Jeremiah 27:20

KJV

Which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took not, when he carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah from Jerusalem to Babylon, and all the nobles of Judah and Jerusalem;

KJV (with Strong's)

Which Nebuchadnezzar {H5019} king {H4428} of Babylon {H894} took {H3947} not, when he carried away captive {H1540} Jeconiah {H3204} the son {H1121} of Jehoiakim {H3079} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063} from Jerusalem {H3389} to Babylon {H894}, and all the nobles {H2715} of Judah {H3063} and Jerusalem {H3389};

Complete Jewish Bible

that N'vukhadnetzar, king of Bavel did not seize when he carried off captive Y'khanyahu the son of Y'hoyakim, king of Y'hudah, from Yerushalayim to Bavel, along with all the leading men of Y'hudah and Yerushalayim-

Berean Standard Bible

which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon did not take when he carried Jeconiah son of Jehoiakim king of Judah into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon, along with all the nobles of Judah and Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took not, when he carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, from Jerusalem to Babylon, and all the nobles of Judah and Jerusalem;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 27:20 provides a precise historical detail within Jeremiah's broader prophetic message concerning Judah's impending submission to Babylonian rule. It specifically recounts what King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon did not seize during the second major deportation of Judah's people and treasures, which occurred when King Jeconiah, son of Jehoiakim, along with the nobles of Judah and Jerusalem, were taken captive to Babylon. This verse serves as a critical historical anchor, highlighting the partial nature of this particular judgment and implicitly foreshadowing the more complete despoliation of Jerusalem and its temple that would follow.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into Jeremiah's prophetic discourse in [Jeremiah 27](/jeremiah/27 "Jeremiah 27 - The Prophecy of the Yoke of Babylon"). The chapter commences with the prophet Jeremiah dramatically wearing a wooden yoke, a powerful visual metaphor symbolizing the inescapable servitude to Nebuchadnezzar that God had ordained for Judah and surrounding nations. Jeremiah's message was profoundly counter-cultural and unpopular, urging submission to Babylon rather than resistance, as resistance would mean opposing God's sovereign will. Verse 20 functions as a crucial historical interjection, providing concrete evidence of the unfolding judgment and setting the stage for the subsequent prophecy regarding the remaining temple vessels. The preceding verses ([Jeremiah 27:18-19](/jeremiah/27-18-19 "Jeremiah 27:18-19 - Prophecy of Remaining Temple Articles")) speak of the future fate of the articles left in the temple, directly connecting to what Nebuchadnezzar "took not" in this verse, while the following verses ([Jeremiah 27:21-22](/jeremiah/27-21-22 "Jeremiah 27:21-22 - The Final Plunder and Restoration")) explicitly state that these remaining items will eventually be carried to Babylon and then, by God's decree, returned.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah 27:20 refers to the second of three major deportations of the people of Judah to Babylon. This significant event, occurring around 597 BC, followed an initial skirmish and a subsequent siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. King Jeconiah (also known as Jehoiachin or Coniah), who had reigned for only three months and ten days, surrendered to Nebuchadnezzar and was taken captive. This deportation was not merely about taking people; it was a calculated strategic move by Babylon to neutralize potential rebellion by removing the leadership, skilled artisans, and influential figures from Jerusalem, thereby weakening the city's capacity for resistance. The "nobles of Judah and Jerusalem" mentioned in the verse represent this vital segment of society. This historical event is corroborated by extra-biblical sources and detailed in parallel biblical accounts such as [2 Kings 24:10-17](/2_kings/24-10-17 "2 Kings 24:10-17 - Jeconiah's Capture and Deportation") and [2 Chronicles 36:9-10](/2_chronicles/36-9-10 "2 Chronicles 36:9-10 - Jehoiachin's Reign and Exile"). The act of carrying away captives to the conquering nation was a common and brutal practice in ancient Near Eastern warfare, serving as a display of power, a means of control, and a source of labor and tribute.
* **Key Themes:** The verse profoundly underscores God's **Divine Sovereignty in Judgment**, illustrating that even the actions of a powerful pagan king like Nebuchadnezzar were meticulously orchestrated instruments in God's hand to execute His judgment upon Judah for their persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. This demonstrates that God is not merely reactive but actively directs historical events to achieve His purposes, as seen in [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning"). Furthermore, the precise historical details mentioned in the verse contribute to the theme of **Prophetic Accuracy**, as Jeremiah's unpopular prophecies, which foretold these very events, were proven true through their tangible fulfillment. The successive deportations, including the one described here, serve as a stark reminder of the **Consequences of Disobedience**, highlighting that Judah's repeated rejection of God's warnings through His prophets led directly to the traumatic experience of exile. Finally, by noting what Nebuchadnezzar "took not," the verse implicitly introduces the theme of **Partial Fulfillment and Future Judgment**, pointing to a more complete despoliation of Jerusalem and its temple that would occur with the city's final destruction in 586 BC, thereby demonstrating God's judgment unfolding in stages.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **carried away captive (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal." This word vividly describes the act of forced removal and the stripping away of a people's dignity, land, and freedom. In the context of [Jeremiah 27:20](/jeremiah/27-20 "Jeremiah 27:20 - The Second Deportation"), it emphasizes the traumatic experience of the Judeans being uprooted from their homeland and transported to a foreign land, a direct consequence of their disobedience to God. The nuance of "disgraceful sense" highlights the humiliation inherent in such a forced relocation.
* **nobles (Hebrew, _chôr'_):** Or (fully) חוֹר; from חָרַר; (compare חֹרִי); properly, "white or pure (from the cleansing or shining power of fire; hence (figuratively) noble (in rank)." This term refers to the elite, the prominent, and the influential members of society. Their deportation was a strategic move by Babylon to decapitate Judah's leadership and intellectual class, ensuring that any future rebellion would be difficult to organize. The removal of the "nobles" signified a profound loss of national strength, wisdom, and identity, leaving the remaining populace vulnerable and demoralized.
* **took (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** A primitive root meaning "to take (in the widest variety of applications); accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win." In this verse, the negative "took not" is crucial. While Nebuchadnezzar was known for his extensive plundering and deportation, this specific verb, when negated, highlights the items or individuals he *left behind* during this particular deportation. This deliberate omission sets up the prophetic declaration in the subsequent verses about the ultimate fate of the remaining temple articles, indicating a controlled and staged execution of divine judgment rather than a single, complete act of destruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took not,"**: This opening clause immediately focuses on an act of *omission* by the powerful Babylonian king. It implies that while Nebuchadnezzar was known for his conquests and plundering, there were specific items or people he *did not* take during this particular campaign. This sets up a contrast with what he *did* take, drawing attention to the selective nature of this phase of the judgment and creating anticipation for what was left behind, specifically the remaining temple vessels mentioned in the broader context of [Jeremiah 27](/jeremiah/27 "Jeremiah 27 - The Prophecy of the Yoke of Babylon").
* **"when he carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah from Jerusalem to Babylon,"**: This clause specifies the precise historical event and the key figures involved. It refers to the second major deportation of Judah, which occurred around 597 BC. Jeconiah (also known as Jehoiachin or Coniah) was a short-reigning king of Judah, and his capture and exile to Babylon marked a significant turning point in Judah's decline, effectively ending the Davidic line's direct rule in Jerusalem. This detail anchors the prophecy in verifiable historical reality, demonstrating the accuracy and reliability of Jeremiah's message.
* **"and all the nobles of Judah and Jerusalem;"**: This final clause identifies another significant group that was deported alongside King Jeconiah. The "nobles" represent the elite, the influential, and likely the skilled individuals of Judahite society—including craftsmen, warriors, and administrators. Their removal was a strategic move by Nebuchadnezzar to cripple Judah's leadership and intellectual capacity, ensuring that any future resistance would be severely hampered. The inclusion of "Judah and Jerusalem" emphasizes that the impact of this deportation extended beyond the capital city to the broader kingdom, signifying a comprehensive stripping away of national strength.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant **Literary Devices**. **Historical Allusion** is paramount, as the text directly references specific, verifiable historical events—the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, the capture of King Jeconiah, and the deportation of Judah's elite. This grounds the prophecy in reality, lending credibility and authority to Jeremiah's divine message for his contemporary audience, demonstrating that God's word is not abstract but concretely intersects with human history. The use of **Synecdoche** is also evident in "all the nobles of Judah and Jerusalem," where a part (the nobles) represents a significant portion of the whole (the influential and capable population, including the skilled and educated). This highlights the strategic nature of the Babylonian deportation, aiming to dismantle the nation's leadership and intellectual backbone. Furthermore, the phrasing "took not" creates a subtle **Anticipation** or **Foreshadowing**. By explicitly stating what was *not* taken, the text implicitly points to a future, more complete taking, thereby preparing the audience for the ultimate destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, which is prophesied later in the chapter and eventually fulfilled. This deliberate omission serves to heighten the dramatic tension and underscore the unfolding, staged nature of divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Jeremiah 27:20](/jeremiah/27-20 "Jeremiah 27:20 - The Second Deportation") is a powerful testament to God's meticulous sovereignty over human history, even in its most tumultuous moments. It demonstrates that the rise and fall of nations, and the actions of powerful rulers like Nebuchadnezzar, are not random occurrences but are orchestrated by God to fulfill His divine purposes, particularly in executing judgment upon a disobedient people. This verse, by detailing what was *not* taken during this specific deportation, also subtly introduces the theme of God's patient, staged judgment, which unfolds in phases rather than a single, immediate cataclysm. It underscores that even in judgment, there is a controlled, deliberate process, allowing for continued prophetic warning and a final, complete fulfillment of divine decrees. This divine control ensures that God's ultimate plan for His people, including their eventual restoration, remains firmly on course.

* [Daniel 1:1-2](/daniel/1-1-2 "Daniel 1:1-2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Siege and Temple Plunder")
* [2 Kings 24:15-16](/2_kings/24-15-16 "2 Kings 24:15-16 - Jeconiah's Deportation and the Exiles")
* [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Promise of Restoration After 70 Years")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Jeremiah 27:20](/jeremiah/27-20 "Jeremiah 27:20 - The Second Deportation"), though a specific historical detail, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It compels us to recognize God's unwavering sovereignty, even when circumstances appear chaotic, unjust, or beyond human control. Just as God used Nebuchadnezzar as an instrument of His will, He continues to work through various means—sometimes through difficult situations, unexpected leaders, or seemingly random events—to accomplish His purposes in the world and in our individual lives. This verse reminds us that true security and hope are found not in political alliances, material possessions, or human strength, but in trusting the One who holds all history in His hands. It calls us to examine our own lives for areas of disobedience, urging us to heed God's warnings and align our wills with His, recognizing that there are profound consequences for persistent rebellion against divine truth. Ultimately, it encourages a posture of humility and dependence, knowing that God's plan will prevail, whether through judgment that refines or through His ultimate promise of restoration and redemption.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over historical events, even those involving pagan rulers and national tragedies, impact your trust in Him during times of personal or global turmoil?**
* **What "warnings" or "yokes" (i.e., divine directives or difficult circumstances meant to bring about submission) might God be presenting in your life or community today that require humble submission rather than resistance?**
* **In what ways might we, like ancient Judah, be prone to valuing earthly security, material possessions, or human strategies over faithful obedience to God's commands and His revealed will?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Nebuchadnezzar "took not" certain items?**

Answer: The phrase "took not" is highly significant because it highlights that during the second deportation (597 BC), while King Jeconiah and many nobles were taken, certain valuable items, particularly the remaining vessels from the temple, were *left behind*. This deliberate omission sets the stage for Jeremiah's subsequent prophecy in [Jeremiah 27:21-22](/jeremiah/27-21-22 "Jeremiah 27:21-22 - Prophecy of the Remaining Temple Vessels"), which declares that these remaining items would eventually be carried to Babylon in the final, devastating destruction of Jerusalem (586 BC). It underscores the staged and deliberate nature of God's judgment, demonstrating His meticulous control over historical events and the precise accuracy of Jeremiah's detailed prophecies.

**Who was Jeconiah, and why is his capture important?**

Answer: Jeconiah (also known as Jehoiachin or Coniah, H3204) was the son of Jehoiakim (H3079) and briefly reigned as king of Judah for only three months and ten days before surrendering to Nebuchadnezzar. His capture and deportation to Babylon in 597 BC, along with many of Judah's elite (H2715), was a pivotal moment in the unfolding judgment upon Judah (H3063) and Jerusalem (H3389). It marked a significant blow to Judah's sovereignty, effectively ending the direct Davidic line's rule in Jerusalem for a time, and was a clear fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecies of impending judgment. This event is well-documented in [2 Kings 24:10-17](/2_kings/24-10-17 "2 Kings 24:10-17 - Jeconiah's Capture and Deportation") and [2 Chronicles 36:9-10](/2_chronicles/36-9-10 "2 Chronicles 36:9-10 - Jehoiachin's Reign and Exile"), solidifying the historical accuracy of Jeremiah's account.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Jeremiah 27:20](/jeremiah/27-20 "Jeremiah 27:20 - The Second Deportation") describes a historical act of judgment and partial despoliation, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the profound contrast between earthly kings and the eternal King, Jesus Christ. Nebuchadnezzar, despite his immense power, could only take and destroy, leaving behind some things for a later, more complete destruction. His power was limited and temporary. In stark contrast, Jesus, the true [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Jesus, King of Kings"), did not come to take or destroy, but to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). He did not merely leave some things behind; He fully and completely conquered sin, death, and the grave through His sacrifice on the cross and His glorious resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The exile of Jeconiah and the nobles foreshadows the spiritual captivity of humanity under the dominion of sin, from which only Christ could deliver us. Unlike the earthly treasures that were eventually plundered and the temporary nature of human kingdoms, the spiritual treasures and eternal inheritance offered in Christ are imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for believers, and can never be taken away ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Inheritance Imperishable")). Thus, [Jeremiah 27:20](/jeremiah/27-20 "Jeremiah 27:20 - The Second Deportation"), in its depiction of a limited, earthly judgment and the transient nature of human power, points forward to the comprehensive and redemptive work of Christ, who fully accomplishes what no earthly king could, bringing ultimate freedom and eternal restoration to His people ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - The Son Sets You Free")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 24:1

¶ The LORD shewed me, and, behold, two baskets of figs [were] set before the temple of the LORD, after that Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon had carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, and the princes of Judah, with the carpenters and smiths, from Jerusalem, and had brought them to Babylon.

2 Chronicles 36:10

And when the year was expired, king Nebuchadnezzar sent, and brought him to Babylon, with the goodly vessels of the house of the LORD, and made Zedekiah his brother king over Judah and Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 36:18

And all the vessels of the house of God, great and small, and the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king, and of his princes; all [these] he brought to Babylon.

Jeremiah 22:28

[Is] this man Coniah a despised broken idol? [is he] a vessel wherein [is] no pleasure? wherefore are they cast out, he and his seed, and are cast into a land which they know not?

2 Kings 24:14

And he carried away all Jerusalem, and all the princes, and all the mighty men of valour, [even] ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and smiths: none remained, save the poorest sort of the people of the land.

2 Kings 24:16

And all the men of might, [even] seven thousand, and craftsmen and smiths a thousand, all [that were] strong [and] apt for war, even them the king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon.