Moreover Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces that were in the fields, came to Gedaliah to Mizpah,

JEREMIAH 40:13KJV
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Jeremiah 40:13 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 40:13 mean?

Jeremiah 40:13 describes how Johanan son of Kareah, along with the other military leaders who were still active in the countryside, came to meet Gedaliah at Mizpah. This verse sets the stage for a significant meeting between the remaining leaders of Judah after the Babylonian conquest.

The verse is part of a narrative where, after Jerusalem’s fall, Babylon appointed Gedaliah as governor over those left in Judah. Johanan and the other commanders, who had been operating outside the main cities, approached Gedaliah at Mizpah, which had become the new administrative center. This meeting signals a moment of transition and uncertainty for the survivors in Judah.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 40:13

  • "Captains" (שָׂרֵי, śārê): This word refers to military leaders or commanders. The use of this term shows that organized resistance or leadership still existed among the people left in the land.
  • "Forces" (חַיִל, ḥayil): This word often means "army," "strength," or "valor." Here, it points to the remaining fighting men or militia, highlighting that these were not just civilians but armed groups.
  • "Fields" (שָׂדֶה, śādeh): This term means open country or rural areas, indicating that these leaders and their men had been operating outside the main urban centers, likely as guerrilla fighters or survivors.
  • "Came" (בּוֹא, bô’): This verb simply means "to come" or "to arrive," but in this context, it marks a deliberate move toward Gedaliah’s authority and a possible shift in allegiance or cooperation.

Why Jeremiah 40:13 matters

  • Jeremiah 40:13 clarifies that not all leadership or resistance in Judah ended with Jerusalem’s destruction; some leaders and their forces survived in the countryside.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of Gedaliah’s new role and the fragile political situation, as these commanders are now seeking him out, possibly for guidance or alliance.
  • This meeting sets up the events that follow, where the stability of the new administration under Gedaliah will be tested by both internal and external threats.

Where else these words appear

“Kareah” Hebrew H7143 · used in 14 verses

  • 2 Kings 25:23 And when all the captains of the armies, they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah governor, there came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan the son of Careah, and Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite, and Jaazaniah the son of a Maachathite, they and their men.
  • Jeremiah 41:11 But when Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces that were with him, heard of all the evil that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had done,
  • Jeremiah 42:1 Then all the captains of the forces, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least even unto the greatest, came near,

“Mizpah” Hebrew H4708 · used in 14 verses

  • Joshua 11:8 And the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel, who smote them, and chased them unto great Zidon, and unto Misrephothmaim, and unto the valley of Mizpeh eastward; and they smote them, until they left them none remaining.
  • 1 Samuel 7:5 And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the LORD.
  • 2 Chronicles 20:24 And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped.

“Johanan” Hebrew H3110 · used in 24 verses

  • 2 Kings 25:23 And when all the captains of the armies, they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah governor, there came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan the son of Careah, and Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite, and Jaazaniah the son of a Maachathite, they and their men.
  • Ezra 8:12 And of the sons of Azgad; Johanan the son of Hakkatan, and with him an hundred and ten males.
  • Jeremiah 41:14 So all the people that Ishmael had carried away captive from Mizpah cast about and returned, and went unto Johanan the son of Kareah.

“Gedaliah” Hebrew H1436 · used in 31 verses

  • 2 Kings 25:22 And as for the people that remained in the land of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had left, even over them he made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, ruler.
  • Jeremiah 40:6 Then went Jeremiah unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam to Mizpah; and dwelt with him among the people that were left in the land.
  • Jeremiah 41:2 Then arose Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and the ten men that were with him, and smote Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan with the sword, and slew him, whom the king of Babylon had made governor over the land.