Jeremiah 40:15

Jeremiah 40:15 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then Johanan son of Kareah spoke privately to Gedaliah at Mizpah. “Let me go and kill Ishmael son of Nethaniah,” he said. “No one will know it. Why should he take your life and scatter all the people of Judah who have gathered to you, so that the remnant of Judah would perish?”

King James Version KJV

Then Johanan the son of Kareah spake to Gedaliah in Mizpah secretly, saying, Let me go, I pray thee, and I will slay Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and no man shall know it: wherefore should he slay thee, that all the Jews which are gathered unto thee should be scattered, and the remnant in Judah perish?

American Standard Version ASV

Then Johanan the son of Kareah spake to Gedaliah in Mizpah secretly, saying, Let me go, I pray thee, and I will slay Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and no man shall know it: wherefore should he take thy life, that all the Jews that are gathered unto thee should be scattered, and the remnant of Judah perish?

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then Johanan, the son of Kareah, said to Gedaliah in Mizpah secretly, Let me now go and put Ishmael, the son of Nethaniah, to death without anyone's knowledge: why let him take your life so that all the Jews who have come together to you may be sent in flight, and the rest of the men of Judah come to an end?

Free Bible Version FBV

Johanan went and talked privately to Gedaliah at Mizpah. “Let me go and kill Ishmael son of Nethaniah,” he told him. “No one will find out. Why should he be allowed to kill you? All the people of Judah who have joined you would be scattered, so that even those who have survived here would be killed!”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then Iohanan the sonne of Kareah spake to Gedaliah in Mizpah secretly, saying, Let me goe, I pray thee, and I will slay Ishmael the sonne of Nethaniah, and no man shall know it. Wherefore should he kill thee, that all the Iewes, which are gathered vnto thee, shoulde be scattered, and the remnant in Iudah perish?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Johanan son of Kareah hath spoken unto Gedaliah in secret, in Mizpah, saying, 'Let me go, I pray thee, and I smite Ishmael son of Nethaniah, and no one doth know; why doth he smite thy soul? and scattered have been all Judah who are gathered unto thee, and perished hath the remnant of Judah.'

World English Bible WEB

Then Johanan the son of Kareah spoke to Gedaliah in Mizpah secretly, saying, “Please let me go, and I will kill Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and no man will know it. Why should he take your life, that all the Jews who are gathered to you should be scattered, and the remnant of Judah perish?”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then Johanan the son of Kareah spoke to Gedaliah in Mizpah secretly, saying, Let me go, I pray thee, and I will slay Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and no man shall know it : why should he slay thee, that all the Jews who are gathered to thee should be scattered, and the remnant of Judah perish?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

But Johanan the son of Caree, spoke to Oodolias privately in Masphath, saying: I will go, and I will kill Ismahel the son of Nathanias, and no man shall know it, lest he kill thee, and all the Jews be scattered, that are gathered unto thee, and the remnant of Juda perish.

Translation for Translators T4T

Later Johanan talked with Gedaliah privately. He said, “Allow me to go and murder Ishmael secretly. It would not be good [RHQ] to allow him to come and murder you! If you are killed, what will happen to all the Jews who have returned to this area? They will be scattered, and the other people who remain in Judah will all be killed!”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 40:15

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 40:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/יוֹחָנָ֣ן בֶּן קָרֵ֡חַ אָמַ֣ר אֶל גְּדַלְיָהוּ֩ בַ/סֵּ֨תֶר בַּ/מִּצְפָּ֜ה לֵ/אמֹ֗ר אֵ֤לְכָה נָּא֙ וְ/אַכֶּה֙ אֶת יִשְׁמָעֵ֣אל בֶּן נְתַנְיָ֔ה וְ/אִ֖ישׁ לֹ֣א יֵדָ֑ע לָ֧/מָּה יַכֶּ֣/כָּה נֶּ֗פֶשׁ וְ/נָפֹ֨צוּ֙ כָּל יְהוּדָ֔ה הַ/נִּקְבָּצִ֣ים אֵלֶ֔י/ךָ וְ/אָבְדָ֖ה שְׁאֵרִ֥ית יְהוּדָֽה

