Jeremiah 41:18 to escape the Chaldeans. For they were afraid of the Chaldeans because Ishmael son of Nethaniah had struck down Gedaliah son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had appointed over the land.

Bible > Jeremiah > Chapter 41 > Verse 18

◄ Jeremiah 41:18 ►

New International Version
to escape the Babylonians. They were afraid of them because Ishmael son of Nethaniah had killed Gedaliah son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had appointed as governor over the land.

New Living Translation
They were afraid of what the Babylonians would do when they heard that Ishmael had killed Gedaliah, the governor appointed by the Babylonian king.

English Standard Version
because of the Chaldeans. For they were afraid of them, because Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had struck down Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had made governor over the land.

Berean Standard Bible
to escape the Chaldeans. For they were afraid of the Chaldeans because Ishmael son of Nethaniah had struck down Gedaliah son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had appointed over the land.

King James Bible
Because of the Chaldeans: for they were afraid of them, because Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had slain Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon made governor in the land.

New King James Version
because of the Chaldeans; for they were afraid of them, because Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had murdered Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had made governor in the land.

New American Standard Bible
because of the Chaldeans; for they were afraid of them, since Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had struck and killed Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had appointed over the land.

NASB 1995
because of the Chaldeans; for they were afraid of them, since Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had struck down Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had appointed over the land.

NASB 1977
because of the Chaldeans; for they were afraid of them, since Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had struck down Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had appointed over the land.

Legacy Standard Bible
because of the Chaldeans; for they were afraid of them, since Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had struck down Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had appointed over the land.

Amplified Bible
because of the Chaldeans; for they were afraid of them because Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had killed Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had appointed [governor] over the land [and whose death the king might avenge].

Christian Standard Bible
away from the Chaldeans. For they feared them because Ishmael son of Nethaniah had struck down Gedaliah son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had appointed over the land.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
away from the Chaldeans. For they feared them because Ishmael son of Nethaniah had struck down Gedaliah son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had appointed in the land.

American Standard Version
because of the Chaldeans; for they were afraid of them, because Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had slain Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon made governor over the land.

English Revised Version
because of the Chaldeans: for they were afraid of them, because Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had slain Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon made governor over the land.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They were afraid of the Babylonians because Ishmael had killed Gedaliah whom the king of Babylon had appointed to govern the land.

International Standard Version
because of the Chaldeans. They were afraid of the Chaldeans because Nethaniah's son Ishmael had killed Ahikam's son Gedaliah, whom the king of Babylon had appointed over the land.

Majority Standard Bible
to escape the Chaldeans. For they were afraid of the Chaldeans because Ishmael son of Nethaniah had struck down Gedaliah son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had appointed over the land.

NET Bible
They were afraid of what the Babylonians might do because Ishmael son of Nethaniah had killed Gedaliah son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had appointed to govern the country.

New Heart English Bible
because of the Chaldeans; for they were afraid of them, because Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had killed Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon made governor over the land.

Webster's Bible Translation
Because of the Chaldeans: for they were afraid of them, because Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had slain Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon made governor in the land.

World English Bible
because of the Chaldeans; for they were afraid of them, because Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had killed Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon made governor over the land.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
from the presence of the Chaldeans, for they have been afraid of them, for Ishmael son of Nethaniah had struck Gedaliah son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had appointed over the land.

Young's Literal Translation
from the presence of the Chaldeans, for they have been afraid of them, for Ishmael son of Nethaniah had smitten Gedaliah son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had appointed over the land.

Smith's Literal Translation
From the face of the Chaldean: for they were afraid from their face, because Ishmael son of Nethaniah, struck Gedaliah son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babel appointed over the land.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
From the face of the Chaldeans: for they were afraid of them, because Ismahel the son of Nathanias had slain Godolias the son of Ahicam, whom the king of Babylon had made governor in the land of Juda.

Catholic Public Domain Version
away from the face of the Chaldeans. For they were afraid of them, because Ishmael, the son of Nethaniah, had struck down Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had made governor in the land of Judah.

New American Bible
They were afraid of the Chaldeans, because Ishmael, son of Nethaniah, had slain Gedaliah, son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had set over the land.

New Revised Standard Version
because of the Chaldeans; for they were afraid of them, because Ishmael son of Nethaniah had killed Gedaliah son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had made governor over the land.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Because of the Chaldeans; for they were afraid of them because Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had slain Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had made governor over the land.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
From before the Chaldeans, for they were afraid of them, because Ishmayl, son of Nethaniah, killed Gedaliah, son of Akhiqam, whom the King of Babel had authorized in the land of Judea

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
because of the Chaldeans; for they were afraid of them, because Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had slain Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon made governor over the land.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
for they were afraid of them, because Ismael had smitten Godolias, whom the king of Babylon made governor in the land.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Johanan Rescues the Captives
…17And they went and stayed in Geruth Chimham, near Bethlehem, in order to proceed into Egypt 18to escape the Chaldeans. For they were afraid of the Chaldeans because Ishmael son of Nethaniah had struck down Gedaliah son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had appointed over the land.

