Jeremiah 41:17
Jeremiah 41:17 in Multiple Translations
And they went and stayed in Geruth Chimham, near Bethlehem, in order to proceed into Egypt
And they departed, and dwelt in the habitation of Chimham, which is by Beth-lehem, to go to enter into Egypt,
And they departed, and dwelt in Geruth Chimham, which is by Beth-lehem, to go to enter into Egypt,
And they went and were living in the resting-place of Chimham, which is near Beth-lehem on the way into Egypt,
They set off for Geruth Chimham near Bethlehem and stayed there, before leaving for Egypt
And they departed and dwelt in Geruth Chimham, which is by Beth-lehem, to goe and to enter into Egypt,
and they go and abide in the habitations of Chimham, that [are] near Beth-Lehem, to go to enter Egypt,
They departed and lived in Geruth Chimham, which is by Bethlehem, to go to enter into Egypt
And they departed, and dwelt in the habitation of Chimham, which is by Beth-lehem, to go to enter into Egypt,
And they departed, and sat as sojourners in Chamaam, which is near Bethlehem: in order to go forward, and enter into Egypt,
They took them all to Geruth-Kimham village near Bethlehem. And they all prepared to go to Egypt.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 41:17
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 41:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּלְכ֗וּ
וַ/יֵּֽשְׁבוּ֙
בְּ/גֵר֣וּת
כמו/הם
כִּמְהָ֔ם
אֲשֶׁר
אֵ֖צֶל
בֵּ֣ית
לָ֑חֶם
לָ/לֶ֖כֶת
לָ/ב֥וֹא
מִצְרָֽיִם
וַ/יֵּלְכ֗וּ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
וַ/יֵּֽשְׁבוּ֙
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
בְּ/גֵר֣וּת
gêrûwth
H1628
Geruth
Prep | N-fs
כמו/הם
Kimhâm
H3643
Chimham
Prep | Suff
כִּמְהָ֔ם
Kimhâm
H3643
Chimham
N-proper
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אֵ֖צֶל
ʼêtsel
H681
beside
Prep
בֵּ֣ית
Bêyth Lechem
H1035
Bethlehem
N-proper
לָ֑חֶם
Bêyth Lechem
H1035
Bethlehem
N-proper
לָ/לֶ֖כֶת
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לָ/ב֥וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
מִצְרָֽיִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 41:17
וַ/יֵּלְכ֗וּ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
וַ/יֵּֽשְׁבוּ֙
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
בְּ/גֵר֣וּת
gêrûwth
H1628
"Geruth"
Prep | N-fs
Geruth means a temporary residence, like a lodging place or a place to stay for a while. It is used to describe a temporary home.
Definition: This name means lodging place
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: habitation. See also: Jeremiah 41:17.
כמו/הם
Kimhâm
H3643
"Chimham"
Prep | Suff
Chimham was an Israelite who lived during King David's time, his name means their longing. He was a follower of Barzillai and received a possession in Bethlehem from David.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.19.37 § Chimham = "their longing" 1) a follower and probably a son of Barzillai the Gileadite who returned from beyond Jordan with David; apparently David bestowed on him a possession in Bethlehem on which in later times an inn was standing 2) apparently the inn in Bethlehem located on the possession given by David to Chimham the follower or son of Barzillai the Gileadite
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Chimham. See also: 2 Samuel 19:38; 2 Samuel 19:41; Jeremiah 41:17.
כִּמְהָ֔ם
Kimhâm
H3643
"Chimham"
N-proper
Chimham was an Israelite who lived during King David's time, his name means their longing. He was a follower of Barzillai and received a possession in Bethlehem from David.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.19.37 § Chimham = "their longing" 1) a follower and probably a son of Barzillai the Gileadite who returned from beyond Jordan with David; apparently David bestowed on him a possession in Bethlehem on which in later times an inn was standing 2) apparently the inn in Bethlehem located on the possession given by David to Chimham the follower or son of Barzillai the Gileadite
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Chimham. See also: 2 Samuel 19:38; 2 Samuel 19:41; Jeremiah 41:17.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אֵ֖צֶל
ʼêtsel
H681
"beside"
Prep
Beside or near, this preposition indicates proximity or closeness to something or someone. It is often translated as at, by, or near in the King James Version, and is used to describe physical or spatial relationships in the Bible.
Definition: 1) beside, by, near, nearness, joining, proximity subst 2) (BDB) 2a) conjunction, proximity 2b) beside, in proximity, contiguous to, from beside
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: at, (hard) by, (from) (beside), near (unto), toward, with. See also H1018 (בֵּית הָאֵצֶל). See also: Genesis 39:10; 2 Chronicles 9:18; Proverbs 7:8.
בֵּ֣ית
Bêyth Lechem
H1035
"Bethlehem"
N-proper
Beth-lehem means house of bread, a place in Zebulun. The name describes a location known for its food production, later becoming famous as Jesus' birthplace in the New Testament.
