Jeremiah 52:29

KJV

In the eighteenth year of Nebuchadrezzar he carried away captive from Jerusalem eight hundred thirty and two persons:

KJV (with Strong's)

In the eighteenth {H8083}{H6240} year {H8141} of Nebuchadrezzar {H5019} he carried away captive {H1540} from Jerusalem {H3389} eight {H8083} hundred {H3967} thirty {H7970} and two {H8147} persons {H5315}:

Complete Jewish Bible

in the eighteenth year of N'vukhadretzar, 832 persons from Yerushalayim;

Berean Standard Bible

in Nebuchadnezzar’s eighteenth year, 832 people from Jerusalem;

American Standard Version

in the eighteenth year of Nebuchadrezzar he carried away captive from Jerusalem eight hundred thirty and two persons;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 52:29 meticulously records the second major deportation of Jewish people from Jerusalem by King Nebuchadrezzar of Babylon, occurring in his eighteenth regnal year. This precise historical detail underscores the devastating consequences of Judah's persistent rebellion against God, serving as a tangible fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophetic warnings regarding the impending Babylonian exile and the profound judgment upon the nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 52 functions as a historical appendix to the prophetic book, largely mirroring the accounts found in [2 Kings 24-25](/2-kings/24 "2 Kings 24-25 - The Fall of Judah"). This chapter provides a factual, chronological summary of Jerusalem's fall and the subsequent deportations, serving to validate the prophecies of judgment delivered throughout the preceding chapters of Jeremiah. Verse 29 specifically details the second of three distinct waves of exile, following the initial deportation in Nebuchadnezzar's seventh year (recorded in [Jeremiah 52:28](/jeremiah/52-28 "Jeremiah 52:28 - First Deportation")) and preceding a smaller, final deportation five years later ([Jeremiah 52:30](/jeremiah/52-30 "Jeremiah 52:30 - