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 41:11KJV
Know the Bible

Jeremiah 41:11 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 41:11 mean?

Jeremiah 41:11 reports that Johanan son of Kareah and the military leaders with him heard about all the wrongs Ishmael son of Nethaniah had done. This verse marks the moment when news of Ishmael’s violent actions reaches those who might respond.

The verse is set after Ishmael’s attack on Gedaliah and others in Mizpah. Johanan and his fellow commanders, who had not been present, learn of these events and are now positioned to take action. The verse highlights the spread of troubling news and sets up the coming confrontation between Johanan and Ishmael.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 41:11

  • רָעָה (ra‘ah, "evil"): This word often means not just moral evil but also disaster or harm. Here, it emphasizes the seriousness of Ishmael’s actions—they were not just wrong but deeply damaging to the community.
  • שָׁמַע (shama‘, "heard"): This verb can carry the sense of both hearing and responding. In this context, it signals that Johanan and the captains are now aware and will soon act on this information.
  • עָשָׂה (‘asah, "done"): This common verb for "do" or "make" underlines that Ishmael’s actions were deliberate and completed, not accidental or ongoing.

Why Jeremiah 41:11 matters

  • The verse clarifies who is about to oppose Ishmael, showing that Johanan and the other leaders are not part of Ishmael’s group and are motivated by what they have just learned.
  • It connects the violence in Mizpah to the broader community, showing that Ishmael’s actions have consequences beyond his immediate victims.
  • This verse sets up the next stage of the narrative, where Johanan’s response will shape what happens to the survivors and the future of the remnant in Judah.

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 40:16 But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said unto Johanan the son of Kareah, Thou shalt not do this thing: for thou speakest falsely of Ishmael.
  • 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,

“Nethaniah” Hebrew H5418 · used in 20 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 40:8 Then they came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan and Jonathan the sons of Kareah, and Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth, and the sons of Ephai the Netophathite, and Jezaniah the son of a Maachathite, they and their men.
  • Jeremiah 41:7 And it was so, when they came into the midst of the city, that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah slew them, and cast them into the midst of the pit, he, and the men that were with him.

“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.

“Ishmael” Hebrew H3458 · used in 44 verses

  • Genesis 16:11 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction.
  • Genesis 36:3 And Bashemath Ishmael's daughter, sister of Nebajoth.
  • Jeremiah 40:16 But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said unto Johanan the son of Kareah, Thou shalt not do this thing: for thou speakest falsely of Ishmael.