He took also out of the city an eunuch, which had the charge of the men of war; and seven men of them that were near the king's person, which were found in the city; and the principal scribe of the host, who mustered the people of the land; and threescore men of the people of the land, that were found in the midst of the city.

JEREMIAH 52:25KJV
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Jeremiah 52:25 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 52:25 mean?

Jeremiah 52:25 lists several important people taken from Jerusalem after its fall: a high-ranking eunuch in charge of the soldiers, seven men close to the king, the chief scribe who organized the army, and sixty other men found in the city. This verse shows the thoroughness with which the Babylonian conquerors removed leaders and key figures from Jerusalem.

This verse is part of a historical account describing the aftermath of Jerusalem’s capture by Babylon. The writer, recounting events to the exiled people, details how the Babylonians systematically identified and deported those with authority, influence, or special roles in the city, leaving Jerusalem without its leadership and organization.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 52:25

  • The word for "eunuch" (סָרִיס, saris) often referred to a high official or court officer, not always someone physically made a eunuch. Here, it highlights the removal of a trusted royal servant with military responsibilities.
  • The phrase "principal scribe" uses the word שָׁר (sar, "prince" or "chief") and סֹפֵר (sofer, "scribe"), showing this was not just a secretary but a top official responsible for military organization.
  • The verb "mustered" (פָּקַד, paqad) means to count, enroll, or organize, emphasizing the scribe’s active role in managing the people for military purposes.
  • The term for "men of the people of the land" (אַנְשֵׁי הָאָרֶץ, anshei ha’aretz) refers to ordinary citizens, not just officials, showing that the Babylonians targeted a broad range of people, not just leaders.

Why Jeremiah 52:25 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Babylonian conquest was not just about capturing the king but dismantling the entire leadership structure, including military, administrative, and even ordinary influential citizens.
  • Jeremiah 52:25 connects to the wider chapter, which details the destruction and exile, showing the completeness of Jerusalem’s downfall and the seriousness of God’s warnings through Jeremiah.
  • The careful listing of roles and numbers emphasizes the organized, deliberate nature of Babylon’s actions, helping readers understand the scale and method of the exile.

Where else these words appear

“mustered” Hebrew H6633 · used in 12 verses

  • Exodus 38:8 And he made the laver of brass, and the foot of it of brass, of the lookingglasses of the women assembling, which assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
  • Numbers 31:7 And they warred against the Midianites, as the LORD commanded Moses; and they slew all the males.
  • Isaiah 29:7 And the multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel, even all that fight against her and her munition, and that distress her, shall be as a dream of a night vision.

“charge” Hebrew H6496 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 41:34 Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years.
  • 2 Chronicles 31:13 And Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were overseers under the hand of Cononiah and Shimei his brother, at the commandment of Hezekiah the king, and Azariah the ruler of the house of God.
  • Nehemiah 12:42 And Maaseiah, and Shemaiah, and Eleazar, and Uzzi, and Jehohanan, and Malchijah, and Elam, and Ezer. And the singers sang loud, with Jezrahiah their overseer.

“eunuch” Hebrew H5631 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 37:36 And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard.
  • 1 Chronicles 28:1 And David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the companies that ministered to the king by course, and the captains over the thousands, and captains over the hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possession of the king, and of his sons, with the officers, and with the mighty men, and with all the valiant men, unto Jerusalem.
  • Isaiah 39:7 And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.

“threescore” Hebrew H8346 · used in 56 verses

  • Genesis 5:15 And Mahalaleel lived sixty and five years, and begat Jared:
  • Numbers 31:34 And threescore and one thousand asses,
  • 2 Chronicles 11:21 And Rehoboam loved Maachah the daughter of Absalom above all his wives and his concubines:(for he took eighteen wives, and threescore concubines; and begat twenty and eight sons, and threescore daughters.)