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Live in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will go well with you.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/jeremiah/40-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/24_Jer_40_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Jeremiah 40:9 - Gedaliah Rules in Judah" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, swore an oath to them and their men, assuring them, Do not be afraid to serve the Chaldeans. Live in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will go well with you." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/jeremiah/40-9.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/jeremiah/40-9.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/jeremiah/">Jeremiah</a> > <a href="/jeremiah/40.htm">Chapter 40</a> > Verse 9</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad9.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/jeremiah/40-8.htm" title="Jeremiah 40:8">◄</a> Jeremiah 40:9 <a href="/jeremiah/40-10.htm" title="Jeremiah 40:10">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/jeremiah/40.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/jeremiah/40.htm">New International Version</a> Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, took an oath to reassure them and their men. &#8220Do not be afraid to serve the Babylonians,&#8221 he said. &#8220Settle down in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will go well with you. <a href="/nlt/jeremiah/40.htm">New Living Translation</a> Gedaliah vowed to them that the Babylonians meant them no harm. “Don’t be afraid to serve them. Live in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and all will go well for you,” he promised. <a href="/esv/jeremiah/40.htm">English Standard Version</a> Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, swore to them and their men, saying, “Do not be afraid to serve the Chaldeans. Dwell in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you. <a href="/bsb/jeremiah/40.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, swore an oath to them and their men, assuring them, “Do not be afraid to serve the Chaldeans. Live in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will go well with you. <a href="/kjv/jeremiah/40.htm">King James Bible</a> And Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan sware unto them and to their men, saying, Fear not to serve the Chaldeans: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you. <a href="/nkjv/jeremiah/40.htm">New King James Version</a> And Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, took an oath before them and their men, saying, “Do not be afraid to serve the Chaldeans. Dwell in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you. <a href="/nasb_/jeremiah/40.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, swore to them and to their men, saying, “Do not be afraid of serving the Chaldeans; stay in the land and serve the king of Babylon, so that it may go well for you. <a href="/nasb/jeremiah/40.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, swore to them and to their men, saying, &#8220Do not be afraid of serving the Chaldeans; stay in the land and serve the king of Babylon, that it may go well with you. <a href="/nasb77/jeremiah/40.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, swore to them and to their men, saying, “Do not be afraid of serving the Chaldeans; stay in the land and serve the king of Babylon, that it may go well with you. <a href="/lsb/jeremiah/40.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, swore to them and to their men, saying, “Do not be afraid of serving the Chaldeans; stay in the land and serve the king of Babylon, that it may go well with you. <a href="/amp/jeremiah/40.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, swore to them and their men, saying, “Do not be afraid to serve the Chaldeans; stay in this land and serve the king of Babylon, that it may go well with you. <a href="/csb/jeremiah/40.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Gedaliah son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, swore an oath to them and their men, assuring them, “Don’t be afraid to serve the Chaldeans. Live in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will go well for you. <a href="/hcsb/jeremiah/40.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Gedaliah son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, swore an oath to them and their men, assuring them, &#8220Don&#8217t be afraid to serve the Chaldeans. Live in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will go well for you. <a href="/asv/jeremiah/40.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan sware unto them and to their men, saying, Fear not to serve the Chaldeans: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you. <a href="/cev/jeremiah/40.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Gedaliah told them, "There's no need to be afraid of the Babylonians. Everything will be fine, if we live peacefully and obey King Nebuchadnezzar. <a href="/erv/jeremiah/40.