Jeremiah 42:11 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God assures the people that He will protect them from the king of Babylon if they trust and obey.
The Context of Jeremiah 42:11
God encourages the people to trust His protection against the king of Babylon.
What Does Jeremiah 42:11 Mean?
God addresses the people's deep fear—fear of the Babylonian king who has conquered their land and taken them captive. The repetition 'be not afraid... be not afraid' emphasizes the urgency of overcoming this fear. God's command is not to pretend danger doesn't exist but to trust His protection rather than be driven by dread to make desperate decisions.
God's basis for reassurance is His presence and saving power: 'I am with you to save you, and to deliver you from his hand.' This is not a promise that hardship will vanish but that God will be their refuge through it. The reassurance is rooted in God's nature as savior and deliverer—He is capable of the rescue He promises.
Jeremiah 42:11 in the Original Language
yāsha (יָשַׁע), 'save' — to rescue from danger or distress; to deliver to safety or security.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 42:11
What does Jeremiah 42:11 mean?
God assures the people that He will protect them from the king of Babylon if they trust and obey.
What is the context of Jeremiah 42:11?
God encourages the people to trust His protection against the king of Babylon.