or deceitful, like in Proverbs where it warns against flattery. It can also mean to divide or separate something, like an inheritance.
Definition: 1) to divide, share, plunder, allot, apportion, assign 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to divide, apportion 1a2) to assign, distribute 1a3) to assign, impart 1a4) to share 1a5) to divide up, plunder 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to divide oneself 1b2) to be divided 1b3) to assign, distribute 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to divide, apportion 1c2) to assign, distribute 1c3) to scatter 1d) (Pual) to be divided 1e) (Hiphil) to receive a portion or part 1f) (Hithpael) to divide among themselves
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: deal, distribute, divide, flatter, give, (have, im-) part(-ner), take away a portion, receive, separate self, (be) smooth(-er). See also: Genesis 14:15; Job 27:17; Psalms 5:10.
מִ/שָּׁ֖ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Prep | Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
בְּ/ת֥וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
הָ/עָֽם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 37:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 37:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 37:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 37:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 37:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 37:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 37:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 37:12
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 37:12
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 37:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 37:12
- Sermons on Jeremiah 37:12
Context — Jeremiah Imprisoned
10Indeed, if you were to strike down the entire army of the Chaldeans that is fighting against you, and only wounded men remained in their tents, they would still get up and burn this city down.”
11When the Chaldean army withdrew from Jerusalem for fear of Pharaoh’s army,
12Jeremiah started to leave Jerusalem to go to the land of Benjamin to claim his portion there among the people.
13But when he reached the Gate of Benjamin, the captain of the guard, whose name was Irijah son of Shelemiah, the son of Hananiah, seized him and said, “You are deserting to the Chaldeans!” 14“That is a lie,” Jeremiah replied. “I am not deserting to the Chaldeans!” But Irijah would not listen to him; instead, he arrested Jeremiah and took him to the officials.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 1:1 | These are the words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the priests in Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin. |
| 2 | Nehemiah 6:11 | But I replied, “Should a man like me run away? Should one like me go into the temple to save his own life? I will not go!” |
| 3 | 1 Kings 19:3 | And Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, |
| 4 | Joshua 21:17–18 | And from the tribe of Benjamin they gave them Gibeon, Geba, Anathoth, and Almon—four cities, together with their pasturelands. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 32:8–9 | Then, as the LORD had said, my cousin Hanamel came to me in the courtyard of the guard and urged me, ‘Please buy my field in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, for you own the right of inheritance and redemption. Buy it for yourself.’” Then I knew that this was the word of the LORD. So I bought the field in Anathoth from my cousin Hanamel, and I weighed out seventeen shekels of silver. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 19:9 | There Elijah entered a cave and spent the night. And the word of the LORD came to him, saying, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” |
| 7 | Matthew 10:23 | When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next. Truly I tell you, you will not reach all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. |
| 8 | 1 Chronicles 6:60 | And from the tribe of Benjamin they were given Gibeon, Geba, Alemeth, and Anathoth, together with their pasturelands. So they had thirteen cities in all among their families. |
| 9 | 1 Thessalonians 5:22 | Abstain from every form of evil. |
Jeremiah 37:12 Summary
Jeremiah 37:12 tells us that Jeremiah was trying to leave Jerusalem to claim his portion in the land of Benjamin. This means he was trying to take care of some family business or property, which shows that he was responsible and committed to his family and community. Just like Jeremiah, we can trust God to guide us and provide for us, even when things seem uncertain or difficult (Psalm 23:4, Proverbs 3:5-6). By being faithful to our responsibilities and obligations, we can show our love and commitment to God and to those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Jeremiah trying to leave Jerusalem?
Jeremiah was trying to leave Jerusalem to claim his portion in the land of Benjamin, as stated in Jeremiah 37:12, likely to attend to family business or property as mentioned in Jeremiah 32:8-12.
Was Jeremiah trying to escape the war with the Chaldeans?
The Bible does not indicate that Jeremiah was trying to escape the war, but rather he was trying to claim his portion in the land of Benjamin, which suggests he was trying to fulfill his responsibilities and obligations (Jeremiah 37:12, Deuteronomy 19:14).
What can we learn from Jeremiah's actions in this verse?
We can learn about Jeremiah's obedience to God's commands and his commitment to his family and community, even in the midst of challenging circumstances, as seen in Jeremiah 1:7-10 and Jeremiah 38:20.
How does this verse relate to the rest of Jeremiah's story?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of Jeremiah's prophetic ministry, which includes his calls to repentance, warnings of judgment, and messages of hope and restoration, as seen in Jeremiah 1:1-19, Jeremiah 31:31-34, and Ezekiel 36:22-32.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can be faithful to my responsibilities and obligations, even when it's difficult or challenging?
- How can I trust God to guide me and provide for me, even in uncertain or trying circumstances, like Jeremiah did in Jeremiah 37:12?
- What are some ways I can show commitment to my family and community, like Jeremiah did by trying to claim his portion in the land of Benjamin?
