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Jeremiah 52:24

Jeremiah 52:24 in Multiple Translations

The captain of the guard also took away Seraiah the chief priest, Zephaniah the priest of second rank, and the three doorkeepers.

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

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

And the captain of the armed men took Seraiah, the chief priest, and Zephaniah, the second priest, and the three door-keepers;

The commander of the guard took as prisoners Seraiah, the chief priest, Zephaniah the priest, second in rank, and the three Temple doorkeepers.

And the chiefe steward tooke Sheraiah the chiefe Priest, and Zephaniah the seconde Priest, and the three keepers of the doore.

And the chief of the executioners taketh Seraiah the head priest, and Zephaniah the second priest, and the three keepers of the threshold,

The captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest, and Zephaniah the second priest, and the three keepers of the threshold,

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

And the general took Saraias the chief priest, and Sophonias the second priest, and the three keepers of the entry.

When Nebuzaradan returned to Babylon, he took with him as prisoners Seraiah the Supreme Priest, Zephaniah who was Seraiah’s deputy, and the three men who guarded the entrances to the temple.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 52:24

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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 52:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יִּקַּ֣ח רַב טַבָּחִ֗ים אֶת שְׂרָיָה֙ כֹּהֵ֣ן הָ/רֹ֔אשׁ וְ/אֶת צְפַנְיָ֖ה כֹּהֵ֣ן הַ/מִּשְׁנֶ֑ה וְ/אֶת שְׁלֹ֖שֶׁת שֹׁמְרֵ֥י הַ/סַּֽף
וַ/יִּקַּ֣ח lâqach H3947 to take Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
רַב rab H7227 many N-ms
טַבָּחִ֗ים ṭabbâch H2876 guard N-mp
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
שְׂרָיָה֙ Sᵉrâyâh H8304 Seraiah N-proper
כֹּהֵ֣ן kôhên H3548 priest N-ms
הָ/רֹ֔אשׁ rôʼsh H7218 head Art | N-ms
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
צְפַנְיָ֖ה Tsᵉphanyâh H6846 Zephaniah N-proper
כֹּהֵ֣ן kôhên H3548 priest N-ms
הַ/מִּשְׁנֶ֑ה mishneh H4932 second Art | N-ms
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
שְׁלֹ֖שֶׁת shâlôwsh H7969 three Adj
שֹׁמְרֵ֥י shâmar H8104 to keep V-Qal
הַ/סַּֽף çaph H5592 basin Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 52:24

וַ/יִּקַּ֣ח lâqach H3947 "to take" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
רַב rab H7227 "many" N-ms
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
טַבָּחִ֗ים ṭabbâch H2876 "guard" N-mp
This Hebrew word originally meant a butcher, but came to describe a lifeguardsman or executioner, and even a cook who slaughtered animals for food. It is used to describe various roles in the Bible, including a bodyguard or cook. The word has an Aramaic equivalent.
Definition: 1) executioner, cook, bodyguard, guardsman 1a) cook (who also killed the animal for food) 1b) guardsmen, bodyguard Aramaic equivalent: tab.bach (טַבָּח "guardsman" H2877)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: cook, guard. See also: Genesis 37:36; Jeremiah 39:10; Jeremiah 39:9.
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.
שְׂרָיָה֙ Sᵉrâyâh H8304 "Seraiah" N-proper
Seraiah means Jehovah is ruler, the name of several Israelites, including a scribe of King David and a chief priest during King Zedekiah's reign. He is mentioned in Jeremiah 51:59 and is the brother of Baruch. Seraiah played important roles in Israel's history.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.51.59; son of: Neriah (H5374); brother of: Baruch (H1263J) § Seraiah = "Jehovah is ruler" 1) the scribe or secretary of David 2) son of Azariah, father of Jehozadak, and the chief priest in the reign of king Zedekiah of Judah and at the time of the capture of Jerusalem 3) son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite and one of the men who went to Gedaliah, the governor over Judah appointed by Nebuchadnezzar, and gave their oath to serve the king of Babylon 4) a Judaite, son of Kenaz, brother of Othniel, and father of Joab 5) a Simeonite, father of Josibiah and grandfather of Jehu 6) a people of the province who returned from exile with Zerubbabel 6a) maybe the same as 10 7) son of Azariah and father of Ezra the priest and scribe 8) a priest who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah 9) a priest, son of Hilkiah in the time of Nehemiah 10) a priest or Levite who returned from exile with Zerubbabel 10a) probably a priest and the head of a family of priests after the exile. Maybe same as 6 11) son of Meraiah and messenger sent by the prophet Jeremiah to Babylon with a book of his writings 12) son of Azriel and one of the 3 men commanded by king Jehoiakim of Judah to seize Jeremiah and Baruch
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: Seraiah. See also: 2 Samuel 8:17; Nehemiah 10:3; Jeremiah 36:26.
כֹּהֵ֣ן kôhên H3548 "priest" N-ms
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
הָ/רֹ֔אשׁ rôʼsh H7218 "head" Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | 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.
צְפַנְיָ֖ה Tsᵉphanyâh H6846 "Zephaniah" N-proper
Zephaniah was a prophet in the Bible, his name meaning God has treasured, who wrote about God's judgments in the book of Zephaniah.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Tahath (H8480H); father of: Uzziah (H5818H); also called Zephaniah at 1Ch.6.36; Another name of u.ri.el (אוּרִיאֵל "Uriel" H0222G) § Zephaniah = "Jehovah has treasured" 1) the 9th in order of the 12 minor prophets; descendant of king Hezekiah of Judah and prophet in the time of king Josiah of Judah 2) son of Maaseiah and second priest in the reign of king Zedekiah of Judah; succeeded Jehoiada and an officer of the temple; slain at Riblah on the capture of Jerusalem 3) father of Josiah and Hen in the time of the prophet Zechariah 4) a Levite
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Zephaniah. See also: 2 Kings 25:18; Jeremiah 37:3; Jeremiah 21:1.
כֹּהֵ֣ן kôhên H3548 "priest" N-ms
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
הַ/מִּשְׁנֶ֑ה mishneh H4932 "second" Art | N-ms
Mishneh means a second or duplicate, like a copy of a document, or something that is double in amount, also referring to a second in order or rank, like a secondary position or a copy of a law.
Definition: 1) double, copy, second, repetition 1a) double 1b) copy (of law) 1c) second (in order) 1c1) second rank 1c2) second in age 1d) second quarter or district
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: college, copy, double, fatlings, next, second (order), twice as much. See also: Genesis 41:43; 1 Chronicles 15:18; Isaiah 61:7.
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | 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.
שְׁלֹ֖שֶׁת shâlôwsh H7969 "three" Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
שֹׁמְרֵ֥י shâmar H8104 "to keep" V-Qal
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
הַ/סַּֽף çaph H5592 "basin" Art | N-ms
This word refers to a threshold, like a door sill, or a container for holding liquids. It can also mean a gate or post. The KJV translates it as threshold or bason.
Definition: 1) a spreading out, basin, goblet, bowl 1a) basin, goblet
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: bason, bowl, cup, door (post), gate, post, threshold. See also: Exodus 12:22; 2 Chronicles 34:9; Isaiah 6:4.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 52:24

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Kings 25:18 The captain of the guard also took away Seraiah the chief priest, Zephaniah the priest of second rank, and the three doorkeepers.
2 Jeremiah 29:25 this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “In your own name you have sent out letters to all the people of Jerusalem, to the priest Zephaniah son of Maaseiah, and to all the priests. You said to Zephaniah:
3 Jeremiah 35:4 and I brought them into the house of the LORD, to a chamber occupied by the sons of Hanan son of Igdaliah, a man of God. This room was near the chamber of the officials, which was above the chamber of Maaseiah son of Shallum the doorkeeper.
4 Jeremiah 21:1 This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD when King Zedekiah sent to him Pashhur son of Malchijah and the priest Zephaniah son of Maaseiah. They said,
5 1 Chronicles 6:14 Azariah was the father of Seraiah, and Seraiah was the father of Jehozadak.
6 Jeremiah 37:3 Yet King Zedekiah sent Jehucal son of Shelemiah and Zephaniah the priest, the son of Maaseiah, to Jeremiah the prophet with the message, “Please pray to the LORD our God for us!”
7 Ezra 7:1 Many years later, during the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,
8 Jeremiah 29:29 (Zephaniah the priest, however, had read this letter to Jeremiah the prophet.)
9 Jeremiah 52:15 Then Nebuzaradan captain of the guard carried into exile some of the poorest people and those who remained in the city, along with the deserters who had defected to the king of Babylon and the rest of the craftsmen.
10 Psalms 84:10 For better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

Jeremiah 52:24 Summary

[This verse describes how the captain of the guard took away several important leaders from Jerusalem, including the chief priest Seraiah and the priest Zephaniah, as well as three doorkeepers, as part of the Babylonian conquest, highlighting the thoroughness of God's judgment, as seen in Jeremiah 52:24 and supported by Lamentations 1:10. This event was a significant blow to the city and its people, demonstrating God's sovereignty over human affairs, as also seen in Jeremiah 25:11-12. As we reflect on this verse, we can see the importance of submitting to God's will, as seen in Romans 13:1-2, and trusting in His plan, even when circumstances seem uncertain, as encouraged in Jeremiah 29:11.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Seraiah the chief priest and why was he taken away?

