Jeremiah 40:9

Jeremiah 40:9 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, swore an oath to them and their men, assuring them, “Do not be afraid to serve the Chaldeans. Live in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will go well with you.

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, took an oath to them and their men, saying, Have no fear of the servants of the Chaldaeans: go on living in the land, and become the servants of the king of Babylon, and all will be well.

Free Bible Version FBV

Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, made them a solemn promise, saying, “Don't worry about serving the Babylonians. Stay here in the country and serve the king of Babylon, and things will go well for you.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And Gedaliah the sonne of Ahikam, the sonne of Shaphan sware vnto them, and to their men, saying, Feare not to serue the Caldeans: dwell in the lande, and serue the King of Babel, and it shall be well with you.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And swear to them doth Gedaliah son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, and to their men, saying, 'Be not afraid of serving the Chaldeans, abide in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it is well for you;

World English Bible WEB

Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan swore to them and to their men, saying, “Don’t be afraid to serve the Chaldeans. Dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it will be well with you.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, swore to 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.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Godolias the son of Ahicam the son of Saphan swore to them and to their companions, saying: Fear not to serve the Chaldeass: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you.

Translation for Translators T4T

Gedaliah solemnly promised that the soldiers from Babylonia would not harm them. He said, “Do not be afraid to do things for them. Stay here in this land and do things for the King of Babylon. If you do that, things will go well for you.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 40:9

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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 40:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּשָּׁבַ֨ע לָ/הֶ֜ם גְּדַלְיָ֨הוּ בֶן אֲחִיקָ֤ם בֶּן שָׁפָן֙ וּ/לְ/אַנְשֵׁי/הֶ֣ם לֵ/אמֹ֔ר אַל תִּֽירְא֖וּ מֵ/עֲב֣וֹד הַ/כַּשְׂדִּ֑ים שְׁב֣וּ בָ/אָ֗רֶץ וְ/עִבְד֛וּ אֶת מֶ֥לֶךְ בָּבֶ֖ל וְ/יִיטַ֥ב לָ/כֶֽם

וַ/יִּשָּׁבַ֨ע shâbaʻ H7650 to swear Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms

לָ/הֶ֜ם Prep | Suff

גְּדַלְיָ֨הוּ Gᵉdalyâh H1436 Gedaliah N-proper

בֶן bên H1121 son N-ms

אֲחִיקָ֤ם ʼĂchîyqâm H296 Ahikam N-proper

בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms

שָׁפָן֙ shâphân H8227 rock badger N-proper

וּ/לְ/אַנְשֵׁי/הֶ֣ם ʼîysh H376 man Conj | Prep | N-mp | Suff

לֵ/אמֹ֔ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

אַל ʼal H408 not Part

תִּֽירְא֖וּ yârêʼ H3372 to fear V-Qal-Juss-2mp

מֵ/עֲב֣וֹד ʻâbad H5647 to serve Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

הַ/כַּשְׂדִּ֑ים Kasdîy H3778 Chaldea Art | N-proper

שְׁב֣וּ yâshab H3427 to dwell V-Qal-Impv-2mp

בָ/אָ֗רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Prep | N-cs

וְ/עִבְד֛וּ ʻâbad H5647 to serve Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

מֶ֥לֶךְ melek H4428 King's N-ms

בָּבֶ֖ל Bâbel H894 Babylon N-proper

וְ/יִיטַ֥ב yâṭab H3190 be good Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

לָ/כֶֽם Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 40:9

וַ/יִּשָּׁבַ֨ע shâbaʻ H7650 "to swear" Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to swear an oath, like making a promise or vow. In the Bible, it is used when someone is making a serious promise, often with God as a witness. The KJV translates it as adjure or take an oath.

Definition: 1) to swear, adjure 1a) (Qal) sworn (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to swear, take an oath 1b2) to swear (of Jehovah by Himself) 1b3) to curse 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to take an oath 1c2) to adjure

Usage: Occurs in 175 OT verses. KJV: adjure, charge (by an oath, with an oath), feed to the full (by mistake for H7646 (שָׂבַע)), take an oath, [idiom] straitly, (cause to, make to) swear. See also: Genesis 21:23; Judges 21:18; Psalms 15:4.

