Jeremiah 29:3

Jeremiah 29:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

The letter was entrusted to Elasah son of Shaphan and Gemariah son of Hilkiah, whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to King Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon. It stated:

King James Version KJV

By the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan, and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, (whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent unto Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon) saying,

American Standard Version ASV

by the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan, and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, (whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent unto Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon), saying,

Bible in Basic English BBE

By the hand of Elasah, the son of Shaphan, and Gemariah, the son of Hilkiah, (whom Zedekiah, king of Judah, sent to Babylon, to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon,) saying,

Free Bible Version FBV

Elasah, son of Shaphan, and Gemariah, son of Hilkiah, took the letter with them when Zedekiah king of Judah sent them to King Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon. In the letter Jeremiah wrote:

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

By the hand of Elasah the sonne of Shaphan and Gemariah the sonne of Hilkiah, (whom Zedekiah King of Iudah sent vnto Babel to Nebuchad-nezzar King of Babel) saying,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

By the hand of Eleasah son of Shaphan, and Gemariah son of Hilkijah, whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent unto Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon — to Babylon, saying,

World English Bible WEB

by the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, (whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon). It said:

Noah Webster Bible WBS

By the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan, and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, (whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon) saying,

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

By the hand of Elasa the son of Saphan, and Gamarias the son of Helcias, whom Sedecias king of Juda sent to Babylon to Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon, saying:

Translation for Translators T4T

I gave the letter to Elasah the son of Shaphan, and to Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, when they were about to go to Babylon to be ambassadors from King Zedekiah to King Nebuchadnezzar. This is what I wrote in the letter:

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 29:3

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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 29:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB בְּ/יַד֙ אֶלְעָשָׂ֣ה בֶן שָׁפָ֔ן וּ/גְמַרְיָ֖ה בֶּן חִלְקִיָּ֑ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר שָׁלַ֜ח צִדְקִיָּ֣ה מֶֽלֶךְ יְהוּדָ֗ה אֶל נְבוּכַדְנֶאצַּ֛ר מֶ֥לֶךְ בָּבֶ֖ל בָּבֶ֥לָ/ה לֵ/אמֹֽר

בְּ/יַד֙ yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs

אֶלְעָשָׂ֣ה ʼElʻâsâh H501 Elasah N-proper

בֶן bên H1121 son N-ms

שָׁפָ֔ן shâphân H8227 rock badger N-proper

וּ/גְמַרְיָ֖ה Gᵉmaryâh H1587 Gemariah Conj | N-proper

בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms

חִלְקִיָּ֑ה Chilqîyâh H2518 Hilkiah N-proper

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

שָׁלַ֜ח shâlach H7971 to send V-Qal-Perf-3ms

צִדְקִיָּ֣ה Tsidqîyâh H6667 Zedekiah N-proper

מֶֽלֶךְ melek H4428 King's N-ms

יְהוּדָ֗ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah N-proper

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

נְבוּכַדְנֶאצַּ֛ר Nᵉbûwkadneʼtstsar H5019 Nebuchadnezzar N-proper

מֶ֥לֶךְ melek H4428 King's N-ms

בָּבֶ֖ל Bâbel H894 Babylon N-proper

בָּבֶ֥לָ/ה Bâbel H894 Babylon N-proper | Suff

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

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 29:3

בְּ/יַד֙ yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | N-cs

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

אֶלְעָשָׂ֣ה ʼElʻâsâh H501 "Elasah" N-proper

Elasah means God has made and is the name of several Israelites, including a servant of King Zedekiah and a descendant of Judah. He is mentioned in Jeremiah 29:3. Elasah was the son of Shaphan and brother of Ahikam and Gemariah.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Jer.29.3; son of: Shaphan (H8227B); brother of: Ahikam (H0296) and Gemariah (H1587H) § Elasah or Eleasah = "God has made" 1) a descendant of Judah, son of Helez 2) a priest of Pashur's line with a foreign wife during Ezra's time 3) Shaphan's son, Zedekiah's servant 4) a descendant of Benjamin, son of Rapha, father of Azel

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Elasah, Eleasah. See also: 1 Chronicles 2:39; 1 Chronicles 9:43; Jeremiah 29:3.