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan sware unto them and to their men, saying, Fear not to serve the Chaldeans: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you. <a href="/gwt/jeremiah/40.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Gedaliah, son of Ahikam and grandson of Shaphan, swore an oath to them and their men. He said, "Don't be afraid to serve the Babylonians. Live in this country, serve the king of Babylon, and you will prosper. <a href="/gnt/jeremiah/40.htm">Good News Translation</a> Gedaliah said to them, "I give you my word that there is no need for you to be afraid to surrender to the Babylonians. Settle in this land, serve the king of Babylonia, and all will go well with you. <a href="/isv/jeremiah/40.htm">International Standard Version</a> Ahikam's son Gedaliah, the grandson of Shaphan, swore an oath to them and their men: "Don't be afraid to serve the Chaldeans. Remain in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and things will go well for you. <a href="/msb/jeremiah/40.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, swore an oath to them and their men, assuring them, ?Do not be afraid to serve the Chaldeans. Live in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will go well with you. <a href="/net/jeremiah/40.htm">NET Bible</a> Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam and grandson of Shaphan, took an oath so as to give them and their troops some assurance of safety. "Do not be afraid to submit to the Babylonians. Settle down in the land and submit to the king of Babylon. Then things will go well for you. <a href="/nheb/jeremiah/40.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan swore to them and to their men, saying, "Do not be afraid to serve the Chaldeans: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you. <a href="/wbt/jeremiah/40.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, swore to them and to their men, saying, Fear not to serve the Chaldeans: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you. <a href="/web/jeremiah/40.htm">World English Bible</a> Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan swore to them and to their men, saying, “Don’t be afraid to serve the Chaldeans. Dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it will be well with you. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/jeremiah/40.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Gedaliah son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, swears to them and to their men, saying, “Do not be afraid of serving the Chaldeans, abide in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it is well for you; <a href="/ylt/jeremiah/40.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And swear to them doth Gedaliah son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, and to their men, saying, 'Be not afraid of serving the Chaldeans, abide in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it is well for you; <a href="/slt/jeremiah/40.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Gedaliah son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, will swear to them and to their men, saying, Ye shall not fear serving the Chaldeans: dwell in the land and serve the king of Babel, and it shall be well to you.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/jeremiah/40.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Godolias the son of Ahicam the son of Saphan swore to them and to their companions, saying: Fear not to serve the Chaldeass: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you. <a href="/cpdv/jeremiah/40.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, swore to them and to their companions, saying: “Do not be afraid to serve the Chaldeans. Live in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it will be well with you. <a href="/nabre/jeremiah/40.htm">New American Bible</a> Gedaliah, son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, swore an oath to them and their men: “Do not be afraid to serve the Chaldeans. Stay in the land and serve the king of Babylon, so that everything may go well with you. <a href="/nrsvce/jeremiah/40.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Gedaliah son of Ahikam son of Shaphan swore to them and their troops, saying, “Do not be afraid to serve the Chaldeans. Stay in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall go well with you.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/jeremiah/40.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan swore to them and to their men, saying, Fear not to serve the Chaldeans; dwell in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you. <a href="/hpbt/jeremiah/40.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Gedaliah son of Akhiqam, son of Shaphan, swore to them and to the men who were with them, and he said: "Do not be afraid to work for the Chaldeans. Dwell in the land and work for the King of Babel, and it shall be well for you<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/jeremiah/40.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan swore unto them and to their men, saying: 'Fear not to serve the Chaldeans; dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you. <a href="/sep/jeremiah/40.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Godolias swore to them and to their men, saying, Be not afraid before the children of the Chaldeans: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be better for you. <a href="/parallel/jeremiah/40-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5k55c51ZGhs?start=12455" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/jeremiah/40.htm">Gedaliah Rules in Judah</a> …8they came to Gedaliah at Mizpah—Ishmael son of Nethaniah, Johanan and Jonathan the sons of Kareah, Seraiah son of Tanhumeth, the sons of Ephai the Netophathite, and Jezaniah son of the Maacathite—they and their men. 9<a href="/hebrew/1436.htm" title="1436: gə·ḏal·yā·hū (N-proper-ms) -- Or Gdalyahuw; from gadal and Yahh; Jah has become great; Gedaljah, the name of five Israelites.">Gedaliah</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ḇen- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">son</a> <a href="/hebrew/296.htm" title="296: ’ă·ḥî·qām (N-proper-ms) -- My brother has arisen, an Isr. From 'ach and quwm; brother of rising; Achikam, an Israelite.">of Ahikam,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">the son</a> <a href="/hebrew/8227.htm" title="8227: šā·p̄ān (N-proper-ms) -- A species of rockrabbit, the hyrax. From saphan; a species of rock-rabbit, i.e. Probably the hyrax.">of Shaphan,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7650.htm" title="7650: way·yiš·šā·ḇa‘ (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; propr. To be complete, but used only as a denominative from sheba'; to seven oneself, i.e. Swear.">swore an oath</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- ">to them</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: ū·lə·’an·šê·hem (Conj-w, Prep-l:: N-mpc:: 3mp) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">and their men,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">assuring them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">“Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3372.htm" title="3372: tî·rə·’ū (V-Qal-Imperf-2mp) -- To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten. A primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. To frighten.">be afraid</a> <a href="/hebrew/5647.htm" title="5647: mê·‘ă·ḇō·wḏ (Prep-m:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To work, serve. A primitive root; to work; by implication, to serve, till, enslave, etc.">to serve</a> <a href="/hebrew/3778.htm" title="3778: hak·kaś·dîm (Art:: N-proper-mp) -- A region of S. Bab. and its inhab. (occasionally with enclitic) Kasdiymah; towards the Kasdites.">the Chaldeans.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: šə·ḇū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">Live</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: ḇā·’ā·reṣ (Prep-b, Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">in the land</a> <a href="/hebrew/5647.htm" title="5647: wə·‘iḇ·ḏū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To work, serve. A primitive root; to work; by implication, to serve, till, enslave, etc.">and serve</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ (N-msc) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/894.htm" title="894: bā·ḇel (N-proper-fs) -- From balal; confusion; Babel, including Babylonia and the Babylonian empire.">of Babylon,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3190.htm" title="3190: wə·yî·ṭaḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf-3ms) -- To be good, well, glad, or pleasing. A primitive root; to be make well, literally or figuratively.">and it will go well</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- ">with you.</a> 10As for me, I will stay in Mizpah to represent you before the Chaldeans who come to us. As for you, gather wine grapes, summer fruit, and oil, place them in your storage jars, and live in the cities you have taken.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_kings/25-24.htm">2 Kings 25:24</a> And Gedaliah took an oath before them and their men, assuring them, “Do not be afraid of the servants of the Chaldeans. Live in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will be well with you.” <a href="/jeremiah/42-10.htm">Jeremiah 42:10-12</a> ‘If you will indeed stay in this land, then I will build you up and not tear you down; I will plant you and not uproot you, for I will relent of the disaster I have brought upon you. / Do not be afraid of the king of Babylon, whom you now fear; do not be afraid of him, declares the LORD, for I am with you to save you and deliver you from him. / And I will show you compassion, and he will have compassion on you and restore you to your own land.’ <a href="/jeremiah/38-17.htm">Jeremiah 38:17-18</a> Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “This is what the LORD God of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘If you indeed surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, then you will live, this city will not be burned down, and you and your household will survive. / But if you do not surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, then this city will be delivered into the hands of the Chaldeans. They will burn it down, and you yourself will not escape their grasp.’” <a href="/jeremiah/27-11.htm">Jeremiah 27:11</a> But the nation that will put its neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon and serve him, I will leave in its own land, to cultivate it and reside in it, declares the LORD.” <a href="/jeremiah/29-7.htm">Jeremiah 29:7</a> Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you as exiles. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper.” <a href="/2_chronicles/36-20.htm">2 Chronicles 36:20-21</a> Those who escaped the sword were carried by Nebuchadnezzar into exile in Babylon, and they became servants to him and his sons until the kingdom of Persia came to power. / So the land enjoyed its Sabbath rest all the days of the desolation, until seventy years were completed, in fulfillment of the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah. <a href="/ezekiel/11-16.htm">Ezekiel 11:16</a> Therefore declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Although I sent them far away among the nations and scattered them among the countries, yet for a little while I have been a sanctuary for them in the countries to which they have gone.’ <a href="/isaiah/1-19.htm">Isaiah 1:19-20</a> If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best of the land. / But if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken. <a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1-2</a> Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. <a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13-14</a> Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. <a href="/titus/3-1.htm">Titus 3:1</a> Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work, <a href="/matthew/22-21.htm">Matthew 22:21</a> “Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” <a href="/acts/5-29.htm">Acts 5:29</a> But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men. <a href="/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18</a> If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. <a href="/hebrews/12-14.htm">Hebrews 12:14</a> Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan swore to them and to their men, saying, Fear not to serve the Chaldeans: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you.sware.<a href="/1_samuel/20-16.htm">1 Samuel 20:16,17</a> So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, Let the LORD even require it at the hand of David's enemies… <a href="/2_kings/25-24.htm">2 Kings 25:24</a> And Gedaliah sware to them, and to their men, and said unto them, Fear not to be the servants of the Chaldees: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon; and it shall be well with you.Fear.<a href="/jeremiah/27-11.htm">Jeremiah 27:11</a> But the nations that bring their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him, those will I let remain still in their own land, saith the LORD; and they shall till it, and dwell therein.<a href="/jeremiah/38-17.htm">Jeremiah 38:17-20</a> Then said Jeremiah unto Zedekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of hosts, the God of Israel; If thou wilt assuredly go forth unto the king of Babylon's princes, then thy soul shall live, and this city shall not be burned with fire; and thou shalt live, and thine house: … <a href="/genesis/49-15.htm">Genesis 49:15</a> And he saw that rest was good, and the land that it was pleasant; and bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant unto tribute.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/jeremiah/29-28.htm">Abide</a> <a href="/jeremiah/39-17.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/jeremiah/40-7.htm">Ahikam</a> <a href="/jeremiah/40-6.htm">Ahi'kam</a> <a href="/jeremiah/40-7.htm">Babylon</a> <a href="/jeremiah/39-8.htm">Babylonians</a> <a href="/jeremiah/39-8.htm">Chaldaeans</a> <a href="/jeremiah/39-8.htm">Chaldeans</a> <a href="/jeremiah/39-8.htm">Chalde'ans</a> <a href="/jeremiah/40-5.htm">Dwell</a> <a href="/jeremiah/39-17.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/jeremiah/40-8.htm">Gedaliah</a> <a href="/jeremiah/40-6.htm">Gedali'ah</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-16.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/2_kings/25-24.htm">Reassure</a> <a href="/jeremiah/37-18.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/jeremiah/35-15.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-24.htm">Serving</a> <a href="/jeremiah/29-28.htm">Settle</a> <a href="/jeremiah/40-5.htm">Shaphan</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-16.htm">Sware</a> <a href="/jeremiah/32-22.htm">Swear</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-16.htm">Swore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/jeremiah/41-17.htm">Abide</a> <a href="/jeremiah/41-18.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/jeremiah/40-11.htm">Ahikam</a> <a href="/jeremiah/40-14.htm">Ahi'kam</a> <a href="/jeremiah/40-11.htm">Babylon</a> <a href="/jeremiah/40-10.htm">Babylonians</a> <a href="/jeremiah/41-18.htm">Chaldaeans</a> <a href="/jeremiah/40-10.htm">Chaldeans</a> <a href="/jeremiah/41-18.htm">Chalde'ans</a> <a href="/jeremiah/40-10.htm">Dwell</a> <a href="/jeremiah/41-9.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/jeremiah/40-11.htm">Gedaliah</a> <a href="/jeremiah/40-12.htm">Gedali'ah</a> <a href="/jeremiah/49-13.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/1_john/3-19.htm">Reassure</a> <a href="/jeremiah/44-4.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/jeremiah/40-10.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/jeremiah/44-3.htm">Serving</a> <a href="/jeremiah/42-17.htm">Settle</a> <a href="/jeremiah/40-11.htm">Shaphan</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-8.htm">Sware</a> <a href="/jeremiah/49-13.htm">Swear</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-8.htm">Swore</a><div class="vheading2">Jeremiah 40</div>1. <a href="/jeremiah/40-1.htm">Jeremiah, being set free by Nebuzaradan, goes to Gedaliah.</a> 7. <a href="/jeremiah/40-7.htm">The dispersed Jews repair unto him.</a> 13. <a href="/jeremiah/40-13.htm">Johanan revealing Ishmael's conspiracy is not believed.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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His lineage is significant; Ahikam, his father, was a supporter of the prophet Jeremiah (<a href="/jeremiah/26-24.htm">Jeremiah 26:24</a>), and Shaphan, his grandfather, was a scribe during King Josiah's reign who played a role in the discovery of the Book of the Law (<a href="/2_kings/22-8.htm">2 Kings 22:8-14</a>). This lineage suggests a family committed to the reforms and spiritual renewal of Judah.swore an oath to them and their men Gedaliah's oath was a formal and solemn promise, indicating his commitment to protect and lead the remnant of Judah. Oaths were serious in biblical times, often invoking God's name as a witness (<a href="/numbers/30-2.htm">Numbers 30:2</a>). This act was meant to reassure the people and establish trust in his leadership.assuring them, “Do not be afraid to serve the Chaldeans. The Chaldeans, synonymous with the Babylonians, were the dominant power after conquering Judah. Gedaliah's assurance was a call to accept the new political reality. Fear of foreign rulers was common, but Gedaliah encouraged submission as a means of survival. This echoes Jeremiah's earlier prophecies urging submission to Babylon as God's will (<a href="/jeremiah/27-12.htm">Jeremiah 27:12</a>).Live in the land and serve the king of Babylon, Gedaliah advised the people to remain in Judah and serve the Babylonian king. This was a practical approach to ensure peace and stability. The land was central to Jewish identity and covenant promises (<a href="/genesis/12-7.htm">Genesis 12:7</a>), and staying in it, even under foreign rule, was preferable to exile.and it will go well with you. This promise of well-being was conditional upon their obedience and cooperation with Babylonian rule. It reflects the biblical principle that obedience to God's directives, even through foreign powers, leads to blessing (<a href="/deuteronomy/28.htm">Deuteronomy 28:1-14</a>). Gedaliah's message aligns with Jeremiah's prophecies that submission would lead to preservation and eventual restoration (<a href="/jeremiah/29-4.htm">Jeremiah 29:4-7</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/g/gedaliah.htm">Gedaliah</a> Appointed by the Babylonians as governor over the cities of Judah after the destruction of Jerusalem. He was a son of Ahikam and grandson of Shaphan, known for his loyalty to the Babylonian rule and his efforts to stabilize the region. 2. <a href="/topical/a/ahikam.htm">Ahikam</a> Father of Gedaliah, known for protecting the prophet Jeremiah from execution during the reign of King Jehoiakim. 3. <a href="/topical/s/shaphan.htm">Shaphan</a> Grandfather of Gedaliah, a scribe during King Josiah's reign, involved in the discovery of the Book of the Law in the temple. 4. <a href="/topical/c/chaldeans.htm">Chaldeans</a> Another term for the Babylonians, who conquered Jerusalem and exiled many of its inhabitants. 5. <a href="/topical/k/king_of_babylon.htm">King of Babylon</a> Refers to Nebuchadnezzar II, under whose rule the Babylonian Empire expanded and who orchestrated the conquest of Jerusalem.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/submission_to_authority.htm">Submission to Authority</a> Gedaliah's advice to serve the Chaldeans reflects a biblical principle of submitting to governing authorities, even when they are foreign or oppressive. This teaches us to trust God's sovereignty over political situations. <a href="/topical/p/peace_and_prosperity.htm">Peace and Prosperity</a> By encouraging the people to live in the land and serve the king of Babylon, Gedaliah emphasizes the importance of seeking peace and prosperity in the place where God has placed us, even in difficult circumstances. <a href="/topical/c/courage_in_leadership.htm">Courage in Leadership</a> Gedaliah's role as a leader required courage and wisdom. His example challenges us to lead with integrity and faithfulness, even when facing opposition or danger. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_plan.htm">Trust in God's Plan</a> The situation in Judah was dire, yet Gedaliah's counsel reflects a trust in God's overarching plan. We are reminded to trust God's purposes, even when they are not immediately clear.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_jeremiah_40.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 40</a> <a href="/q/external_accounts_on_jeremiah_40_13-16.htm">Jeremiah 40 (especially verses 13-16) - Are there any external accounts to corroborate or challenge the internal conflicts hinted at, particularly with Ishmael's faction?</a> <a href="/q/could_jeremiah_freely_join_gedaliah_amid_chaos.htm">Jeremiah 40:5-6 - How historically plausible is it that Jeremiah traveled freely to live with Gedaliah despite the chaos of the Babylonian occupation?</a> <a href="/q/how_confirm_ishmael's_act_in_jeremiah_41.htm">If there is no external record or archaeological evidence for Ishmael's assassination of Gedaliah, how can we confirm its historicity? (Jeremiah 41:1-3)</a> <a href="/q/does_this_align_with_2_kings_25_22-26.htm">How does this account align with or contradict the parallel narrative in 2 Kings 25:22-26 regarding Gedaliah's murder?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/jeremiah/40.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) Fear not to serve the Chaldeans . . .--Gedaliah, acting as Satrap of the province, assures them that, though they had fought against the conquerors, there would be a full amnesty, and that they might therefore banish all fears of being maltreated. He will remain at his post, and they may return to their own homes. <a href="/commentaries/jeremiah/40-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Gedaliah גְּדַלְיָ֨הוּ (gə·ḏal·yā·hū) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1436.htm">Strong's 1436: </a> Gedaliah -- 'Yah is great', three Israelites son בֶן־ (ḇen-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of Ahikam, אֲחִיקָ֤ם (’ă·ḥî·qām) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_296.htm">Strong's 296: </a> Ahikam -- 'my brother has arisen', an Israelite the son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of Shaphan, שָׁפָן֙ (šā·p̄ān) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8227.htm">Strong's 8227: </a> A species of rockrabbit, the hyrax swore an oath וַיִּשָּׁבַ֨ע (way·yiš·šā·ḇa‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7650.htm">Strong's 7650: </a> To seven oneself, swear to them לָהֶ֜ם (lā·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> and their men, וּלְאַנְשֵׁיהֶ֣ם (ū·lə·’an·šê·hem) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person assuring them, לֵאמֹ֔ר (lê·mōr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “Do not אַל־ (’al-) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> Not be afraid תִּֽירְא֖וּ (tî·rə·’ū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3372.htm">Strong's 3372: </a> To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten to serve מֵעֲב֣וֹד (mê·‘ă·ḇō·wḏ) Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5647.htm">Strong's 5647: </a> To work, to serve, till, enslave the Chaldeans. הַכַּשְׂדִּ֑ים (hak·kaś·dîm) Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> Chaldeans -- a region of southern Babylon and its inhab Live שְׁב֣וּ (šə·ḇū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry in the land בָאָ֗רֶץ (ḇā·’ā·reṣ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> Earth, land and serve וְעִבְד֛וּ (wə·‘iḇ·ḏū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5647.htm">Strong's 5647: </a> To work, to serve, till, enslave the king מֶ֥לֶךְ (me·leḵ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king of Babylon, בָּבֶ֖ל (bā·ḇel) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_894.htm">Strong's 894: </a> Babylon -- an eastern Mediterranean empire and its capital city and it will go well וְיִיטַ֥ב (wə·yî·ṭaḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3190.htm">Strong's 3190: </a> To be good, well, glad, or pleasing for you. לָכֶֽם׃ (lā·ḵem) Preposition | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/jeremiah/40-9.htm">Jeremiah 40:9 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/jeremiah/40-9.htm">Jeremiah 40:9 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/jeremiah/40-9.htm">Jeremiah 40:9 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/jeremiah/40-9.htm">Jeremiah 40:9 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/jeremiah/40-9.htm">Jeremiah 40:9 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/jeremiah/40-9.htm">Jeremiah 40:9 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/jeremiah/40-9.htm">Jeremiah 40:9 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/jeremiah/40-9.htm">Jeremiah 40:9 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/jeremiah/40-9.htm">Jeremiah 40:9 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/jeremiah/40-9.htm">Jeremiah 40:9 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/jeremiah/40-9.htm">OT Prophets: Jeremiah 40:9 Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son (Jer.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/jeremiah/40-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Jeremiah 40:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 40:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/jeremiah/40-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Jeremiah 40:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 40:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>