וְ/יוֹחָנָ֣ן Yôwchânân H3110 Johanan Conj | N-proper

בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms

קָרֵ֡חַ Qârêach H7143 Kareah N-proper

אָמַ֣ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

גְּדַלְיָהוּ֩ Gᵉdalyâh H1436 Gedaliah N-proper

בַ/סֵּ֨תֶר çêther H5643 secrecy Prep | N-ms

בַּ/מִּצְפָּ֜ה Mitspâh H4709 Mizpah Prep | N-proper

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

אֵ֤לְכָה yâlak H3212 to walk V-Qal-1cs

נָּא֙ nâʼ H4994 please Part

וְ/אַכֶּה֙ nâkâh H5221 to smite Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

יִשְׁמָעֵ֣אל Yishmâʻêʼl H3458 Ishmael N-proper

בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms

נְתַנְיָ֔ה Nᵉthanyâh H5418 Nethaniah N-proper

וְ/אִ֖ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man Conj | N-ms

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part

יֵדָ֑ע yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

לָ֧/מָּה mâh H4100 what? Prep | Part

יַכֶּ֣/כָּה nâkâh H5221 to smite V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff

נֶּ֗פֶשׁ nephesh H5315 soul N-cs

וְ/נָפֹ֨צוּ֙ pûwts H6327 to scatter Conj | V-Niphal-3cp

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

יְהוּדָ֔ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah N-proper

הַ/נִּקְבָּצִ֣ים qâbats H6908 to gather Art | V-Niphal-Inf-c

אֵלֶ֔י/ךָ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

וְ/אָבְדָ֖ה ʼâbad H6 to perish Conj | V-Qal-3fs

שְׁאֵרִ֥ית shᵉʼêrîyth H7611 remnant N-fs

יְהוּדָֽה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 40:15

וְ/יוֹחָנָ֣ן Yôwchânân H3110 "Johanan" Conj | N-proper

Johanan means 'Jehovah has graced' and refers to several Israelites, including a priest who returned with Zerubbabel and a captain mentioned in Nehemiah.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Neh.12.11; son of: Joiada (H3111H); brother of: son_of_Joiada (H3111I); father of: Jaddua (H3037H); also called Jonathan at Neh.12.11; Also named: yo.na.tan (יוֹנָתָן "Jonathan" H3129M) § Johanan = "Jehovah has graced" 1) a priest during the high priesthood of Joiakim who returned with Zerubbabel 2) a Jewish captain after the fall of Jerusalem 3) the eldest son of king Josiah 4) a post-exilic prince of the line of David 5) father of Azariah, priest in Solomon's time 6) a Benjamite, one of David's mighty warriors 7) a Gadite, one of David's mighty warriors 8) a returning exile

Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: Johanan. See also: 2 Kings 25:23; Jeremiah 40:16; Jeremiah 40:8.

בֶּן 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.

קָרֵ֡חַ Qârêach H7143 "Kareah" N-proper

Kareah was an Israelite who lived during the Divided Monarchy, mentioned in 2 Kings 25:23, and was the father of Johanan and Jonathan. He supported Gedaliah's authority and avenged his murder. His name means 'bald'.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.25.23; father of: Johanan (H3110), Jonathan (H3129L) § Kareah = "bald" father of Johanan and Jonathan who supported Gedaliah's authority and avenged his murder

Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: Careah, Kareah. See also: 2 Kings 25:23; Jeremiah 41:14; Jeremiah 40:8.

אָמַ֣ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

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.

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.

גְּדַלְיָהוּ֩ 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.

בַ/סֵּ֨תֶר çêther H5643 "secrecy" Prep | N-ms

This word refers to a shelter or covering, like a place to hide. It can also mean protection, as in Psalm 18:11 where God is a shelter from danger.

Definition: 1) covering, shelter, hiding place, secrecy 1a) covering, cover 1b) hiding place, shelter, secret place 1c) secrecy 1c1) secrecy (of tongue being slanderous)

Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: backbiting, covering, covert, [idiom] disguise(-th), hiding place, privily, protection, secret(-ly, place). See also: Deuteronomy 13:7; Psalms 61:5; Psalms 18:12.

בַּ/מִּצְפָּ֜ה Mitspâh H4709 "Mizpah" Prep | N-proper

Mitspah means watchtower, referring to a place in Palestine near Mount Hermon. It appears in the Bible as a location. The name is associated with a place of observation.

Definition: § Mizpah = "watchtower" a place near Mount Hermon

Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: Mitspah. (This seems rather to be only an orthographic variation of H4708 (מִצְפֶּה) when 'in pause'.) See also: Genesis 31:49; 1 Samuel 10:17; Jeremiah 40:10.

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

אֵ֤לְכָה yâlak H3212 "to walk" V-Qal-1cs

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.

נָּא֙ nâʼ H4994 "please" Part

The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.

Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation

Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.

וְ/אַכֶּה֙ nâkâh H5221 "to smite" Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.

Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)

Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.

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.

יִשְׁמָעֵ֣אל Yishmâʻêʼl H3458 "Ishmael" N-proper

Ishmael means God will hear, and refers to Abraham's son with Hagar, as well as several other Israelites. He is mentioned in Genesis and Ezra. Ishmael is considered the progenitor of the Arabian peoples.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.22 § Ishmael = "God will hear" 1) son of Abraham and Sarah's handmaid Hagar and the progenitor of the Arabian peoples 2) son of Nethaniah and the murderer of Gedaliah 3) a Benjamite, one of the sons of Azel a descendant of Saul through Meribbaal or Mephibosheth 4) a Judaite, father of Zebadiah 5) a Judaite, son of Johanan and one of the captains who aided Jehoiada in restoring Joash to the throne 6) a priest of the family of Pashur with a foreign wife whom he was forced to put away by Ezra

Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: Ishmael. See also: Genesis 16:11; 2 Chronicles 19:11; Jeremiah 40:8.

בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

Definition: : child/son

נְתַנְיָ֔ה Nᵉthanyâh H5418 "Nethaniah" N-proper

Nethaniah was a Levite and his name means 'given of Jehovah', and is mentioned in the book of Jeremiah as the father of Jehudi.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Jer.36.14; son of: Shelemiah (H8018K); father of: Jehudi (H3065) § Nethaniah = "given of Jehovah" 1) son of Elishama of the royal family of Judah and father of Ishmael who murdered Gedaliah 2) father of Jehudi 3) a Levite, one of the 4 sons of Asaph the minstrel 4) a Levite in the reign of king Jehoshaphat of Judah

Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: Nethaniah. See also: 2 Kings 25:23; Jeremiah 41:2; Jeremiah 36:14.

וְ/אִ֖ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" Conj | N-ms

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.

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

יֵדָ֑ע yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)

Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.

לָ֧/מָּה mâh H4100 "what?" Prep | Part

This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.

Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may

Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.

יַכֶּ֣/כָּה nâkâh H5221 "to smite" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff

נֶּ֗פֶשׁ nephesh H5315 "soul" N-cs

The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.

Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain

Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.

וְ/נָפֹ֨צוּ֙ pûwts H6327 "to scatter" Conj | V-Niphal-3cp

To shatter means to break something into pieces, either physically or figuratively. It can also mean to disperse or scatter people or things, as seen in various Bible translations.

Definition: 1) to scatter, be dispersed, be scattered 1a) (Qal) to be dispersed, be scattered 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be scattered 1b2) to be spread abroad 1c) (Hiphil) to scatter 1d) Hithpael) scatter

Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: break (dash, shake) in (to) pieces, cast (abroad), disperse (selves), drive, retire, scatter (abroad), spread abroad. See also: Genesis 10:18; Jeremiah 10:21; Psalms 18:15.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

יְהוּדָ֔ה 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.

הַ/נִּקְבָּצִ֣ים qâbats H6908 "to gather" Art | V-Niphal-Inf-c

To gather or collect people or things, like when the Israelites assembled in the book of Numbers. It's about bringing things or people together in one place.

Definition: 1) to gather, assemble 1a) (Qal) to gather, collect, assemble 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, gather 1b2) to be gathered 1c) (Piel) to gather, gather together, take away 1d) (Pual) to be gathered together 1e) (Hithpael) to gather together, be gathered together

Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: assemble (selves), gather (bring) (together, selves together, up), heap, resort, [idiom] surely, take up. See also: Genesis 41:35; Proverbs 28:8; Psalms 41:7.

אֵלֶ֔י/ךָ ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

וְ/אָבְדָ֖ה ʼâbad H6 "to perish" Conj | V-Qal-3fs

To perish means to be destroyed or lost, whether it's a person, animal, or thing, like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19.

Definition: 1) perish, vanish, go astray, be destroyed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) perish, die, be exterminated 1a2) perish, vanish (fig.) 1a3) be lost, strayed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to destroy, kill, cause to perish, to give up (as lost), exterminate 1b2) to blot out, do away with, cause to vanish, (fig.) 1b3) cause to stray, lose 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to destroy, put to death 1c1a) of divine judgment 1c2) object name of kings (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (אֲבַד "to destroy" H0007)

Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: break, destroy(-uction), [phrase] not escape, fail, lose, (cause to, make) perish, spend, [idiom] and surely, take, be undone, [idiom] utterly, be void of, have no way to flee. See also: Exodus 10:7; Psalms 112:10; Psalms 1:6.