לָ/הֶ֜ם "" Prep | Suff

גְּדַלְיָ֨הוּ Gᵉdalyâh H1436 "Gedaliah" N-proper

Gedaliah was the name of several Israelites, including a son of Jeduthun and a governor of Judea. One Gedaliah was the son of Pashur, a chief of Jerusalem during the time of Jeremiah. His name means 'Jehovah is great'.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Zep.1.1; son of: Amariah (H0568O); father of: Cushi (H3569H) § Gedaliah = "Jehovah is great" 1) a son of Jeduthun in the time of David 2) governor of Judea 3) son of Pashur, one of the chiefs of Jerusalem in the time of Jeremiah

Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: Gedaliah. See also: 2 Kings 25:22; Jeremiah 40:12; Jeremiah 38:1.

בֶן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

אֲחִיקָ֤ם ʼĂchîyqâm H296 "Ahikam" N-proper

Ahikam was an Israelite who lived during the Divided Monarchy, and his name means my brother has risen. He was a high-ranking officer and protected the prophet Jeremiah. Ahikam was also the father of Gedaliah.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.22.12; son of: Shaphan (H8227B); brother of: Elasah (H0501J) and Gemariah (H1587H); father of: Gedaliah (H1436B) § Ahikam = "my brother has risen (arisen)" 1) son of Shaphan, an officer in Josiah's reign 2) protector of Jeremiah 3) father of Gedaliah

Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: Ahikam. See also: 2 Kings 22:12; Jeremiah 40:11; Jeremiah 26:24.

בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

Definition: : child/son

שָׁפָן֙ shâphân H8227 "rock badger" N-proper

Shaphan refers to a type of rock rabbit, likely a hyrax, or a man who lived during the Exile and Return, including a secretary of king Josiah of Judah.

Definition: rock badger, coney, the hyrax

Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: coney. See also: Leviticus 11:5; Psalms 104:18; Proverbs 30:26.

וּ/לְ/אַנְשֵׁי/הֶ֣ם ʼîysh H376 "man" Conj | Prep | N-mp | Suff

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

לֵ/אמֹ֔ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

אַל ʼal H408 "not" Part

Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.

Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)

Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.

תִּֽירְא֖וּ yârêʼ H3372 "to fear" V-Qal-Juss-2mp

This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.

Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour

Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.

מֵ/עֲב֣וֹד ʻâbad H5647 "to serve" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

To serve or work is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply slavery or bondage, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Egypt. It is used to describe various types of work or service, including serving God or other people. The word has different forms and meanings in different contexts.

Definition: : serve[someone] 1) to work, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to labour, work, do work 1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour 1a3) to serve as subjects 1a4) to serve (God) 1a5) to serve (with Levitical service) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land) 1b2) to make oneself a servant 1c) (Pual) to be worked 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve 1d2) to cause to serve as subjects 1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve

Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper, See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:14; Psalms 2:11.

הַ/כַּשְׂדִּ֑ים Kasdîy H3778 "Chaldea" Art | N-proper

Chaldea refers to a region in Mesopotamia and its inhabitants, known for wisdom and astrology, as seen in Daniel 1:4. The Chaldeans lived near the Persian Gulf and were considered wise. They are mentioned in 2 Kings 25:11.

Definition: § Chaldea or Chaldeans = "clod-breakers" 1) a territory in lower Mesopotamia bordering on the Persian Gulf 2) the inhabitants of Chaldea, living on the lower Euphrates and Tigris 3) those persons considered the wisest in the land (by extension)

Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: Chaldeans, Chaldees, inhabitants of Chaldea. See also: Genesis 11:28; Jeremiah 37:13; Isaiah 13:19.

שְׁב֣וּ yâshab H3427 "to dwell" V-Qal-Impv-2mp

This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.

Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)

Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.

בָ/אָ֗רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Prep | 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.

וְ/עִבְד֛וּ ʻâbad H5647 "to serve" Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

מֶ֥לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" N-ms

This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

בָּבֶ֖ל Bâbel H894 "Babylon" N-proper

Babel refers to Babylon, a city and empire in the Bible, meaning confusion or mixing. It appears in Genesis 11:9 and is associated with the tower of Babel. The city was situated on the Euphrates River.

Definition: § Babel or Babylon = "confusion (by mixing)" Babel or Babylon, the ancient site and/or capital of Babylonia (modern Hillah) situated on the Euphrates

Usage: Occurs in 233 OT verses. KJV: Babel, Babylon. See also: Genesis 10:10; Jeremiah 29:22; Psalms 87:4.

וְ/יִיטַ֥ב yâṭab H3190 "be good" Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

To be good means to be pleasing or joyful, making something or someone sound, beautiful, or happy. It is used in various forms, including being glad, doing well, or being content. It appears in many books, including Psalms and Proverbs.

Definition: 1) to be good, be pleasing, be well, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be glad, be joyful 1a2) to be well placed 1a3) to be well for, be well with, go well with 1a4) to be pleasing, be pleasing to 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to make glad, rejoice 1b2) to do good to, deal well with 1b3) to do well, do thoroughly 1b4) to make a thing good or right or beautiful 1b5) to do well, do right

Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, amend, use aright, benefit, be (make) better, seem best, make cheerful, be comely, [phrase] be content, diligent(-ly), dress, earnestly, find favour, give, be glad, do (be, make) good(-ness), be (make) merry, please ([phrase] well), shew more (kindness), skilfully, [idiom] very small, surely, make sweet, thoroughly, tire, trim, very, be (can, deal, entreat, go, have) well (said, seen). See also: Genesis 4:7; 2 Samuel 3:36; Psalms 33:3.

לָ/כֶֽם "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Jeremiah 40:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Jeremiah 40:9 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 40:9
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 40:9
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 40:9
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 40:9
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 40:9
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 40:9
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 40:9
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 40:9
Sermons on Jeremiah 40:9

Context — Gedaliah Governs in Judah

7When all the commanders and men of the armies in the field heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam over the land and that he had put him in charge of the men, women, and children who were the poorest of the land and had not been exiled to Babylon, 8they came to Gedaliah at Mizpah—Ishmael son of Nethaniah, Johanan and Jonathan the sons of Kareah, Seraiah son of Tanhumeth, the sons of Ephai the Netophathite, and Jezaniah son of the Maacathite—they and their men.

9Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, swore an oath to them and their men, assuring them, “Do not be afraid to serve the Chaldeans. Live in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will go well with you.

10As for me, I will stay in Mizpah to represent you before the Chaldeans who come to us. As for you, gather wine grapes, summer fruit, and oil, place them in your storage jars, and live in the cities you have taken.” 11When all the Jews in Moab, Ammon, Edom, and all the other lands heard that the king of Babylon had left a remnant in Judah and had appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, over them,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Jeremiah 27:11	But the nation that will put its neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon and serve him, I will leave in its own land, to cultivate it and reside in it, declares the LORD.”
2	2 Kings 25:24	And Gedaliah took an oath before them and their men, assuring them, “Do not be afraid of the servants of the Chaldeans. Live in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will be well with you.”
3	1 Samuel 20:16–17	So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD hold David’s enemies accountable.” And Jonathan had David reaffirm his vow out of love for him, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself.
4	Jeremiah 38:17–20	Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “This is what the LORD God of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘If you indeed surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, then you will live, this city will not be burned down, and you and your household will survive. But if you do not surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, then this city will be delivered into the hands of the Chaldeans. They will burn it down, and you yourself will not escape their grasp.’” But King Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “I am afraid of the Jews who have deserted to the Chaldeans, for the Chaldeans may deliver me into their hands to abuse me.” “They will not hand you over,” Jeremiah replied. “Obey the voice of the LORD in what I am telling you, that it may go well with you and you may live.
5	Psalms 37:3	Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
6	Genesis 49:15	He saw that his resting place was good and that his land was pleasant, so he bent his shoulder to the burden and submitted to labor as a servant.
7	Psalms 128:2	For when you eat the fruit of your labor, blessings and prosperity will be yours.

Jeremiah 40:9 Summary

Jeremiah 40:9 is a message of hope and peace to the people of Judah, who were struggling to survive after the Babylonian conquest. Gedaliah, the governor appointed by the king of Babylon, is telling them not to be afraid, but to trust in the Babylonian rule and to live peacefully in the land, similar to the promise in Jeremiah 29:11. This verse teaches us about the importance of submitting to authority and trusting in God's sovereignty, even in difficult circumstances (Romans 13:1-2, Psalm 37:3-7). By following Gedaliah's advice, we can learn to trust in God's plan and to seek peace and prosperity for ourselves and those around us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the historical context of Jeremiah 40:9?

Jeremiah 40:9 takes place after the Babylonian conquest of Judah, where Gedaliah is appointed by the king of Babylon to govern the remaining population, as seen in Jeremiah 40:7, and he is reassuring those who came to him that they can trust the Chaldeans and live peacefully in the land.

Who is Gedaliah and why is he important in this verse?

