Jeremiah 52:28

KJV

This [is] the people whom Nebuchadrezzar carried away captive: in the seventh year three thousand Jews and three and twenty:

KJV (with Strong's)

This is the people {H5971} whom Nebuchadrezzar {H5019} carried away captive {H1540}: in the seventh {H7651} year {H8141} three {H7969} thousand {H505} Jews {H3064} and three {H7969} and twenty {H6242}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The numbers of people deported by N'vukhadretzar were as follows: in the seventh year, 3,023 persons from Y'hudah;

Berean Standard Bible

These are the people Nebuchadnezzar carried away: in the seventh year, 3,023 Jews;

American Standard Version

This is the people whom Nebuchadrezzar carried away captive: in the seventh year three thousand Jews and three and twenty;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 52:28 meticulously records a specific phase of the Babylonian deportations, detailing the number of Jewish exiles carried away by King Nebuchadrezzar in his seventh regnal year. This verse, serving as a precise historical appendix to the prophetic book, underscores the tangible and devastating consequences of Judah's persistent sin and the precise fulfillment of divine warnings regarding the Babylonian captivity, providing a stark factual summary of the initial stages of the nation's exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah chapter 52 functions as a crucial historical appendix to the prophetic book, largely mirroring and complementing the accounts found in [2 Kings 24-25](/2_kings/24 "2 Kings 24-25 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Exile"). This chapter provides a detailed, factual recounting of Jerusalem's final siege, the destruction of the Temple, and the various waves of the Babylonian captivity that befell Judah. Verse 28 specifically zeroes in on the first significant deportation, which occurred in the "seventh year" of Nebuchadrezzar's reign. This event is widely understood to be the one associated with the surrender of King Jehoiachin and the subsequent removal of many prominent citizens, including the prophet Ezekiel, along with skilled artisans and mighty men, to Babylon. While [2 Kings 24:14](/2_kings/24-14 "2 Kings 24:14 - Deportation of 10,000") mentions a larger figure of 10,000 captives during this period, Jeremiah 52:28 specifies 3,023 individuals. This difference likely refers to heads of households or a particular segment within that broader deportation, showcasing the meticulous yet sometimes varied focus of ancient record-keeping. The inclusion of such precise numbers at the end of Jeremiah's prophecies serves to validate the accuracy and fulfillment of his warnings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in Jeremiah 52:28 transpired around 597 BC, during the zenith of the Neo-Babylonian Empire's power under King Nebuchadrezzar II. Following his decisive victory over Egypt at Carchemish in 605 BC, Babylon solidified its dominion over the Levant, including the kingdom of Judah. Deportation was a standard imperial strategy employed by both the Assyrians and Babylonians. Its primary aims were to quash rebellion, dismantle national identity, and integrate conquered populations into the empire by removing their elite, skilled laborers, and influential figures, thereby crippling their capacity for resistance and ensuring subservience. The specific timing, in Nebuchadrezzar's seventh regnal year, places this event shortly after the first siege of Jerusalem and the brief, three-month reign of King Jehoiachin, who surrendered to prevent further devastation to the city and its inhabitants. This act marked a significant turning point in Judah's history, initiating the long period of exile.
* **Key Themes:** Though concise, this verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament narrative. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Judgment and Prophecy Fulfillment**, demonstrating that the deportations were not merely random acts of war but the precise execution of God's warnings against Judah's persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness, as repeatedly prophesied by Jeremiah (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:11](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:11 - Prophecy of 70-Year Exile")). The specific numbers and timelines underscore the **Historical Accuracy and Reliability** of the biblical record, lending credibility to the narrative of God's active involvement in human history. Furthermore, the verse highlights the grim **Reality of Exile**, reminding readers that the [Babylonian captivity](/jeremiah/52 "Jeremiah 52 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Exile") was a tangible, devastating event that profoundly impacted real people and systematically dismantled the nation of Judah, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of forsaking God's covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **people (Hebrew, _ʻam'_):** This term refers to a collective, a congregated unit, often specifically denoting a tribe or nation, as in the "people of Israel." In this context, it emphasizes the corporate nature of the judgment and the identity of those affected – the chosen people of God, now facing the consequences of their collective sin and covenant breach.
* **Nebuchadrezzar (Hebrew, _Nᵉbûwkadneʼtstsar'_):** This is the name of the formidable king of Babylon, the divinely appointed instrument of God's judgment against Judah. The consistent use of this specific name (and its variants) throughout Jeremiah underscores the historical specificity of these events and the direct agency of this foreign ruler in fulfilling divine prophecy.
* **carried away captive (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to denude," "to exile," or "to reveal." Here, its primary sense is forced removal from one's homeland, often implying a stripping away of status, possessions, and freedom. The act of being "carried away captive" is the physical manifestation of the spiritual and covenantal breach between God and His people, leading to their displacement and loss of national autonomy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This [is] the people whom Nebuchadrezzar carried away captive:"** This opening clause immediately establishes the subject of the verse: a specific group of people who suffered forced displacement. The agent of this action is clearly identified as Nebuchadrezzar, the formidable Babylonian king, setting the historical stage for the subsequent precise details. It serves as a factual statement about a significant event, implying a continuation of the narrative of Judah's subjugation and exile as a direct consequence of divine judgment.
* **"in the seventh year three thousand Jews and three and twenty:"** This clause provides the precise historical and quantitative details of this particular deportation. "In the seventh year" refers to the seventh regnal year of Nebuchadrezzar, dating this event to approximately 597 BC. The number "three thousand Jews and three and twenty" (3,023) specifies the exact count of individuals (likely heads of households, or a particular administrative segment of the population) taken captive during this specific wave of deportation, highlighting the meticulous record-keeping associated with these historical events. The term "Jews" (Yᵉhûwdîy) specifically identifies the ethnic and national identity of the captives, emphasizing that it was the covenant people who faced this judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 52:28, while primarily a factual record, subtly employs several literary devices that enhance its impact. The most prominent is **Precision**, evident in the exact numerical count ("three thousand Jews and three and twenty") and the specific temporal marker ("in the seventh year"). This meticulous detail lends an air of historical verisimilitude and underscores the gravity and undeniable reality of the events described, confirming the fulfillment of prophecy. There is also an element of **Sober Factuality** or **Understatement**; the verse simply presents the bare facts of the deportation without overt emotional language or prophetic rhetoric. This stark, unadorned presentation, however, paradoxically amplifies the tragedy, allowing the sheer weight of the historical reality to resonate with the reader. Finally, the verse functions as a form of **Factual Confirmation**, serving as a concrete illustration of the fulfillment of Jeremiah's earlier prophecies concerning the impending exile, thereby validating the prophet's message and God's sovereign control over historical outcomes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 52:28, though seemingly a dry historical detail, is profoundly rich with theological significance. It stands as a stark testament to the unwavering principle that actions have consequences, particularly when a covenant people persistently disobeys their God. The precise accounting of the exiles underscores God's meticulous justice and His unwavering commitment to His word, whether in warning or in judgment. Even in the midst of national catastrophe, the very act of recording these numbers speaks to God's sovereignty over history, demonstrating that the exile was not a random misfortune but a divinely ordained consequence, a painful but necessary step in His redemptive plan for Israel. It highlights the severity of sin and idolatry, which led to the temporary removal of God's people from their promised land, yet it also implicitly points to the hope of future restoration promised through the same divine faithfulness that executed the judgment.

