Lectionary Calendar
Thursday, May 1st, 2025
the Second Week after Easter
Attention!
For 10¢ a day you can enjoy StudyLight.org ads
free while helping to build churches and support pastors in Uganda.
Click here to learn more!

Read the Bible

Green's Literal Translation

Jeremiah 40:5

Even while he had not yet returned, he said , Or go back to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed over the cities of Judah, and live with him among the people. Or to all that is right in your eyesto go, go. And the chief of the executioners gave him ration and a reward, and sent him away.

Bible Study Resources

Concordances:

- Nave's Topical Bible - Ahikam;   Gedaliah;   Nebuzaradan (Nebuzar-Adan);   Shaphan;   Torrey's Topical Textbook - Liberality;   Presents;   Travellers;  

Dictionaries:

- American Tract Society Bible Dictionary - Gedaliah;   Ishmael;   Johanan;   Bridgeway Bible Dictionary - Gedaliah;   Jeremiah;   Easton Bible Dictionary - Ahikam;   Gedaliah;   Nebuzaradan;   Zedekiah;   Fausset Bible Dictionary - Ahikam;   Gedaliah;   Kings, the Books of;   Nebuzaradan;   Shaphan;   Holman Bible Dictionary - Gedaliah;   Jeremiah;   Ramah;   Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible - Diet;   Gedaliah;   Gift, Giving;   Greek Versions of Ot;   Ishmael;   Jeremiah;   Mizpah, Mizpeh;   Morrish Bible Dictionary - Ahikam ;   Gedaliah ;   Shaphan ;   The Hawker's Poor Man's Concordance And Dictionary - Nebuzaradan;   People's Dictionary of the Bible - Gedaliah;   Smith Bible Dictionary - Gedali'ah;  

Encyclopedias:

- Condensed Biblical Cyclopedia - Kingdom of Judah;   International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Ahikam;   Gedaliah;   Reward;   The Jewish Encyclopedia - Gedallah;  

Parallel Translations

Christian Standard Bible®
When Jeremiah had not yet turned to go, Nebuzaradan said to him, “Return to Gedaliah son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed over the cities of Judah, and stay with him among the people or go wherever it seems right for you to go.” So the captain of the guards gave him a ration and a gift and released him.
Hebrew Names Version
Now while he was not yet gone back, Go back then, [said he], to Gedalyahu the son of Achikam, the son of Shafan, whom the king of Bavel has made governor over the cities of Yehudah, and dwell with him among the people; or go wherever it seems right to you to go. So the captain of the guard gave him victuals and a present, and let him go.
King James Version
Now while he was not yet gone back, he said, Go back also to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon hath made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people: or go wheresoever it seemeth convenient unto thee to go. So the captain of the guard gave him victuals and a reward, and let him go.
English Standard Version
If you remain, then return to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon appointed governor of the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people. Or go wherever you think it right to go." So the captain of the guard gave him an allowance of food and a present, and let him go.
New American Standard Bible
As Jeremiah was still not going back, he said, "Go on back then to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed over the cities of Judah, and stay with him among the people; or else go anywhere it seems right for you to go." So the captain of the bodyguard gave him a ration and a gift, and let him go.
New Century Version
Before Jeremiah turned to leave, Nebuzaradan said, "Or go back to Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan. The king of Babylon has chosen him to be governor over the towns of Judah. Go and live with Gedaliah among the people, or go anywhere you want." Then Nebuzaradan gave Jeremiah some food and a present and let him go.
Amplified Bible
While Jeremiah was still hesitating, the captain of the bodyguard said, "Go on back then to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed [governor] over the cities of Judah, and stay with him among the people; or else go wherever it seems right for you to go." So the captain of the bodyguard gave him an allowance of food and a gift and let him go.
World English Bible
Now while he was not yet gone back, Go back then, [said he], to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people; or go wherever it seems right to you to go. So the captain of the guard gave him victuals and a present, and let him go.
Geneva Bible (1587)
For yet he was not returned: therefore he said, Returne to Gedaliah the sonne of Ahikam, the sonne of Shaphan, whom the King of Babel hath made gouernour ouer all the cities of Iudah, and dwell with him among the people, or goe wheresoeuer it pleaseth thee to goe. So the chiefe stewarde gaue him vitailes and a rewarde, and let him goe.
Legacy Standard Bible
But as Jeremiah had not yet set out to return, he said, "Return then to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed over the cities of Judah, and stay with him among the people; or else go anywhere that is right in your eyes to go." So the captain of the bodyguard gave him a ration and a gift and let him go.
Berean Standard Bible
But before Jeremiah turned to go, Nebuzaradan told him, "Return to Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed over the cities of Judah, and stay with him among the people, or go anywhere else that seems right." Then the captain of the guard gave him a ration and a gift and released him.
Contemporary English Version
King Nebuchadnezzar has chosen Gedaliah to rule Judah. You can live near Gedaliah, and he will provide for you, or you can live anywhere else you want. Nebuzaradan gave me a supply of food, then let me leave.
Complete Jewish Bible
Before Yirmeyahu could answer, [N'vuzar'adan said,] "Go back then to G'dalyahu the son of Achikam, the son of Shafan, whom the king of Bavel has made governor over the cities of Y'hudah, and live with him among the people; or go wherever it seems right for you to go." The commander of the guard gave him provisions and a gift, and dismissed him.
Darby Translation
And while he had not yet given answer; [he said,] Yea, go back to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon hath appointed over the cities of Judah, and abide with him in the midst of the people; or go wheresoever it seemeth right in thy sight to go. And the captain of the body-guard gave him provisions and a present, and let him go.
Easy-to-Read Version
Or go back to Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan. The king of Babylon has chosen Gedaliah to be governor over the towns of Judah. Go and live with Gedaliah among the people. Or you can go anywhere you want." Then Nebuzaradan gave Jeremiah some food and a present and let him go.
George Lamsa Translation
Then he said to him again, If you remain, dwell among the people with Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has made governor over the cities of Judah; or go wherever it seems good to you to go. Then Nebuzaradan, the general of the guard gave him presents after the custom and let him go.
Good News Translation
When I did not answer, Nebuzaradan said, "Go back to Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam and grandson of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylonia has made governor of the towns of Judah. You may stay with him and live among the people, or you may go anywhere you think you should." Then he gave me a present and some food to take with me, and let me go on my way.
Lexham English Bible
While he still had not turned back, Nebuzaradan added, "Return to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed in an official position over the towns of Judah, and stay with him in the midst of the people. Or to wherever it is right in your eyes to go, then go there." Then the captain of the guard gave him an allowance of provisions and a present, and let him go.
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
Yf thou canst not be content to dwell alone, then remayne wt Godolias the sonne off Ahica the sonne of Sapha, whom the kynge of Babilo hath made gouernoure ouer ye cities of Iuda, & dwell wt him amonge the people, or remayne, where so euer it pleaseth ye. So the chefe captayne gaue him his expeses wt a rewarde, & let him go.
American Standard Version
Now while he was not yet gone back, Go back then, said he, to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon hath made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people; or go wheresoever it seemeth right unto thee to go. So the captain of the guard gave him victuals and a present, and let him go.
Bible in Basic English
Then go back to Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has made ruler over the towns of Judah, and make your living-place with him among the people; or go wherever it seems right to you to go. So the captain of the armed men gave him food and some money and let him go.
JPS Old Testament (1917)
Yet he would not go back.--Go back then to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon hath made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people; or go wheresoever it seemeth right unto thee to go.' So the captain of the guard gave him an allowance and a present, and let him go.
King James Version (1611)
Now while he was not yet gone backe, he sayd, Goe backe also to Gedaliah the sonne of Ahikam the sonne of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon hath made gouernour ouer all the cities of Iudah, and dwell with him among the people: or goe wheresoeuer it seemeth conuenient vnto thee to goe. So the captaine of the gard gaue him vitailes and a reward, and let him goe.
Bishop's Bible (1568)
For as yet he was not gone backe agayne to Gedaliah: therfore he sayde to him, Go backe to Gedaliah the sonne of Ahicam, the sonne of Saphan, whom the kyng of Babylon hath made gouernour ouer the cities of Iuda, and dwell with hym among the people, or remayne where soeuer it please thee. So the chiefe captayne gaue him his expences with a rewarde, and let hym go.
Brenton's Septuagint (LXX)
to fight against the Chaldeans, and to fill it with the corpses of men, whom I smote in mine anger and my wrath, and turned away my face from them, for all their wickedness:
English Revised Version
Now while he was not yet gone back, Go back then, said he, to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon hath made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people: or go wheresoever it seemeth convenient unto thee to go. So the captain of the guard gave him victuals and a present, and let him go.
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
and nyle thou come with me. But dwelle thou with Godolie, sone of Aicham, sone of Saphan, whom the kyng of Babiloyne made souereyn to the citees of Juda; therfor dwelle thou with hym in the myddis of the puple, ether go thou, whidir euer it plesith thee to go. And the maister of chyualrie yaf to hym metis, and yiftis, and lefte hym.
Update Bible Version
Now since he had not yet gone back, [he said] Go back then to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people; or go wherever it seems right to you to go. So the captain of the guard gave him victuals and a present, and let him go.
Webster's Bible Translation
Now while he had not yet gone back, [he said], Go back also to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon had made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people: or go wherever it seemeth convenient to thee to go. So the captain of the guard gave him provisions and a reward, and let him go.
New English Translation
Before Jeremiah could turn to leave, the captain of the guard added, "Go back to Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam and grandson of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon appointed to govern the towns of Judah. Go back and live with him among the people. Or go wherever else you choose." Then the captain of the guard gave Jeremiah some food and a present and let him go.
New King James Version
Now while Jeremiah had not yet gone back, Nebuzaradan said, "Go back to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people. Or go wherever it seems convenient for you to go." So the captain of the guard gave him rations and a gift and let him go.
New Living Translation
If you decide to stay, then return to Gedaliah son of Ahikam and grandson of Shaphan. He has been appointed governor of Judah by the king of Babylon. Stay there with the people he rules. But it's up to you; go wherever you like." Then Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, gave Jeremiah some food and money and let him go.
New Life Bible
If you stay, then go back to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has set over the cities of Judah. Stay with him among the people. Or go where you think it is right to go." Then the captain of the prison soldiers gave him a share of food and a gift, and let him go.
New Revised Standard
If you remain, then return to Gedaliah son of Ahikam son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon appointed governor of the towns of Judah, and stay with him among the people; or go wherever you think it right to go." So the captain of the guard gave him an allowance of food and a present, and let him go.
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
And ere yet he could make reply - Go thou back then unto Gedaliah son of Ahikam son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon hath set in charge over the cities of Judah, and dwell thou with him in the midst of the people, or whithersoever it may be right in thine eyes to go, go! So the chief of the royal executioners gave him an allowance and a present and let him go.
Douay-Rheims Bible
And come not with me: but dwell with Godolias the son of Ahicam the son of Saphan, whom the king of Babylon hath made governor over the cities of Juda: dwell therefore with him in the midst of the people: or whithersoever it shall please thee to go, go. And the general of the army gave him victuals and presents, and let him go.
Revised Standard Version
If you remain, then return to Gedali'ah the son of Ahi'kam, son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon appointed governor of the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people; or go wherever you think it right to go." So the captain of the guard gave him an allowance of food and a present, and let him go.
Young's Literal Translation
and while he doth not reply -- `Or turn back unto Gedaliah son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon hath appointed over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him in the midst of the people, or whithersoever it is right in thine eyes to go -- go.' And the chief of the executioners giveth to him for the way, and a gift, and sendeth him away,
New American Standard Bible (1995)
As Jeremiah was still not going back, he said, "Go on back then to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed over the cities of Judah, and stay with him among the people; or else go anywhere it seems right for you to go." So the captain of the bodyguard gave him a ration and a gift and let him go.

Contextual Overview

1 The Word which was to Jeremiah from Jehovah, after Nebuzaradan, the chief of the executioners, had sent him from Ramah, when he had taken him (and he was bound in chains, among all the captives of Jerusalem and Judah being exiled to Babylon). 2 And the chief of the executioners took Jeremiah and said to him, Jehovah your God has spoken this evil against this place. 3 And Jehovah has brought it and has done according as He has spoken, because you have sinned and have not obeyed His voice, even this thing has come upon you. 4 And now, behold! I loose you today from the chains on your hand. If it is good in your eyes to come with me into Babylon, come. And I will set my eye on you. But if it is evil inyour eyes to come with me into Babylon, stay.Behold, all the land is before you, to go to the good and to the right in your eyes, go there. 5 Even while he had not yet returned, he said , Or go back to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed over the cities of Judah, and live with him among the people. Or to all that is right in your eyesto go, go. And the chief of the executioners gave him ration and a reward, and sent him away. 6 And Jeremiah went to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam at Mizpah, and he lived with him among the people remaining in the land.

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

Go back: Jeremiah 39:14, Jeremiah 41:2, 2 Kings 25:22-24

Ahikam: Jeremiah 26:24, 2 Kings 22:12, 2 Kings 22:14, 2 Chronicles 34:20

or go: Jeremiah 40:4, Jeremiah 15:11, Ezra 7:6, Ezra 7:27, Nehemiah 1:11, Nehemiah 2:4-8, Proverbs 16:7, Proverbs 21:1

gave him: Jeremiah 52:31-34, 2 Kings 8:7-9, Job 22:29, Acts 27:3, Acts 27:43, Acts 28:10, Hebrews 13:6

victuals and a reward: Rather, "victuals (aruchah a stated allowance, sufficient for the journey), and a present," masseatḣ

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 13:7 - I will give Jeremiah 41:18 - whom Jeremiah 52:16 - certain

Cross-References

Genesis 20:3
But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night and said to him, Behold, you are about to die because of the woman you have taken, she being married to a husband.
Genesis 40:1
And after these things, it happened, the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt sinned against their lord, against the king of Egypt.
Genesis 40:3
And he gave them into custody, in the house of the chief of the executioners, into the prison house, the place where Joseph was bound.
Genesis 40:5
And they dreamed a dream, both of them, each his dream in one night, each according to the interpretation of his dream, the cupbearer and the baker who belonged to the king of Egypt, who were bound in the prison house.
Genesis 40:7
And he asked the eunuchs of Pharaoh who were with him in custody, in the house of his lord, saying, Why are your faces sad today?
Genesis 40:8
And they said to him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter. And Joseph said to them, Do not interpretations belong to God? Now tell it to me.
Genesis 40:10
And in the vine were three branches. And at its budding, it went up into blossom, its clusters ripened into grapes.
Genesis 40:13
Yet within three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and will return you to your place. And you will give the cup of Pharaoh into his hand according to the former custom when you were his cupbearer.
Genesis 40:14
But make mention of me along with yourself, when it is well with you; and please do kindness with me and mention me to Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house.
Genesis 40:15
For truly I was stolen from the land of the Hebrews; and here also I have not done anything that they should have put me into the dungeon.

Gill's Notes on the Bible

Now while he was not yet gone back, [he said], go back also to Gedaliah,.... These words, by different versions, are made difficult to be understood, both, whose words they are, and of whom they are spoken. Jarchi makes them to be words of God, and the sense this,

"and by all this he (Jeremiah) had no mind to return; and God said to him, go back to Gedaliah.''

According to the Targum, they are the words of Nebuzaradan, which paraphrases them thus;

"if thou wilt not return (that is, with him to Babylon, or rather to Jerusalem, or best to his own native place), or if thou wilt not dwell (that is, in this place), go back to Gedaliah.''

But of whom they are spoken interpreters differ. Some say of Zedekiah, as Cocceius; while he (Zedekiah) does not return, that is, to Jerusalem; which possibly he might, though as yet not determined by the king of Babylon; in the mean while is bid to go to Gedaliah, appointed governor. Others of Gedaliah, thus, while he (Gedaliah) does not return, but stays at Mizpah, go to him thither. Though it seems best to understand it of Jeremiah, who, having had leave from the captain, did not immediately set out anywhere; but, seething to be at a loss which way to go, Nebuzaradan gives him his advice; that seeing he did not care to go to Babylon, that he would go to Gedaliah

the son of, Ahikam the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon had made governor over all the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people; this was one of the princes of Judah, who, during the siege, went over to the Chaldeans, and who was in great esteem with them; and being, no doubt, recommended to the king of Babylon by his generals, he made him governor of the land under him:

or go wherever it seemeth convenient unto thee to go; though he gave him his advice, he did not press it, but left him at full liberty to take his own way, and go into what part of the land he pleased, and settle in it:

so the captain of the guard gave him victuals, and a reward, and let him go; the prophet was just come out of prison, and destitute of the necessaries of life, and the land was laid waste by the enemy; and therefore he could not have subsisted without a supply, which was liberally given by the captain; not only food for present refreshment, and sufficient for his journey, which way soever he took, but a present of money or clothes, or both; which was very kind usage of a prophet by a Heathen officer.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Now while he was not yet gone back - Most modern commentators render “And as he yet answered nothing, Return then, he said, to Gedaliah ...”

Victuals - A ration of food.

A reward - A present.

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

Verse Jeremiah 40:5. Go back also to Gedaliah — If thou wilt stay in thy own land, thou hadst best put thyself under the protection of thy countryman Gedaliah, whom the King of Babylon has made governor of the land.


 
adsfree-icon
Ads FreeProfile