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.

שָׁפָ֔ן 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/גְמַרְיָ֖ה Gᵉmaryâh H1587 "Gemariah" Conj | N-proper

Gemariah means Jehovah has accomplished, the name of two Israelites, including a son of Shaphan who had a chamber in the temple where Jeremiah's prophecy was read. He was the father of Micaiah.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.36.10; son of: Shaphan (H8227B); brother of: Ahikam (H0296) and Elasah (H0501J); father of: Micaiah (H4321H) § Gemariah = "Jehovah has accomplished" 1) the son of Shaphan the scribe and father of Michaiah; one of the nobles of Judah who had a chamber in the temple from which Baruch read Jeremiah's alarming prophecy to all the people 2) the son of Hilkiah who bore Jeremiah's letter to the captive Jews

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Gemariah. See also: Jeremiah 29:3; Jeremiah 36:11; Jeremiah 36:10.

בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

Definition: : child/son

חִלְקִיָּ֑ה Chilqîyâh H2518 "Hilkiah" N-proper

Hilkiah was a significant Israelite with several roles, including high priest during Josiah's reign and father of Jeremiah. His name means my portion is Jehovah, reflecting his devotion to God.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Jer.1.1; brother of: Shallum (H7967R); father of: Jeremiah (H3414L) § Hilkiah = "my portion is Jehovah" 1) father of Eliakim, an officer of Hezekiah 2) high priest in the reign of Josiah 3) a Merarite Levite, son of Amzi 4) another Merarite Levite, 2nd son of Hosah 5) one of those who stood on the right of Ezra when he read the law and probably a Levite and a priest 6) a priest of Anathoth, father of the prophet Jeremiah 7) father of Gemariah who was one of Zedekiah's envoys to Babylon

Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: Hillkiah. See also: 2 Kings 18:18; 2 Chronicles 34:14; Isaiah 22:20.

אֲשֶׁ֨ר 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.

שָׁלַ֜ח shâlach H7971 "to send" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.

Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send

Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.

צִדְקִיָּ֣ה Tsidqîyâh H6667 "Zedekiah" N-proper

Zedekiah means Jehovah is righteous, the name of six Israelites including the last king of Judah, as seen in Jeremiah 36:12. He was renamed by Nebuchadnezzar and son of Josiah. Zedekiah was a significant figure in the Divided Monarchy period.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Jer.36.12; son of: Hananiah (H2608M) § Zedekiah = "Jehovah is righteous" 1) the last king of Judah renamed from 'Mattaniah' by Nebuchadnezzar; son of Josiah by wife Hamutal; placed on the throne by Nebuchadnezzar when he carried his nephew Jehoiakim in captivity 2) false prophet at the court of king Ahab of the northern kingdom of Israel 3) son of Maaseiah, a false prophet in Babylon 4) son of Hananiah, one of the princes of Judah in the time of Jeremiah 5) a priest who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah 6) son of king Jehoiakim of Judah

Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: Zedekiah, Zidkijah. See also: 1 Kings 22:11; Jeremiah 34:6; Jeremiah 1:3.

מֶֽלֶךְ 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.

יְהוּדָ֗ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 "Judah" N-proper

Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.

Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob

Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

נְבוּכַדְנֶאצַּ֛ר Nᵉbûwkadneʼtstsar H5019 "Nebuchadnezzar" N-proper

Nebuchadnezzar was a powerful king of Babylon who captured Jerusalem and took Judah captive, as seen in 2 Kings 24:1. He was the father of Belshazzar and is mentioned in the Bible as a great king. His name means may Nebo protect the crown.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.24.1; father of: Belshazzar (H1112) Also named: ne.vu.khad.nets.tsar (נְבוּכַדְרֶאצַּר, נְבוּכַדְנֶצַּר "Nebuchadnezzar" H5020) § Nebuchadnezzar or Nebuchadrezzar = "may Nebo protect the crown" the great king of Babylon who captured Jerusalem and carried Judah captive

Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar. See also: 2 Kings 24:1; Jeremiah 32:1; Jeremiah 21:2.

