Jeremiah 40:4

KJV

And now, behold, I loose thee this day from the chains which [were] upon thine hand. If it seem good unto thee to come with me into Babylon, come; and I will look well unto thee: but if it seem ill unto thee to come with me into Babylon, forbear: behold, all the land [is] before thee: whither it seemeth good and convenient for thee to go, thither go.

KJV (with Strong's)

And now, behold, I loose {H6605} thee this day {H3117} from the chains {H246} which were upon thine hand {H3027}. If it seem good {H2896}{H5869} unto thee to come {H935} with me into Babylon {H894}, come {H935}; and I will look well {H7760}{H5869} unto thee: but if it seem ill {H7489}{H5869} unto thee to come {H935} with me into Babylon {H894}, forbear {H2308}: behold {H7200}, all the land {H776} is before {H6440} thee: whither it seemeth {H413} good {H2896} and convenient {H3477}{H5869} for thee to go {H3212}, thither go {H3212}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now, today, I am freeing you from the chains on your hand. If it seems good to you to come with me to Bavel, come; and I will look after you well. But if it seems not good to you to come with me to Bavel, then don't - the entire land is in front of you: wherever it seems good and right for you to go, go there."

Berean Standard Bible

But now, behold, I am freeing you today from the chains that were on your wrists. If it pleases you to come with me to Babylon, then come, and I will take care of you. But if it seems wrong to you to come with me to Babylon, go no farther. Look, the whole land is before you. Wherever it seems good and right to you, go there.”

American Standard Version

And now, behold, I loose thee this day from the chains which are upon thy hand. If it seem good unto thee to come with me into Babylon, come, and I will look well unto thee; but if it seem ill unto thee to come with me into Babylon, forbear: behold, all the land is before thee; whither it seemeth good and right unto thee to go, thither go.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 40:4 records a remarkable moment of divine intervention and human choice amidst the desolation following Jerusalem's fall. Nebuzaradan, the captain of Nebuchadnezzar's guard, releases the prophet Jeremiah from his chains and offers him an unprecedented freedom: he can either accompany the Babylonians to Babylon, where he would be well cared for, or remain in the devastated land of Judah, free to go wherever he pleased. This verse highlights God's protective hand over His messenger even through the agency of an enemy, presenting Jeremiah with a profound personal decision that contrasts sharply with the forced exile of his countrymen.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 40:4 follows immediately after the detailed account of Jerusalem's destruction and the capture of its inhabitants in Jeremiah 39. Specifically, Jeremiah 39:11-14 describes Nebuchadnezzar's explicit command to Nebuzaradan concerning Jeremiah, instructing him to protect the prophet and allow him to choose his residence. Jeremiah 40:1-3 then sets the scene, with Jeremiah being found among the captives in Ramah, initially bound with chains, before Nebuzaradan singles him out. This verse, therefore, marks the pivotal moment of Jeremiah's liberation and the beginning of a new phase in his ministry, distinct from the judgment that has just been executed upon Judah. It transitions the narrative from the corporate catastrophe to the individual fate and continued prophetic role of Jeremiah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The year is 586 BC, a time of immense upheaval for Judah. Jerusalem has been besieged, conquered, and its temple, the center of Israelite worship and identity, destroyed. The Babylonian Empire, under Nebuchadnezzar, was known for its policy of deporting conquered peoples to prevent rebellion and integrate them into the empire's economy. The general population of Judah, particularly the elite and skilled, were being forcibly exiled to Babylon, as seen in [2 Kings 25:11](/2_kings/25-11 "2 Kings 25:11 - The Deportation of Judah"). Jeremiah, however, had consistently advised surrender to Babylon, aligning his prophetic message with God's sovereign will for judgment. This stance, though unpopular and leading to his imprisonment by his own people ([Jeremiah 37:15](/jeremiah/37-15 "Jeremiah 37:15 - Jeremiah's Imprisonment")), paradoxically earned him favor with the Babylonians, who recognized his unique position and perhaps saw him as an ally or at least a non-threat. Nebuzaradan's offer reflects a pragmatic and surprisingly humane approach by the Babylonian command towards a figure they perceived as beneficial or at least not hostile.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, **Divine Protection and Providence** is paramount; even in the midst of national catastrophe and personal suffering, God's hand is evident in preserving His prophet through an unexpected source. Jeremiah, who had faced immense persecution from his own people ([Jeremiah 38:6](/jeremiah/38-6 "Jeremiah 38:6 - Jeremiah Cast into a Cistern")), now receives unexpected kindness and freedom from his captors, fulfilling God's earlier promise to protect him ([Jeremiah 1:19](/jeremiah/1-19 "Jeremiah 1:19 - God's Promise to Jeremiah")). Secondly, the theme of **Freedom of Choice** is central. Nebuzaradan's offer presents Jeremiah with a genuine, uncoerced decision, a stark contrast to the forced exile of the majority of Judeans. The repeated phrase "whither it seemeth good and convenient for thee to go, thither go" underscores the complete liberty granted to Jeremiah, highlighting God's respect for human agency even within His sovereign plan. Thirdly, **Unexpected Grace** shines through; the offer of freedom and provision from the very empire that had just destroyed his nation is a testament to God's surprising ways of working, demonstrating that He can use even foreign powers to accomplish His purposes and protect His servants.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **loose (Hebrew, _pâthach'_):** This primitive root means "to open wide" or "to loosen." In this context, it signifies the act of releasing from bonds, specifically from the chains that held Jeremiah. It conveys a sense of complete liberation, not just a temporary reprieve, but a full setting free from captivity, allowing for unhindered movement and choice.
* **chains (Hebrew, _ʼăziqqîym'_):** This term refers to manacles or fetters, literal instruments of bondage used to restrain captives. Its presence emphasizes Jeremiah's initial state as a prisoner, making the subsequent act of "loosing" all the more significant as a physical and symbolic act of freedom from oppression and captivity.
* **good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This versatile adjective carries a wide range of meanings, including "beautiful," "best," "pleasant," "favorable," "right," and "welfare." In Jeremiah 40:4, when Nebuzaradan says "If it seem good unto thee," it implies what is agreeable, beneficial, or desirable from Jeremiah's perspective. It highlights the genuine nature of the choice offered, allowing Jeremiah to determine what is most suitable for his well-being and future.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And now, behold, I loose thee this day from the chains which [were] upon thine hand":** This opening clause marks the immediate and decisive act of liberation. Nebuzaradan, acting on Nebuchadnezzar's orders, physically frees Jeremiah from the literal bonds of captivity. The phrase "this day" emphasizes the immediacy and finality of this release, signifying a complete change in Jeremiah's status from prisoner to free man.
* **"If it seem good unto thee to come with me into Babylon, come; and I will look well unto thee":** This presents the first of two options to Jeremiah. The Babylonian captain offers Jeremiah a secure and privileged life in Babylon, promising personal care, protection, and provision ("I will look well unto thee"). This phrase, "I will look well unto thee," literally means "I will set my eye upon you for good," conveying a strong commitment to his welfare, a remarkable offer from a conquering general to a prophet of the conquered nation.
* **"but if it seem ill unto thee to come with me into Babylon, forbear":** This clause presents the alternative: if Jeremiah finds the option of going to Babylon undesirable or unsuitable ("ill"), he is free to decline. The word "forbear" (H2308, _châdal_) means to cease, refrain, or hold back, emphasizing that there would be no negative repercussions for choosing not to go to Babylon. This underscores the genuine freedom of choice extended to Jeremiah.
* **"behold, all the land [is] before thee: whither it seemeth good and convenient for thee to go, thither go":** This final part of the verse expands on the second option, granting Jeremiah complete autonomy within the land of Judah. Despite its devastation, the entire land is presented as open to him. The repetition of "it seemeth good" along with "convenient" (H3477, _yâshâr_, meaning "straight" or "right") reinforces the absolute liberty and personal discretion given to Jeremiah regarding his future residence and movements. He is not merely released but empowered to choose his path.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Jeremiah, who was persecuted and imprisoned by his own people for his prophetic message, now receives freedom and favor from the very foreign power that destroyed his nation. This unexpected turn of events highlights the paradoxical nature of divine providence. There is also a strong **Contrast** established between Jeremiah's individual liberation and the mass deportation of the Judean population, emphasizing his unique status and God's specific care for His messenger. Furthermore, the repeated emphasis on "good" and "convenient" in relation to Jeremiah's choice underscores the theme of **Free Will** and **Divine Agency**, demonstrating that God works through human decisions and even through the actions of pagan rulers to achieve His purposes. The verse also subtly uses **Symbolism**; the "chains" represent not only physical bondage but also the constraints and suffering Jeremiah endured, while his "loosing" symbolizes God's faithfulness in bringing about freedom and new beginnings even after severe judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 40:4 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereign care for His chosen servants, even amidst the most devastating circumstances. It reveals that God's providence is not limited by human political structures or national calamities; He can raise up unexpected agents, even conquering enemies, to fulfill His purposes and protect His own. The extraordinary freedom offered to Jeremiah, in stark contrast to the fate of his countrymen, underscores God's personal attention to those who remain faithful to His word. This passage reminds us that divine grace often appears in surprising forms and through unlikely channels, challenging our preconceived notions of how God works in the world. It also highlights the theme of human choice within God's overarching plan, where obedience to God's revealed will can lead to unexpected favor and a unique path, even when that path is through a ruined land.

* [Psalm 91:1-2](/psalms/91-1 "God as Refuge and Fortress")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "God's Provision According to His Riches")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 40:4 offers a powerful lesson in trusting God's providence even when circumstances seem utterly bleak. In the midst of national ruin and personal captivity, Jeremiah experiences a profound act of liberation and a genuine choice for his future. This reminds us that God is always at work, often in ways we cannot foresee, using unexpected people and circumstances to accomplish His will and care for His children. For us today, this verse challenges us to look for God's hand in our own "chains" – whether they be literal difficulties, emotional burdens, or spiritual struggles – and to recognize His power to loose us. It also emphasizes the dignity of choice that God often grants us, even in difficult situations. We are called not to passively accept our fate but to prayerfully discern and actively choose the path that seems "good and convenient" in light of God's revealed will and our conscience, trusting that He will "look well unto" us. This passage encourages us to embrace the freedom God gives us to navigate life's complexities with faith and intentionality, knowing that His care extends to every detail of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "chains" or difficult circumstances in your life might God be preparing an unexpected liberation or choice?**
* **How does Jeremiah's experience challenge your understanding of how God uses unlikely people or situations to accomplish His purposes?**
* **When faced with significant choices, how do you discern what "seems good and convenient" in a way that honors God's will?**
* **What does "I will look well unto thee" mean for your personal sense of security and provision in God?**

### FAQ
**Why did Nebuzaradan, a Babylonian general, show such favor to Jeremiah?**

Answer: Nebuzaradan's favor towards Jeremiah was likely a direct result of Nebuchadnezzar's specific command, as recorded in [Jeremiah 39:11-12](/jeremiah/39-11 "Jeremiah 39:11-12 - Nebuchadnezzar's Command Regarding Jeremiah"). Nebuchadnezzar was aware of Jeremiah's prophecies, particularly his consistent message that God's will was for Judah to surrender to Babylon. This message, though seen as treasonous by many Judeans, would have been viewed favorably by the Babylonians. They likely perceived Jeremiah as a prophet who spoke truthfully about their victory and advocated for submission, making him a figure to be protected and even utilized, rather than punished. This act also demonstrates God's sovereign hand, using a pagan king to protect His faithful messenger.

**Did Jeremiah choose to go to Babylon or stay in Judah?**

Answer: Jeremiah chose to remain in the land of Judah. The subsequent verses, [Jeremiah 40:5-6](/jeremiah/40-5 "Jeremiah 40:5-6 - Jeremiah Chooses to Stay in Judah"), explicitly state that Jeremiah declined Nebuzaradan's offer to go to Babylon and instead went to Gedaliah, whom the Babylonians had appointed governor over the remaining people in Judah. His decision to stay in the desolate land underscores his continued commitment to his prophetic calling among the remnant of his people, even in their broken state.

**What is the significance of Jeremiah being given a choice, unlike the other captives?**

Answer: The choice offered to Jeremiah highlights his unique status as God's prophet and the divine protection extended to him. While the vast majority of the Judean population, especially the elite, were forcibly deported to Babylon as part of the empire's policy to prevent rebellion and integrate conquered peoples, Jeremiah was granted complete autonomy. This exceptional treatment underscores God's faithfulness to His promises to Jeremiah ([Jeremiah 1:19](/jeremiah/1-19 "Jeremiah 1:19 - God's Promise to Jeremiah - They will fight against you but will not overcome you")), demonstrating that even in judgment, God preserves His faithful servants and provides them with agency. It also serves as a powerful illustration of God's sovereignty, as He works through human authorities, even pagan ones, to achieve His specific purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 40:4, with its dramatic portrayal of liberation and choice, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Jeremiah was loosed from physical chains and offered a path of freedom and provision, so too does Christ come to set us free from the far more insidious chains of sin, death, and the law. Jesus declared, "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - The Son Sets You Free")). His sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate act of "loosing," breaking the spiritual fetters that bind humanity and offering a genuine choice for life and salvation. The "good" and "convenient" path offered to Jeremiah by Nebuzaradan, with the promise of being "looked well unto," foreshadows the infinitely greater invitation of Christ: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). In Christ, we are offered not merely a choice between two earthly locations but a choice between eternal life in His presence or continued bondage to sin. His care for us far surpasses any earthly provision, as He promises to "supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus" ([Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God's Provision According to His Riches")). Thus, Jeremiah's experience of unexpected grace and divinely orchestrated freedom points forward to the comprehensive and redemptive freedom that only Christ can provide, inviting all to walk in the path that is truly good and convenient—the path of discipleship under His loving gaze.

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 39:11

¶ Now Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon gave charge concerning Jeremiah to Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, saying,

Jeremiah 39:12

Take him, and look well to him, and do him no harm; but do unto him even as he shall say unto thee.

Genesis 20:15

And Abimelech said, Behold, my land [is] before thee: dwell where it pleaseth thee.

Genesis 13:9

[Is] not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if [thou wilt take] the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if [thou depart] to the right hand, then I will go to the left.