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.

JEREMIAH 40:5KJV
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Jeremiah 40:5 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 40:5 mean?

Jeremiah 40:5 describes how Jeremiah, before leaving, is given the choice to stay with Gedaliah—the new governor appointed by Babylon—or to go anywhere else he wishes, and is provided with food and a gift by the captain of the guard. This verse shows Jeremiah being treated with respect and given freedom after Jerusalem’s fall.

The context is that Jerusalem has been conquered by Babylon, and Jeremiah, a prophet who had warned of this disaster, is now being released from captivity. Nebuzaradan, the Babylonian captain, is speaking to Jeremiah, offering him options for his future. Gedaliah, mentioned here, is the Babylonian-appointed governor over the remaining people in Judah, and Jeremiah is given the practical support of food and a reward as he is set free.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 40:5

  • The word "back" (שׁוּב, shuv) appears twice, meaning "to return" or "to go back." This highlights Jeremiah’s opportunity to return to a place or person of his choosing, not just being sent away but given real agency.
  • "Convenient" (יָשָׁר, yashar + עַיִן, ayin) is a phrase that literally means "what is right in your eyes." This stresses that Jeremiah is free to choose whatever seems best to him, showing unusual respect for his personal judgment.
  • "Victuals" (מָזוֹן, mazon) refers to provisions or food, and "reward" (אֶשְׁכָּר, eshkar) means a gift or present. These words show that Jeremiah is not just released but is sent off with practical support, indicating favor and care from his captors.

Why Jeremiah 40:5 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Jeremiah was forced to stay in Judah; he was given a real choice and treated with dignity by the Babylonians.
  • The respect shown to Jeremiah by his enemies highlights his unique position and the fulfillment of God’s promise to protect him.
  • The verse connects to the wider story by setting up Jeremiah’s next steps after the destruction of Jerusalem, showing how he is cared for even in a time of national disaster.

Where else these words appear

“victuals” Hebrew H737 · used in 4 verses

  • 2 Kings 25:30 And his allowance was a continual allowance given him of the king, a daily rate for every day, all the days of his life.
  • Proverbs 15:17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
  • Jeremiah 52:34 And for his diet, there was a continual diet given him of the king of Babylon, every day a portion until the day of his death, all the days of his life.

“reward” Hebrew H4864 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 43:34 And he took and sent messes unto them from before him: but Benjamin's mess was five times so much as any of theirs. And they drank, and were merry with him.
  • 2 Chronicles 24:6 And the king called for Jehoiada the chief, and said unto him, Why hast thou not required of the Levites to bring in out of Judah and out of Jerusalem the collection, according to the commandment of Moses the servant of the LORD, and of the congregation of Israel, for the tabernacle of witness?
  • Jeremiah 6:1 O ye children of Benjamin, gather yourselves to flee out of the midst of Jerusalem, and blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and set up a sign of fire in Bethhaccerem: for evil appeareth out of the north, and great destruction.

“Ahikam” Hebrew H296 · used in 20 verses

  • 2 Kings 22:12 And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's, saying,
  • 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 41:1 Now it came to pass in the seventh month, that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah the son of Elishama, of the seed royal, and the princes of the king, even ten men with him, came unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam to Mizpah; and there they did eat bread together in Mizpah.

“Shaphan” Hebrew H8227 · used in 28 verses

  • Leviticus 11:5 And the coney, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.
  • 2 Chronicles 34:8 Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, when he had purged the land, and the house, he sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, and Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the son of Joahaz the recorder, to repair the house of the LORD his God.
  • Jeremiah 36:10 Then read Baruch in the book the words of Jeremiah in the house of the LORD, in the chamber of Gemariah the son of Shaphan the scribe, in the higher court, at the entry of the new gate of the LORD'S house, in the ears of all the people.