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

2 Kings 25:26
Then all the people small and great, together with the commanders of the army, arose and fled to Egypt for fear of the Chaldeans.

Jeremiah 40:11-12
When all the Jews in Moab, Ammon, Edom, and all the other lands heard that the king of Babylon had left a remnant in Judah and had appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, over them, / they all returned from all the places to which they had been banished and came to the land of Judah, to Gedaliah at Mizpah. And they gathered an abundance of wine grapes and summer fruit.

Jeremiah 42:14-16
and if you say, ‘No, but we will go to the land of Egypt and live there, where we will not see war or hear the sound of the ram’s horn or hunger for bread,’ / then hear the word of the LORD, O remnant of Judah! This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘If you are determined to go to Egypt and reside there, / then the sword you fear will overtake you there, and the famine you dread will follow on your heels into Egypt, and you will die there.

Jeremiah 43:2-7
Azariah son of Hoshaiah, Johanan son of Kareah, and all the arrogant men said to Jeremiah, “You are lying! The LORD our God has not sent you to say, ‘You must not go to Egypt to reside there.’ / Rather, Baruch son of Neriah is inciting you against us to deliver us into the hands of the Chaldeans, so that they may put us to death or exile us to Babylon!” / So Johanan son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces disobeyed the command of the LORD to stay in the land of Judah. ...

Isaiah 30:1-3
“Woe to the rebellious children,” declares the LORD, “to those who carry out a plan that is not Mine, who form an alliance, but against My will, heaping up sin upon sin. / They set out to go down to Egypt without asking My advice, to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protection and take refuge in Egypt’s shade. / But Pharaoh’s protection will become your shame, and the refuge of Egypt’s shade your disgrace.

Isaiah 31:1
Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD.

Hosea 7:11
So Ephraim has become like a silly, senseless dove—calling out to Egypt, then turning to Assyria.

Ezekiel 29:6-7
Then all the people of Egypt will know that I am the LORD. For you were only a staff of reeds to the house of Israel. / When Israel took hold of you with their hands, you splintered, tearing all their shoulders; when they leaned on you, you broke, and their backs were wrenched.

Deuteronomy 17:16
But the king must not acquire many horses for himself or send the people back to Egypt to acquire more horses, for the LORD has said, ‘You are never to go back that way again.’

2 Chronicles 36:13
He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God. But Zedekiah stiffened his neck and hardened his heart against turning to the LORD, the God of Israel.

Matthew 2:13-15
When the Magi had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up!” he said. “Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the Child to kill Him.” / So he got up, took the Child and His mother by night, and withdrew to Egypt, / where he stayed until the death of Herod. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called My Son.”

Matthew 24:16
then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

Acts 7:39
But our fathers refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt.

Acts 7:52-53
Which of the prophets did your fathers fail to persecute? They even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One. And now you are His betrayers and murderers— / you who received the law ordained by angels, yet have not kept it.”

Romans 10:21
But as for Israel he says: “All day long I have held out My hands to a disobedient and obstinate people.”

Treasury of Scripture

Because of the Chaldeans: for they were afraid of them, because Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had slain Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon made governor in the land.

for they.

Jeremiah 42:11,16
Be not afraid of the king of Babylon, of whom ye are afraid; be not afraid of him, saith the LORD: for I am with you to save you, and to deliver you from his hand…

Jeremiah 43:2,3
Then spake Azariah the son of Hoshaiah, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the proud men, saying unto Jeremiah, Thou speakest falsely: the LORD our God hath not sent thee to say, Go not into Egypt to sojourn there: …

2 Kings 25:25
But it came to pass in the seventh month, that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, of the seed royal, came, and ten men with him, and smote Gedaliah, that he died, and the Jews and the Chaldees that were with him at Mizpah.

because.

Jeremiah 41:2
Then arose Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and the ten men that were with him, and smote Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan with the sword, and slew him, whom the king of Babylon had made governor over the land.

whom.

Jeremiah 40:5
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.

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Afraid Ahikam Ahi'kam Appointed Babylon Chaldaeans Chaldeans Chalde'ans Death Escape Fear Feared Gedaliah Gedali'ah Governor Ishmael Ish'mael Killed Nethaniah Nethani'ah Presence Ruler Slain Struck

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Afraid Ahikam Ahi'kam Appointed Babylon Chaldaeans Chaldeans Chalde'ans Death Escape Fear Feared Gedaliah Gedali'ah Governor Ishmael Ish'mael Killed Nethaniah Nethani'ah Presence Ruler Slain Struck

Jeremiah 41

1. Ishmael, treacherously killing Gedaliah and others,
7. purposes with the residue to flee unto the Ammonites.
11. Johanan rescues the captives, and is minded to flee into Egypt.

Berean Study Bible

to escape the Chaldeans
The phrase "to escape the Chaldeans" reflects the urgency and desperation of the remnant in Judah. The Chaldeans, synonymous with the Babylonians, were a dominant force in the ancient Near East. Historically, the Chaldeans were known for their military prowess and their role in the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. The Hebrew root for "escape" (נָס) conveys a sense of fleeing from danger, highlighting the fear and vulnerability of the people. This phrase underscores the broader biblical theme of seeking refuge and deliverance, often found in the Psalms, where God is depicted as a refuge for His people.

For they were afraid of them
Fear is a recurring theme in the Bible, often juxtaposed with faith. The fear of the Chaldeans was not unfounded, given their reputation and the recent events in Judah. The Hebrew word for "afraid" (יָרֵא) can also imply reverence or awe, but in this context, it clearly denotes terror. This fear reflects the human condition in the face of overwhelming power and the unknown. Biblically, fear is often a catalyst for seeking God's protection and guidance, as seen in the exhortations to "fear not" throughout Scripture.

because Ishmael son of Nethaniah
Ishmael, a member of the royal family, becomes a central figure in this narrative. His actions are pivotal, leading to the fear and flight of the remnant. The name "Ishmael" means "God hears," which is ironic given his violent actions. This highlights the complexity of biblical characters, who often embody both divine purpose and human frailty. Ishmael's lineage, as the son of Nethaniah, ties him to the royal house, suggesting political motivations behind his actions.

had struck down Gedaliah son of Ahikam
The assassination of Gedaliah was a significant event, leading to chaos and fear among the people. Gedaliah, appointed by the Babylonians, was seen as a stabilizing figure. His murder by Ishmael was not just a political act but a rejection of Babylonian authority. The Hebrew verb for "struck down" (הָכָה) implies a violent and deliberate act, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. Gedaliah's death symbolizes the collapse of order and the deepening crisis in Judah.

whom the king of Babylon had appointed over the land
This phrase underscores the political dynamics at play. The king of Babylon, likely Nebuchadnezzar, had established Gedaliah as governor, a common practice to ensure control over conquered territories. The appointment reflects the broader theme of divine sovereignty, where God uses even foreign rulers to accomplish His purposes. The historical context of Babylonian rule over Judah is crucial, as it sets the stage for the exile and the prophetic messages of hope and restoration that follow in the biblical narrative.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 18. - Because of the Chaldeans. They were afraid of being held responsible for the crime of Ishmael. And they had good reason for their alarm, as the Chaldeans would naturally look upon Ishmael as the representative of the Davidic dynasty, and the heir of that dynasty's claims to the loyalty of the Jews.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

to escape
מִפְּנֵי֙ (mip·pə·nê)
Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

the Chaldeans.
הַכַּשְׂדִּ֔ים (hak·kaś·dîm)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3778: Chaldeans -- a region of southern Babylon and its inhab

For
כִּ֥י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

they were afraid
יָרְא֖וּ (yā·rə·’ū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten

of [the Chaldeans]
מִפְּנֵיהֶ֑ם (mip·pə·nê·hem)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6440: The face

because
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

Ishmael
יִשְׁמָעֵ֣אל (yiš·mā·‘êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3458: Ishmael -- 'God hears', the name of several Israelites

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Nethaniah
נְתַנְיָ֗ה (nə·ṯan·yāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5418: Nethaniah -- 'given of Yah', the name of several Israelites

had struck down
הִכָּ֞ה (hik·kāh)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5221: To strike

Gedaliah
גְּדַלְיָ֙הוּ֙ (gə·ḏal·yā·hū)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1436: Gedaliah -- 'Yah is great', three Israelites

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Ahikam,
אֲחִיקָ֔ם (’ă·ḥî·qām)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 296: Ahikam -- 'my brother has arisen', an Israelite

whom
אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

the king
מֶֽלֶךְ־ (me·leḵ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Babylon
בָּבֶ֖ל (bā·ḇel)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 894: Babylon -- an eastern Mediterranean empire and its capital city

had appointed
הִפְקִ֥יד (hip̄·qîḏ)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6485: To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit

over the land.
בָּאָֽרֶץ׃ (bā·’ā·reṣ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 41:18 Because of the Chaldeans (Jer.)