And the basons, and the firepans, and the bowls, and the caldrons, and the candlesticks, and the spoons, and the cups; that which was of gold in gold, and that which was of silver in silver, took the captain of the guard away.

JEREMIAH 52:19KJV
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Jeremiah 52:19 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 52:19 mean?

Jeremiah 52:19 describes how the captain of the guard took away various valuable items from the temple in Jerusalem, including basins, firepans, bowls, caldrons, candlesticks, spoons, and cups, whether they were made of gold or silver. This verse lists the specific temple objects that were seized as part of the Babylonian conquest.

This verse is part of a historical account at the end of Jeremiah, where the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon is described in detail. The items mentioned were used in the temple’s worship and rituals, and their removal shows the thoroughness of the Babylonian plundering. The captain of the guard acted under Babylonian authority, and the loss of these sacred objects marked a significant moment of loss for the people of Judah.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 52:19

  • The word for "basons" (סֵפֶל, sefel; H5592) refers to large bowls or basins used for ritual purposes in the temple, highlighting the loss of important ceremonial vessels.
  • "Firepans" (מַחְתָּה, machtah; H4289) were used to carry coals or incense, showing that even tools for daily worship were taken.
  • "Candlesticks" (מְנוֹרָה, menorah; H4501) refers to lampstands, which were central to the temple’s lighting and symbolized spiritual light; their removal would have been especially significant.
  • The repeated use of "gold" (זָהָב, zahav; H2091) and "silver" (כֶּסֶף, keseph; H3701) emphasizes that all items, regardless of value, were taken, not just the most precious.

Why Jeremiah 52:19 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Babylonians did not only destroy the temple but also systematically removed its treasures, leaving nothing behind.
  • By listing the specific items, Jeremiah 52:19 emphasizes the completeness of the loss and the end of temple worship as it had been known.
  • The verse connects to the wider narrative of judgment and exile, showing the fulfillment of earlier warnings about the consequences of Israel’s unfaithfulness.

Where else these words appear

“cups” Hebrew H4518 · used in 4 verses

  • Exodus 25:29 And thou shalt make the dishes thereof, and spoons thereof, and covers thereof, and bowls thereof, to cover withal: of pure gold shalt thou make them.
  • Exodus 37:16 And he made the vessels which were upon the table, his dishes, and his spoons, and his bowls, and his covers to cover withal, of pure gold.
  • Numbers 4:7 And upon the table of shewbread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put thereon the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to cover withal: and the continual bread shall be thereon:

“firepans” Hebrew H4289 · used in 19 verses

  • Exodus 25:38 And the tongs thereof, and the snuffdishes thereof, shall be of pure gold.
  • Numbers 4:9 And they shall take a cloth of blue, and cover the candlestick of the light, and his lamps, and his tongs, and his snuffdishes, and all the oil vessels thereof, wherewith they minister unto it:
  • Numbers 16:38 The censers of these sinners against their own souls, let them make them broad plates for a covering of the altar: for they offered them before the LORD, therefore they are hallowed: and they shall be a sign unto the children of Israel.

“basons” Hebrew H5592 · used in 28 verses

  • Exodus 12:22 And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.
  • 2 Kings 25:18 And the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest, and Zephaniah the second priest, and the three keepers of the door:
  • Jeremiah 35:4 And I brought them into the house of the LORD, into the chamber of the sons of Hanan, the son of Igdaliah, a man of God, which was by the chamber of the princes, which was above the chamber of Maaseiah the son of Shallum, the keeper of the door:

“candlesticks” Hebrew H4501 · used in 31 verses

  • Exodus 25:31 And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, shall be of the same.
  • Exodus 37:18 And six branches going out of the sides thereof; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side thereof, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side thereof:
  • Numbers 8:3 And Aaron did so; he lighted the lamps thereof over against the candlestick, as the LORD commanded Moses.