Gedaliah is the son of Ahikam, who was a faithful servant of God, as seen in Jeremiah 26:24, and in Jeremiah 40:9, he is the one who swears an oath to the commanders and their men, assuring them of peace and safety under the Babylonian rule, similar to the promise of peace in Jeremiah 29:11.

What does it mean to 'serve the king of Babylon' in this context?

In Jeremiah 40:9, serving the king of Babylon means to submit to the authority of the Babylonian empire and to obey their rules, similar to the submission required in Romans 13:1-2, and by doing so, the people would be able to live in peace and prosperity, as promised in Jeremiah 29:7.

Is this verse relevant to Christians today?

Yes, Jeremiah 40:9 is relevant to Christians today, as it teaches us about submission to authority, as seen in Romans 13:1-7, and trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7, even in difficult circumstances, and to seek peace and prosperity for the city where we live, as in Jeremiah 29:7.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can apply the principle of submitting to authority in my own life, as seen in Jeremiah 40:9?
How can I trust God's sovereignty in difficult circumstances, like the Israelites in Jeremiah 40:9?
What does it mean to 'live in the land and serve the king' in a spiritual sense, and how can I apply this to my own life?
In what ways can I seek peace and prosperity for the city where I live, as encouraged in Jeremiah 29:7?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 40:9

And Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan aware unto them and to their men,.... They might express their fears, that should they continue with Gedaliah, as they were inclined to do, could

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 40:9

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 40:9

They might reasonably suspect that the Chaldeans would have a jealous eye upon any conflux of people to Jerusalem, especially military men, and therefore be something suspicious of him who was the Chaldean deputy governor; the securing of them from fears on this account was the cause of this voluntary oath taken by Gedaliah. He encourageth them to be servants to the Chaldeans, and to dwell in the land, assuring them that if they would, they should fare well; he was well enough assured of the Chaldeans’ favour, that if they would live peaceably in their own land, they should, they would not come any more to carry them away captive.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 40:9

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.Ver. 9. And Gedaliah sware unto them,] viz., That what he spake was from his heart, and out of good affection to them all.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 40:9

(9) Fear not to serve the Chaldeans . . .—Gedaliah, acting as Satrap of the province, assures them that, though they had fought against the conquerors, there would be a full amnesty, and that they might therefore banish all fears of being maltreated. He will remain at his post, and they may return to their own homes.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 40:9

9. to serve the Chaldeans] The LXX here have “because of the servants of the Chaldaeans,” i.e. the officers placed here and there through the land by the conquerors. This agrees with MT. in 2 Kings 25:24, but probably the original reading of the Hebrew in both places (lost through confusing two very similar consonants) is that preserved by LXX in Kgs, viz. the passing through of the Chaldaeans, i.e. the danger arising from the frequent passage of Babylonian forces in military operations, such as attacks on Egypt.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 40:9

To serve the Chaldeans - literally, as margin; to be their minister and lieutenant. Gedaliah supposed that officers of high rank would come from time to time from Babylon to look after the king’s interests.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 40:9

9. Fear not to serve the Chaldeans — The tone of this communication is friendly and encouraging.

Sermons on Jeremiah 40:9

	Sermon	Description
	(Through the Bible) Ezekiel 11-15 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that society today is not like the Victorian age or a puritan society. He warns against forsaking God's commandments and living like the peo
	Jeremiah 37-39 by Ken Baird	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the sad lesson of the children of Israel being exiled from their land and the judgment of God taking effect. The speaker emphasizes the deep
	Commit by Bill McLeod	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of committal and trusting in God's plan. He uses the example of Paul and the sailors in the book of Acts who were caught in a viol
	The Consequences of Not Trusting God - Part 2 by David Wilkerson	This sermon focuses on Abraham's journey of faith, highlighting the challenges and crises he faced as he learned to fully trust God with his life and future. Despite encountering s
	The Story of My Vw Bug by K P Yohannan by K.P. Yohannan	This sermon shares a touching story of a man purchasing a 1962 Volkswagen Bug from a young girl who was going to serve as a missionary in the Philippines. It emphasizes the importa
	What Can You Do? by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the fear and uncertainty that many people feel in the current world, particularly in relation to issues such as terrorism and moral decay. He
	The Great Contrast Between the Wicked & the Righteous by Mose Stoltzfus	The sermon transcript discusses a testimony of a family whose eight-year-old twin got caught in the beaters of a silage wagon, resulting in severe injuries. The sermon highlights t