שְׁאֵרִ֥ית shᵉʼêrîyth H7611 "remnant" N-fs

The Hebrew word for remnant refers to what is left after something has been destroyed or taken away, like the Israelites who survived the Babylonian exile. It appears in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah. The concept of a remnant is key to God's plan for his people.

Definition: 1) rest, residue, remainder, remnant 1a) rest, what is left 1b) remainder, descendants

Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: that had escaped, be left, posterity, remain(-der), remnant, residue, rest. See also: Genesis 45:7; Jeremiah 42:19; Psalms 76:11.

יְהוּדָֽה 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.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 40:15

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Jeremiah 40:15 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 40:15
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 40:15
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 40:15
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 40:15
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 40:15
Sermons on Jeremiah 40:15

Context — The Plot against Gedaliah

13Meanwhile, Johanan son of Kareah and all the commanders of the armies in the field came to Gedaliah at Mizpah 14and said to him, “Are you aware that Baalis king of the Ammonites has sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to take your life?” But Gedaliah son of Ahikam did not believe them.

15Then Johanan son of Kareah spoke privately to Gedaliah at Mizpah. “Let me go and kill Ishmael son of Nethaniah,” he said. “No one will know it. Why should he take your life and scatter all the people of Judah who have gathered to you, so that the remnant of Judah would perish?”

16But Gedaliah son of Ahikam said to Johanan son of Kareah, “Do not do such a thing! What you are saying about Ishmael is a lie.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Samuel 26:8	Abishai said to David, “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hand. Now, therefore, please let me thrust the spear through him into the ground with one stroke. I will not need to strike him twice!”
2	2 Samuel 21:17	But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You must never again go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel may not be extinguished.”
3	Jeremiah 42:2	Jeremiah the prophet and said, “May our petition come before you; pray to the LORD your God on behalf of this entire remnant. For few of us remain of the many, as you can see with your own eyes.
4	Job 31:31	if the men of my house have not said, ‘Who is there who has not had his fill?’—
5	John 11:50	You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.”
6	1 Samuel 24:4	So David’s men said to him, “This is the day about which the LORD said to you, ‘Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do with him as you wish.’” Then David crept up secretly and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe.
7	2 Samuel 18:3	But the people pleaded, “You must not go out! For if we have to flee, they will pay no attention to us. Even if half of us die, they will not care; but you are worth ten thousand of us. It is better for now if you support us from the city.”
8	Jeremiah 12:3–4	But You know me, O LORD; You see me and test my heart toward You. Drag away the wicked like sheep to the slaughter and set them apart for the day of carnage. How long will the land mourn and the grass of every field be withered? Because of the evil of its residents, the animals and birds have been swept away, for the people have said, “He cannot see what our end will be.”
9	Ezekiel 33:24–29	“Son of man, those living in the ruins in the land of Israel are saying, ‘Abraham was only one man, yet he possessed the land. But we are many; surely the land has been given to us as a possession.’ Therefore tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘You eat meat with the blood in it, lift up your eyes to your idols, and shed blood. Should you then possess the land? You have relied on your swords, you have committed detestable acts, and each of you has defiled his neighbor’s wife. Should you then possess the land?’ Tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘As surely as I live, those in the ruins will fall by the sword, those in the open field I will give to be devoured by wild animals, and those in the strongholds and caves will die by plague. I will make the land a desolate waste, and the pride of her strength will come to an end. The mountains of Israel will become desolate, so that no one will pass through. Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I have made the land a desolate waste because of all the abominations they have committed.’

Jeremiah 40:15 Summary

In Jeremiah 40:15, Johanan asks Gedaliah if he can kill Ishmael, who wants to harm Gedaliah, because Johanan is concerned about the safety of the people of Judah. This shows that Johanan wants to protect his people, but Gedaliah does not believe Ishmael is a threat. This situation teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when we feel the need to take control, and to seek His guidance and wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. By trusting in God, we can have peace and confidence, just like David did in Psalm 23:4, and we can demonstrate God's love and care to those around us, as seen in Matthew 22:37-40.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the context of Johanan's request to Gedaliah in Jeremiah 40:15?

Johanan's request comes after he and other commanders warned Gedaliah that Ishmael son of Nethaniah was sent to take his life, as seen in Jeremiah 40:13-14, but Gedaliah did not believe them, setting the stage for Johanan's private conversation with Gedaliah.

Why did Johanan want to kill Ishmael son of Nethaniah?

Johanan wanted to protect Gedaliah's life and prevent the scattering of the people of Judah who had gathered to him, as Ishmael's actions could lead to the demise of the remnant of Judah, similar to how God protected His people in Exodus 14:13-14.

How does Gedaliah respond to Johanan's request in the following verse?

Gedaliah tells Johanan not to do such a thing, believing that what Johanan said about Ishmael was a lie, as seen in Jeremiah 40:16, highlighting Gedaliah's trust in God's protection and provision, much like David's trust in Psalm 23:4.

What can we learn from Johanan's actions and Gedaliah's response about trust and obedience?

We learn that trust in God's sovereignty and obedience to His will are crucial, even in uncertain times, and that we should seek God's guidance and wisdom, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6, rather than relying solely on human understanding or actions.

Reflection Questions

What are some situations in my life where I feel the need to take matters into my own hands, and how can I trust God's sovereignty instead?
How can I balance the need to protect myself and others with the importance of trusting in God's protection and provision, as seen in Psalm 91:1-2?
What are some ways I can seek God's guidance and wisdom in uncertain times, and how can I discern His will for my life, as encouraged in Jeremiah 29:11-13?
How can I apply the principles of trust and obedience from this verse to my relationships with others, and how can I demonstrate God's love and care to those around me, as seen in Matthew 22:37-40?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 40:15

Then Johanan the son of Kareah spake to Gedaliah in Mizpah secretly,.... Partly that he might, as he thought, more easily prevail upon him, and persuade him to believe the information given; and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 40:15

Then Johanan the son of Kareah spake to Gedaliah in Mizpah secretly, saying, Let me go, I pray thee, and I will slay Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and no man shall know it: wherefore should he slay

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 40:15

Discerning that Gedaliah took no great notice of his word spoken to him in the presence of the other captains, he goeth to him secretly, offereth him his service to prevent the stroke, if he might have commission from him; mindeth him that if he did not value his own life, yet he ought to consider in what a condition the people would be in case he were cut off; they were now but a small remnant, and then that remnant also would perish.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 40:15

Jeremiah 40:15 Then Johanan the son of Kareah spake to Gedaliah in Mizpah secretly, saying, Let me go, I pray thee, and I will slay Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and no man shall know [it]: wherefore should he slay thee, that all the Jews which are gathered unto thee should be scattered, and the remnant in Judah perish?Ver. 15. Let me go, I pray thee, and I will slay Ishmael.] He offereth his service for the slaying of Ishmael, and it had been happy he had done it, sed immodico obsequio sibi fidem derogat, his forwardness rendereth him suspected. Gedaliah seemeth to have been of our Queen Elizabeth’ s temper, who was heard to profess, that she could believe nothing of her people that parents would not believe of their children. Camden.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 40:15

15. the remnant of Judah perish] Johanan no doubt hoped to influence a high-minded man like Gedaliah by this argument that on his life depended the welfare of those who remained yet in the country.

Sermons on Jeremiah 40:15

	Sermon	Description
	The Name 'Christian'. by Elijah Goodwin	Elijah Goodwin preaches about the significance of the name 'Christian' as the family name of the religious association, derived from 'Christ' meaning 'anointed.' He emphasizes that
	The Lord Is My Light by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the speaker shares personal anecdotes and reflections on the preaching of the word of God. They mention a specific verse that came to mind and their desire to share
	Closing Address on Communion Sabbath, January 27, 1889. by Andrew Bonar	Andrew Bonar emphasizes the prophetic role of Christ in his closing address on Communion Sabbath, reflecting on the Samaritan woman's statement about the coming Prophet. He highlig
	Jesus Raises Lazarus From the Dead John 11:1-57 by David Servant	David Servant preaches on the story of Lazarus, highlighting how Jesus was glorified not by Lazarus's sickness but by his resurrection, emphasizing that God's power is displayed in
	Example of Living by Faith by K.P. Yohannan	K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the importance of living by faith through the example of David, who, despite having the opportunity to kill Saul, chose to trust God's timing and methods i
	The Heart of David by Art Katz	Art Katz explores the profound significance of a single moment in David's life, particularly his encounter with Saul in 1 Samuel 24, illustrating the timeless conflict between the
	Exposition on Psalm 54 by St. Augustine	St. Augustine preaches on the significance of Psalm 53, focusing on the hidden meanings within the text. He delves into the allegorical interpretation of the Ziphites as enemies of