Jeremiah 41:6 Meaning and Explanation
“And Ishmael the son of Nethaniah went forth from Mizpah to meet them, weeping all along as he went: and it came to pass, as he met them, he said unto them, Come to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Ishmael goes out to meet the pilgrims, weeping deceptively, and invites them to visit Gedaliah.
The Context of Jeremiah 41:6
Ishmael feigns grief to deceive the approaching pilgrims.
What Does Jeremiah 41:6 Mean?
Ishmael's tears were crocodile tears—a calculated performance to mask his violence and lower the pilgrims' guard. He wept to appear sympathetic to their grief and to signal that Mizpah was a place of mourning, not danger, so they would follow him without suspicion.
His invitation to meet Gedaliah was a trap. The pilgrims had no way of knowing that their host was dead or that Ishmael intended to capture them. His outward show of emotion made him seem trustworthy, when in fact he was leading them toward disaster.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 41:6
What does Jeremiah 41:6 mean?
Ishmael goes out to meet the pilgrims, weeping deceptively, and invites them to visit Gedaliah.
What is the context of Jeremiah 41:6?
Ishmael feigns grief to deceive the approaching pilgrims.