מֶ֥לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" N-ms

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.

בָּבֶ֥לָ/ה Bâbel H894 "Babylon" N-proper | Suff

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.

לֵ/אמֹֽר 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.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 29:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Jeremiah 29:3 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 29:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 29:3
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 29:3
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 29:3
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 29:3
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 29:3
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 29:3
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 29:3
Sermons on Jeremiah 29:3

Context — Jeremiah’s Letter to the Exiles

1This is the text of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders among the exiles and to the priests, the prophets, and all the others Nebuchadnezzar had carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. 2(This was after King Jeconiah, the queen mother, the court officials, the officials of Judah and Jerusalem, the craftsmen, and the metalsmiths had been exiled from Jerusalem.)

3The letter was entrusted to Elasah son of Shaphan and Gemariah son of Hilkiah, whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to King Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon. It stated:

4This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says to all the exiles who were carried away from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5“Build houses and settle down. Plant gardens and eat their produce.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ezekiel 8:11	Before them stood seventy elders of the house of Israel, with Jaazaniah son of Shaphan standing among them. Each had a censer in his hand, and a fragrant cloud of incense was rising.
2	2 Chronicles 34:20	and commanded Hilkiah, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Abdon son of Micah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the servant of the king:
3	Jeremiah 39:14	had Jeremiah brought from the courtyard of the guard, and they turned him over to Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, to take him home. So Jeremiah remained among his own people.
4	2 Kings 22:12	and commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Achbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the servant of the king:
5	Jeremiah 26:24	Nevertheless, Ahikam son of Shaphan supported Jeremiah, so he was not handed over to the people to be put to death.
6	2 Kings 22:8	Then Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the scribe, “I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD!” And he gave it to Shaphan, who read it.
7	1 Chronicles 6:13	Shallum was the father of Hilkiah, Hilkiah was the father of Azariah,
8	Jeremiah 36:25	Even though Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah urged the king not to burn the scroll, he would not listen to them.

Jeremiah 29:3 Summary

This verse, Jeremiah 29:3, tells us about a letter the prophet Jeremiah sent to the Israelites who were living in exile in Babylon. The letter was carried by two men, Elasah and Gemariah, who were sent to Babylon by King Zedekiah. The letter contained a message from God, which is recorded in the following verses, encouraging the exiles to settle down and trust in God's plan, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11. Just like the exiles, we can trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when we face challenging circumstances, and look to verses like Romans 8:28 for comfort and guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who were Elasah and Gemariah in Jeremiah 29:3?

Elasah and Gemariah were officials sent by King Zedekiah of Judah to King Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon, as recorded in Jeremiah 29:3, and they were entrusted with a letter from the prophet Jeremiah to the exiles in Babylon, which is similar to how King David sent officials to comfort and support others, as seen in Second Samuel 10:2.

What was the purpose of the letter Jeremiah sent to the exiles?

The purpose of the letter Jeremiah sent to the exiles in Babylon was to communicate a message from the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel, as stated in Jeremiah 29:4, which was to encourage them to settle down, build houses, and plant gardens, as they would be in exile for a while, as seen in Jeremiah 29:5.

Why did Jeremiah send the letter through Elasah and Gemariah?

Jeremiah sent the letter through Elasah and Gemariah because they were being sent to Babylon by King Zedekiah, providing a convenient and safe means for the letter to reach the exiles, similar to how the apostle Paul used various means to send his letters to the early churches, as seen in the Book of Acts and the Epistles.

What can we learn from the way Jeremiah communicated with the exiles?