- How can I balance my desire for safety and security with my need to be obedient to God's commands, as Jeremiah did in Jeremiah 1:7-10?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 37:12
Then Jeremiah went forth out of Jerusalem,.... At least he attempted to do so, taking the opportunity of the siege of the city being broke up: what were his reasons for it are not certain; whether
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 37:12
Then Jeremiah went forth out of Jerusalem to go into the land of Benjamin, to separate himself thence in the midst of the people. Jeremiah went forth ... to go into ... Benjamin - to his own town, Anathoth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 37:12
The word we translate separate signifieth to divide, soften, or make slippery, which hath made interpreters vary in the exposition of it. But the general use of it, especially in Pihel, (the conjugation in which it is here used,) being to signify a dividing or separating, and the latter signification being secondary, it seemeth most reasonably here translated to separate, or to withdraw. Jeremiah had no further revelation from God which he was under an obligation to communicate; and knowing the city would suddenly be taken, and that he could be no further useful to the people, taking advantage of the withdrawing of the Chaldean army, resolves to provide for himself, designing to go to his own country, to Anathoth, which was in the land of Benjamin; and because he was a noted person, who might probably be stopped (as he was) if known, he attempts to slip out in the crowd of people that were going out. This seemeth to me the most probable sense.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 37:12
Jeremiah 37:12 Then Jeremiah went forth out of Jerusalem to go into the land of Benjamin, to separate himself thence in the midst of the people.Ver. 12. Then Jeremiah went forth out of Jerusalem.] Where he saw there was so little good to be done by his ministry. This, some think, was an infirmity in him. Mr Greenham, upon such a ground as this, was persuaded to leave his charge at Dry Drayton, in Cambridgeshire, and to go to live at London, where he died of the plague; and, as some reported, repented on his death bed of having so done. To go into the land of Benjamin.] To Anathoth, his own home; and if he went thither for his own safety or convenience sake, why might he not? To separate himself thence in the midst of the people.] Ut lubricificaret exinde in medio populi; that he might slide or slip away thence in the throng undiscerned. Pagnin., Vatab.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 37:12
(12) Then Jeremiah went forth out of Jerusalem . . .—The prophet’s motive in leaving the city may well have been his apprehension that the answer he had sent would move the king’s anger, and lead, as it actually led, to an order for his arrest. The fact that the Chaldæans had raised the siege gave him free egress. To separate himself thence in the midst of the people.—More accurately, to take a share from thence in the midst of the people. This gives probably the ostensible reason of his journey. As a priest belonging to Anathoth, he had property (like that which he afterwards bought of his uncle, Jeremiah 32) in the land of Benjamin, and he now went to look after it, either in the way of ploughing and sowing, or to receive his share of its produce during his sojourn in Jerusalem. If, as seems probable from Jeremiah 34:8-16, this was a Sabbatical year, the former, assuming the siege to have been raised when the year was over, would be the more probable alternative, and would better explain, as in Rth 4:2; Rth 4:9, the addition of the clause “in the midst of the people,” as showing that there was nothing clandestine in his proceedings. Other meanings that have been given to the words, “to buy bread,” “to till a field,” “to separate a field,” “to conciliate,” “to divide the spoil,” are less satisfactory. At such a time all the owners of land would be eager to take advantage of the opportunity presented by the departure of the Chaldæan army to transact any business connected with it.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 37:12
Verse 12. Jeremiah went forth] At the time that Nebuchadnezzar had raised the siege, and gone to meet the Egyptian army. Go into the land of Benjamin] To Anathoth, his native city. To separate himself thence] "To receive a portion thereof among the people;" - Blayney: who supposes that Jeremiah went to receive a portion of the proceeds of his patrimony at Anathoth, which had, previously to the siege, been in the hands of the Chaldeans. The siege being now raised, he thought of looking thus after his own affairs. The Chaldee is to the same sense. "He went that he might divide the inheritance which he had there among the people." Dahler translates, 'He went to withdraw himself from the siege, as many others of the inhabitants." I believe he went to withdraw himself from a city devoted to destruction, and in which he could no longer do any good.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 37:12
12. the land of Benjamin] presumably to Anathoth. to receive his portion] The Heb. is obscure, but probably his object was in some way connected with his purchase as related ch. Jeremiah 32:9 ff. Other conjectures are, to secure his share in a re-allotment of communal lands, or, to get his portion of the produce of the priests’ lands at Anathoth.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 37:12
To separate himself thence ... - To receive a share thence. When the siege was temporarily raised, the first object would be food, and, accordingly, Jeremiah accompanied by others, who, like himself,
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 37:12
12. To separate himself — Neither this nor the translation, to slip away, which stands in the margin, is correct. The better approved sense is, to receive a portion thence.
Sermons on Jeremiah 37:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Spiritual Virginity by G.W. North | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being vessels for God. He shares personal experiences of witnessing people repenting and being transformed by the power of |
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The Discipline of Danger - 2 by Jack Hibbs | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the disciplines of danger that Christians should be aware of in the last days. He emphasizes the importance of the logos of God, which is the |
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The Warfare by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks discusses 'The Warfare', emphasizing the unique and intense spiritual conflict associated with fulfilling God's ultimate purpose. He illustrates this through the o |
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(Elijah Legacy) 9. Do Not Tolerate Jezebel by David Davis | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Elijah and his confrontation with Jezebel. He emphasizes the supernatural power that was upon Elijah as he ran across the Jezree |
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Let's Go On by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch preaches about the common experience of feeling discouraged, tired, and frustrated in the spiritual journey, drawing parallels to moments of despair in the lives of bib |
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That I Might Finish My Course With Joy by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the critical importance of completing our God-given tasks, reflecting on the sorrow of unfinished work in the Christian life. He illustrates this through th |
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Impressions by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman emphasizes the importance of waiting for God's confirmation before acting on impressions or decisions. He uses the example of Jeremiah's patience in waiting for e |