Definition: § Beth-lehem = "house of bread (food)" a place in Zebulun
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Bethlehem. See also: Genesis 35:19; 1 Samuel 17:15; Jeremiah 41:17.
לָ֑חֶם
Bêyth Lechem
H1035
"Bethlehem"
N-proper
Beth-lehem means house of bread, a place in Zebulun. The name describes a location known for its food production, later becoming famous as Jesus' birthplace in the New Testament.
Definition: § Beth-lehem = "house of bread (food)" a place in Zebulun
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Bethlehem. See also: Genesis 35:19; 1 Samuel 17:15; Jeremiah 41:17.
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.
לָ/ב֥וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
מִצְרָֽיִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 41:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 41:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 41:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 41:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 41:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 41:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 41:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 41:17
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 41:17
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 41:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 41:17
- Sermons on Jeremiah 41:17
Context — Johanan Rescues the Captives
15But Ishmael son of Nethaniah and eight of his men escaped from Johanan and went to the Ammonites.
16Then Johanan son of Kareah and all the commanders of the armies with him took the whole remnant of the people from Mizpah whom he had recovered from Ishmael son of Nethaniah after Ishmael had killed Gedaliah son of Ahikam: the soldiers, women, children, and court officials he had brought back from Gibeon.
17And they went and stayed in Geruth Chimham, near Bethlehem, in order to proceed into Egypt
18to escape the Chaldeans. For they were afraid of the Chaldeans because Ishmael son of Nethaniah had struck down Gedaliah son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had appointed over the land.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 19:37–38 | Please let your servant return, that I may die in my own city near the tomb of my father and mother. But here is your servant Chimham. Let him cross over with my lord the king, and do for him what is good in your sight.” The king replied, “Chimham will cross over with me, and I will do for him what seems good in your sight, and I will do for you whatever you desire of me.” |
| 2 | Jeremiah 42:14 | and if you say, ‘No, but we will go to the land of Egypt and live there, where we will not see war or hear the sound of the ram’s horn or hunger for bread,’ |
| 3 | Jeremiah 43:7 | So they entered the land of Egypt because they did not obey the voice of the LORD, and they went as far as Tahpanhes. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 42:19 | The LORD has told you, O remnant of Judah, ‘Do not go to Egypt.’ Know for sure that I have warned you today! |
| 5 | Isaiah 30:2–3 | They set out to go down to Egypt without asking My advice, to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protection and take refuge in Egypt’s shade. But Pharaoh’s protection will become your shame, and the refuge of Egypt’s shade your disgrace. |
Jeremiah 41:17 Summary
In Jeremiah 41:17, the people decided to go to Egypt because they were afraid of the Chaldeans, who were a powerful and threatening nation. They stopped in Geruth Chimham near Bethlehem on their way, which was a temporary place of rest and refuge. This decision shows that the people were not trusting in God's promises and protection, but instead were relying on their own strength and human solutions, similar to the Israelites in the wilderness who grumbled and complained against God, as seen in Exodus 15:24 and Numbers 14:1-4. We can learn from this example to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, rather than relying on our own strength, and to seek refuge in Him, as described in Psalm 91:1-2 and Proverbs 18:10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the people decide to go to Egypt as mentioned in Jeremiah 41:17?
The people were afraid of the Chaldeans and wanted to escape them, as seen in Jeremiah 41:18, because Ishmael son of Nethaniah had killed Gedaliah son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had appointed over the land, similar to the fear and fleeing described in Genesis 12:10 and Exodus 14:10.
What is the significance of Geruth Chimham near Bethlehem in Jeremiah 41:17?
Geruth Chimham was a stopping point for the people before proceeding to Egypt, and its location near Bethlehem may have been a temporary place of rest and refuge, similar to the city of Bethlehem being a place of refuge in the story of Ruth 2:4-12.
How does this verse relate to the larger story of the Israelites and their relationship with God?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' disobedience and subsequent exile, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:63-64 and Jeremiah 25:11, and their attempts to find refuge and security in other nations rather than trusting in God's promises and protection, as described in Psalm 37:3-7 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
What can we learn from the decision of the people to go to Egypt in Jeremiah 41:17?
We can learn that when we are faced with fear and uncertainty, we must trust in God's sovereignty and provision, rather than relying on our own strength and human solutions, as seen in Isaiah 40:28-31 and Jeremiah 29:11, and that true security and refuge can only be found in Him, as described in Psalm 46:1-3 and Matthew 11:28-30.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I try to find refuge and security in my own life, and how can I learn to trust in God's promises and protection instead?
- How can I apply the lesson of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision to my current circumstances and challenges?
- What are some times in my life when I have felt afraid or uncertain, and how did I respond to those feelings?
