Jeremiah 39:9 Meaning and Explanation
“Then Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive into Babylon the remnant of the people that remained in the city, and those that fell away, that fell to him, with the rest of the people that remained.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Babylonian commander Nebuzaradan deports the surviving inhabitants of Jerusalem into captivity in Babylon.
The Context of Jeremiah 39:9
Survivors of Jerusalem are deported to Babylon in captivity.
What Does Jeremiah 39:9 Mean?
The deportation of Jerusalem's survivors represents the final stage of the city's fall. Nebuzaradan, as captain of the guard, oversees the logistical sorting of who will be deported and who might remain. The phrase 'those that fell away, that fell to him' likely refers to deserters or those who surrendered voluntarily, indicating that even amid total defeat, surrender remained possible and was accepted.
The carrying away of the remnant fulfills the judgment Jeremiah had pronounced—the exile that would last seventy years according to later prophecy in this book. Yet even exile is not the final word. God's purpose includes restoration, and the captives will eventually return. The judgment is real but not final; the exile is punishment but also a period in which God shapes a renewed people.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 39:9
What does Jeremiah 39:9 mean?
The Babylonian commander Nebuzaradan deports the surviving inhabitants of Jerusalem into captivity in Babylon.
What is the context of Jeremiah 39:9?
Survivors of Jerusalem are deported to Babylon in captivity.