We can learn from Jeremiah's example the importance of using available opportunities and means to communicate God's message to others, as seen in Jeremiah 29:3, and to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, as expressed in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can be a messenger of God's hope and encouragement to those around me, just like Jeremiah was to the exiles?
How can I trust in God's sovereignty and provision in my own life, even when faced with challenging circumstances, like the Israelites in exile?
What are some practical ways I can 'build houses and settle down' in my own spiritual journey, making the most of my current situation and trusting in God's plan, as seen in Jeremiah 29:5?
How can I balance the need to trust in God's long-term plan with the need to take practical steps to care for myself and my loved ones, as the exiles were encouraged to do in Jeremiah 29:5-7?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 29:3

By the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan,.... Perhaps the brother of Ahikam, and of Jaazaniah, Jeremiah 26:24; and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah; to distinguish him from Gemariah the son of Shaphan the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 29:3

By the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan, and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, (whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent unto Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon) saying, Elasah the son of Shaphan, and

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 29:3

Zedekiah the king of Judah having some occasion to send two messengers, named Elasah and Gemariah, to Babylon, whether to carry his tribute money or upon what other errand is not expressed; Jeremiah, knowing that as there were some false prophets at Jerusalem, who fed people with hopes of a speedy return, so there were some with them in Babylon who did the like, (two of which he afterwards in this chapter reflecteth upon,) writeth the following letter, and sends it by these two messengers, to quiet the people’ s minds, and to help to compose their spirits, disturbed by these false prophets, and raised up to vain and idle hopes, for which there was no ground at all.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 29:3

Jeremiah 29:3 By the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan, and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, (whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent unto Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon) saying,Ver. 3. By the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan, &c.] Zedekiah, having heard by Hananiah the prophet, that within two full years Jeconiah and the captives should come back to Jerusalem, and knowing that if that should be so, he must give place and part with his royal dignity, sendeth an embassy to Nebuchadnezzar to show his obsequiousness, and is content that his messenger should carry Jeremiah’ s letters (of whom, haply, he had a better conceit after the death of Hananiah) to those of the captivity, to persuade them to live quietly in Babylon, and not yet to think of returning to his disturbance. Calvin.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 29:3

(3) By the hand of Elasah . . .—The names of the messengers are of some interest. Elasah, the son of Shaphan, was the brother of Jeremiah’s protector. Ahikam (Jeremiah 26:24). Gemariah (to be distinguished from his namesake the son of Shaphan in Jeremiah 36:12) was probably the son of Hilkiah, the high-priest under Josiah who found the lost Book of the Law (2 Kings 22:4), and took a prominent part in the work of reformation. Each would therefore naturally take his place among the prophet’s friends and supporters. They carried his letter as well as the diplomatic missive of the king. That they had been sent as envoys by Zedekiah indicates that the policy of the weak and vacillating king had been to some extent affected by the counsels of Jeremiah, and that he had at least half abandoned the idea of revolt, and had sent to acknowledge the suzerainty of Nebuchadnezzar. It is hardly likely, at least, that the letter from the prophet, of which they were the bearers, should have been in flagrant antagonism with their mission as envoys from the king. The embassy was probably prior to the personal visit of Zechariah recorded in Jeremiah 51:59.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 29:3

3. Elasah] As the son of Shaphan he was probably brother of Ahikam (Jeremiah 26:24) who, taking Jeremiah’s side in political matters, would be well received at Babylon. Gemariah] Perhaps his father was identical with the chief priest (2 Kings 22:4).

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 29:3

Elasah - Probably brother of Ahikam Jeremiah 26:24, and therefore an acceptable person at the Chaldaean court.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 29:3

2, 3. The queen — Rather, the queen-mother, Nehushta, daughter of Elnathan. See Jeremiah 13:18, and 2 Kings 24:8; 2 Kings 24:15.

Sermons on Jeremiah 29:3

	Sermon	Description
	Female Ministry -or- Woman's Right to Preach the Gospel by Catherine Booth	Catherine Booth preaches about the importance of recognizing and embracing the gifts and calling of women in the ministry, challenging the traditional views that restrict women fro
	(Through the Bible) Jeremiah 26-27 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the need for a large military budget to close the gap between Russia's power and that of the United States. He emphasizes the importance of tr
	Josiah's Reform by Glenn Meldrum	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of King Josiah and his role in bringing about a revival in Israel. The preacher emphasizes the importance of the Word of God and h

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