And they departed, and dwelt in the habitation of Chimham, which is by Bethlehem, to go to enter into Egypt,

JEREMIAH 41:17KJV
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Jeremiah 41:17 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 41:17 mean?

Jeremiah 41:17 describes how a group of people left and settled at a place called the habitation of Chimham, which was near Bethlehem, as they prepared to continue on to Egypt. The verse shows a moment of pause on their journey, marking a temporary stop before entering Egypt.

The people in this verse are those who survived the violence led by Ishmael against Gedaliah and others in Mizpah. After escaping, they gathered under Johanan’s leadership and stopped at Chimham’s lodging place, close to Bethlehem, as they considered fleeing to Egypt for safety. This verse sets the stage for their next steps and highlights their fear of remaining in Judah.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 41:17

  • "habitation" (גְּרוּת, geruth): This word means a lodging place or temporary dwelling. The use of "geruth" here suggests that Chimham’s place was not a permanent settlement but a spot meant for travelers, underlining the group’s unsettled and uncertain situation.
  • "Chimham" (כִּמְהָם, Kimham): Chimham was likely a person whose property or inn was well-known near Bethlehem. Mentioning his name points to a specific, recognized location, giving the story a concrete setting.
  • "to go" (יָלַךְ, yalak) and "enter" (בּוֹא, bo): These words emphasize movement and intention. The group was not just stopping but actively preparing to continue their journey into Egypt, showing their determination and anxiety about what lay ahead.

Why Jeremiah 41:17 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the group’s stop at Chimham’s lodging was only a temporary measure, not a new home, highlighting their fear and uncertainty after the violence in Mizpah.
  • The mention of Bethlehem and Chimham connects this event to earlier biblical history, as Chimham was associated with King David (2 Samuel 19:37–40), grounding the story in a familiar landscape.
  • Jeremiah 41:17 sets up the tension for the next chapters, where the decision to go to Egypt and its consequences become a major focus, showing the people’s struggle to find safety and direction.

Where else these words appear

“Chimham” Hebrew H3643 · used in 4 verses

  • 2 Samuel 19:37 Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee.
  • 2 Samuel 19:38 And the king answered, Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to him that which shall seem good unto thee: and whatsoever thou shalt require of me, that will I do for thee.
  • 2 Samuel 19:40 Then the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him: and all the people of Judah conducted the king, and also half the people of Israel.

“Bethlehem” Hebrew H1035 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 35:19 And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem.
  • Ruth 1:2 And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.
  • 2 Samuel 23:16 And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD.

“by” Hebrew H681 · used in 57 verses

  • Genesis 39:10 And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.
  • 1 Kings 4:12 Baana the son of Ahilud; to him pertained Taanach and Megiddo, and all Bethshean, which is by Zartanah beneath Jezreel, from Bethshean to Abelmeholah, even unto the place that is beyond Jokneam:
  • Proverbs 7:12 Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)