- How can I use the example of the Israelites in Jeremiah 41:17 to reflect on my own relationship with God and my trust in His promises and protection?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 41:17
And they departed,.... From Mizpah, Johanan, and the captains of the forces, and all the people rescued from Ishmael: and dwelt in the habitation of Chimham, which is by Bethlehem: so called perhaps
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 41:17
And they departed, and dwelt in the habitation of Chimham, which is by Bethlehem, to go to enter into Egypt, They ... dwelt - for a time, until they were ready for their journey to Egypt, (Jeremiah
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 41:17
When Johanan had (as was before expressed) recovered the Jews whom Ishmael had carried away as prisoners, he came and dwelt with them in the habitation of Chimham. Concerning this Chimham, all that we read in Scripture is ,38,40; he was the son of Barzillai, whom David would have had to have gone along with him to his court; but he being eighty years old excused himself, and desired that his son Chimham might be accepted in his stead. David agreeth it, and promiseth to do for him whatsoever his father should desire on his behalf: possibly David, having an estate near thereabouts, might give a portion of it to him, which though it returned to the family of David in the year of jubilee, yet from Chimham’ s house there might retain the name of the habitation of Chimham. Into those parts Johanan retired, with a further design to go into Egypt.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 41:17
Jeremiah 41:17 And they departed, and dwelt in the habitation of Chimham, which is by Bethlehem, to go to enter into Egypt,Ver. 17. And they departed.] They rolled from place to place; but being out of God’ s precincts they were also out of his protection, and could expect no good. And they departed, and dwelt in the habitation of Chimham, which is by Bethlehem.] Where it seemeth that David, or Solomon, had given him some lands, which he called by his own name, as men love to do, Goruth Chimham. Josephus saith there is a village near Bethlehem that is still so called. See 2 Samuel 19:38. To go to enter into Egypt.] This was to go out of God’ s blessing, as we use to say, into the world’ s warm sunshine; this was to put themselves into the punishing hands of the living God.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 41:17
(17) They departed, and dwelt in the habitation of Chimham.—The word translated “habitation “is not found elsewhere, but it is connected with one which means “stranger,” “foreigner,” and means probably a caravanserai, or hospitium for travellers. The name of Chimham throws us back on the history of Barzillai in 2 Samuel 19:37. When the Gileadite chief pleaded his age as a ground for not accepting David’s invitation to live at his court, the offer was transferred to his son Chimham. On the king’s death-bed he was specially commended to the care of Solomon (1 Kings 2:7). It seems probable that some part of David’s personal patrimony, as distinct from his royal domains, had been bestowed on him, and that he had perpetuated his gratitude by erecting a resting-place for travellers, probably enough identical with the “inn” of the Nativity (Luke 2:7). The plan of the fugitives under Johanan took them to Bethlehem, as lying on the road to Egypt, where they hoped to find a refuge both from the anarchy in which the land had been left by the death of Gedaliah, and from the severe punishment which the Chaldæans were likely to inflict, without too careful an inquiry into the question who had been guilty of it, for the murder of the ruler whom they had appointed. The mere fact of their having remained with Ishmael might be construed into circumstantial evidence of complicity. There they halt, and take counsel.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 41:17
Verse 17. Dwelt in the habitation of Chimham] The estate that David gave Chimham, the son of Barzillai. See 2 Samuel 19:37, c. He took this merely as a resting-place as he designed to carry all into Egypt, fearing the Chaldeans, who would endeavour to revenge the death of Gedaliah.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 41:17
17. Geruth Chimham] For Chimham see 2 Samuel 19:37-40. Geruth occurs here only, and the mg. variant is a questionable rendering. Aquila and Josephus (Ant. X. ix. 5) read Gidroth (sheepfolds of) Chimham, while Gi. considers Gidroth to be probably a proper name. to go to enter into Egypt] to prepare for the journey into Egypt, a journey which, according to the first words of the next verse, was undertaken from fear of the Chaldaeans. It seemed likely that the outbreak which had taken place in connexion with the overthrow and death of the governor appointed by the king of Babylon, might be revenged without much discrimination by that monarch.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 41:17
The habitation of Chimham - The Hebrew text has Geruth-Chemoham, of which place nothing is known. The Masoretes read: Geruth-Chimham, the Khan or Caravanserai of Chimham, son of the rich Barzillai (marginal reference).
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 41:17
17. Departed, and dwelt — Temporarily, until ready for a journey into Egypt. Habitation of Chimham — The inn of Chimham. The word translated “habitation” occurs nowhere else, but etymologically has the meaning of inn.
Sermons on Jeremiah 41:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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From the Captivity of the Ten Tribes to the First Year of Cyrus by Flavius Josephus | Flavius Josephus recounts the tragic events that led to the destruction of Jerusalem and the captivity of the Israelites. From the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians to the appo |
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Jeremiah 43:7 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses the tragic return of the Israelites to Egypt, a place of bondage from which they had been delivered by God. He emphasizes that fear and disobedience led them |
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Where to Go? What to Do? by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of preaching the whole counsel of God, rather than catering to what people want to hear. He uses the example of Jeremiah, who w |