Seraiah was a high-ranking priest in Jerusalem, and he was taken away by the captain of the guard, likely due to his influential position in the city, as seen in Jeremiah 52:24, similar to how Ezekiel 24:21-24 describes the removal of spiritual leaders as a form of judgment.

What was the significance of taking away the three doorkeepers?

The doorkeepers were responsible for maintaining order and security in the temple, so taking them away would have been a significant blow to the temple's functioning, highlighting the thoroughness of the Babylonian conquest, as described in Jeremiah 52:24 and supported by Lamentations 1:10.

How does this event relate to the larger story of Jeremiah?

This event is part of the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecies regarding the fall of Jerusalem, as seen in Jeremiah 32:3-5, where he predicts the city's capture and the king's exile, demonstrating God's sovereignty over human affairs, as also seen in Jeremiah 25:11-12.

What can we learn from the captain of the guard's actions in this verse?

The captain's actions demonstrate the efficient and thorough nature of the Babylonian conquest, highlighting the reality of God's judgment, as described in Jeremiah 52:24, and reminding us of the importance of submitting to God's will, as seen in Romans 13:1-2 and Jeremiah 29:7.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the removal of these leaders reveal about the nature of God's judgment, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
  2. How does this event relate to the theme of spiritual leadership and responsibility, and what can we learn from the examples of Seraiah and Zephaniah?
  3. In what ways can we see the sovereignty of God at work in this verse, and how does this impact our understanding of His role in human history?
  4. What emotions or reactions do you think the people of Jerusalem would have experienced as they witnessed the removal of their leaders, and how can we empathize with them?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 52:24

And the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest,.... That is, out of the temple, where he was ministering, or fled for safety; this is supposed to be the father of Ezra, 1 Chronicles 6:14;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 52:24

And the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest, and Zephaniah the second priest, and the three keepers of the door: Seraiah the chief priest - different from the Seraiah (Jeremiah 51:59)

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 52:24

See Poole "", where we have the same words. This Seraiah was not he mentioned , but the son of Azariah, . By the second priest, interpreters understand him that supplied the place of the high priest in case he were sick, &c., he that was sent by Zedekiah to the prophet, , and whom Jeremiah chose by his letters, , for not setting Jeremiah in the stocks. It is probable there were more keepers of the door, but the captain of the guard took only three of the principal.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 52:24

Verse 24. The second priest] 2Kg 25:18. The three keepers] The priests who stood at the door to receive the offerings of the people, see 2Kg 20:9; 2Kg 23:4.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 52:24

24–27. Omitted in ch. 39, but cp. with it 2 Kings 25:18-21.

Sermons on Jeremiah 52:24

SermonDescription
George Fox To His Parents by George Fox Greek Word Studies for an aid_number 34617 preaches on the concept of 'Possession' as described in Titus 2:14, where believers are depicted as Christ's costly possession and distin
Paul Washer (The Glory of God) in Moral Purity by Paul Washer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of avoiding immorality and impurity. He encourages the audience to disconnect from dangerous influences, such as television,
Jonathan Edwards The Life of David Brainerd - Part. 1 by Jonathan Edwards In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares their personal journey of seeking salvation and experiencing conviction of their sinfulness. They describe moments of feeling the gate
Art Katz Beyond Categories by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking a deeper understanding of God and His truth. He highlights the need to move beyond our current understanding and be
Leonard Ravenhill Go Hide Thyself - Elijah, God's Man by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking eternal things rather than being consumed by the temporal. He expresses gratitude for the holy men of God who were
Paul Washer God's Ownership of People by Paul Washer In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing and obeying God. He highlights two key points from Exodus chapter 20: God is the Lord and Creator, and He has deliv
Devern Fromke David - the Man With One Priority by Devern Fromke In this sermon, the preacher discusses the different laws mentioned in Romans chapter 7. He introduces the laws of God, the mind, sin, and the spirit of life. The preacher explains

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