* [2 Kings 24:14](/2_kings/24-14 "2 Kings 24:14 - Deportation of 10,000")
* [Jeremiah 25:11](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:11 - Prophecy of 70-Year Captivity")
* [Deuteronomy 28:36](/deuteronomy/28-36 "Deuteronomy 28:36 - Prophecy of Exile for Disobedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 52:28, in its stark factual precision, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's word is true and that there are tangible consequences for persistent disobedience, both individually and corporately. The meticulous counting of the exiles highlights God's attentiveness to every detail, even in judgment, assuring us that He is sovereign over all circumstances, including our own difficulties and trials. This verse calls us to a deeper level of introspection, prompting us to examine our own lives for areas of compromise or rebellion against God's revealed will. It encourages us to take God's warnings seriously and to live in faithful obedience, trusting that His ultimate plans are for our good, even when His discipline feels severe. Ultimately, it reinforces the foundational truth that God is just and faithful, and His purposes will always prevail, even through periods of hardship and loss.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the historical precision of this verse, with its specific numbers and dates, deepen your trust in the biblical narrative and God's sovereignty over history?**
* **What lessons can we draw from Judah's exile regarding the consequences of persistent disobedience to God's commands in our own lives or communities?**
* **Even in the context of judgment, how does God's meticulous attention to detail (e.g., counting the exiles) offer a foundation for trust in His ultimate plan and care for His people?**

### FAQ
**Question?** Why is there a difference in the number of captives between Jeremiah 52:28 (3,023) and 2 Kings 24:14 (10,000)?

Answer: The discrepancy in numbers is a common point of discussion among scholars, but it does not undermine the historical accuracy of the accounts. Several explanations are plausible. One common view is that [2 Kings 24:14](/2_kings/24-14 "2 Kings 24:14 - Deportation of 10,000") provides a more general, rounded figure for the total number of people deported, including all individuals (men, women, and children, plus the "mighty men of valor" and artisans). Jeremiah 52:28, on the other hand, might be referring to a specific segment of the population, perhaps only the heads of households, or a particular administrative group, or even a separate, smaller wave of deportation within the broader event. Ancient records often focused on specific categories of people for different purposes. Both accounts, however, agree on the fact of a significant deportation in Nebuchadrezzar's seventh year, underscoring the meticulous nature of the biblical record-keeping even with varying statistical focuses.

**Question?** Who was Nebuchadrezzar and why is his name spelled differently here than in other parts of the Bible?

Answer: Nebuchadrezzar (also known as Nebuchadnezzar II) was the most powerful king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, reigning from 605 to 562 BC. He was the primary instrument of God's judgment against Judah, responsible for the destruction of Jerusalem and the subsequent deportations of the Jewish people. The variation in spelling, such as "Nebuchadrezzar" in [Jeremiah](/jeremiah "The Book of Jeremiah") and [Ezekiel](/ezekiel "The Book of Ezekiel"), versus "Nebuchadnezzar" in [Daniel](/daniel "The Book of Daniel") and [2 Kings](/2_kings "The Book of 2 Kings"), is primarily a transliteration difference from the original Akkadian name (Nabû-kudurri-uṣur). Both spellings refer to the exact same historical figure, reflecting different ways the Hebrew scribes rendered the foreign name. This linguistic variation does not indicate different individuals but rather stylistic or dialectal preferences in the biblical texts, all pointing to the same historical figure.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 52:28, detailing the exile of God's people due to their sin, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The Babylonian exile was a direct consequence of Judah's rebellion, a physical separation from the Promised Land and the direct presence of God in the Temple. This foreshadows the spiritual exile of all humanity, separated from God by sin. Christ, though perfectly sinless, willingly entered into this state of alienation on the cross, bearing the full weight of humanity's sin and experiencing a profound separation from the Father, becoming sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). He endured the ultimate "captivity" of death, yet He broke its bonds through His glorious resurrection, demonstrating His decisive victory over sin and death ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus from the Dead")). Through His atoning sacrifice, believers are brought out of spiritual exile and into reconciliation with God ([Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Brought Near by the Blood of Christ")), adopted as sons and daughters ([Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption")), and granted access to His very presence. The meticulous counting of the exiles in Jeremiah 52:28, though a record of judgment, also subtly points to God's meticulous care in gathering His elect. Just as the remnant of Israel was preserved and eventually returned from physical exile, so too does Christ, the true Shepherd, ensure that none of those the Father has given Him will be lost ([John 6:39](/john/6-39 "John 6:39 - Jesus Will Lose None of Those Given to Him")). The return from exile points to the new covenant and the ultimate, eternal restoration found in Christ, the true King, who gathers His people from every nation, tribe, and tongue into His everlasting kingdom ([Matthew 24:31](/matthew/24-31 "Matthew 24:31 - Gathering of the Elect")), where there will be no more separation from God.

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

2 Kings 24:2

And the LORD sent against him bands of the Chaldees, and bands of the Syrians, and bands of the Moabites, and bands of the children of Ammon, and sent them against Judah to destroy it, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servants the prophets.

2 Kings 24:3

Surely at the commandment of the LORD came [this] upon Judah, to remove [them] out of his sight, for the sins of Manasseh, according to all that he did;

Daniel 1:1

¶ In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it.

Daniel 1:3

And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring [certain] of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes;

2 Kings 24:12

And Jehoiachin the king of Judah went out to the king of Babylon, he, and his mother, and his servants, and his princes, and his officers: and the king of Babylon took him in the eighth year of his reign.

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.

2 Chronicles 36:20

And them that had escaped from the sword carried he away to Babylon; where they were servants to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia: