Jeremiah 41:2 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Ishmael and his companions suddenly kill Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor, with their swords.
The Context of Jeremiah 41:2
Ishmael murders Gedaliah during or immediately after the meal.
What Does Jeremiah 41:2 Mean?
The attack was swift and decisive. Ishmael struck down the one man who was maintaining order and protecting the Jewish population from further chaos. Gedaliah had shown mercy and hope for the future; his death would shatter whatever stability remained in Judah.
Ishmael's motive was likely a combination of nationalist pride—rejecting Babylonian rule—and personal ambition to seize power. He was of royal descent and may have viewed Gedaliah as unfit to govern, or sought to elevate himself by eliminating the established authority.
Jeremiah 41:2 in the Original Language
smote (נָכָה, nakah) — to strike, hit, or kill with violence. Here used absolutely to describe the fatal blow.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 41:2
What does Jeremiah 41:2 mean?
Ishmael and his companions suddenly kill Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor, with their swords.
What is the context of Jeremiah 41:2?
Ishmael murders Gedaliah during or immediately after the meal.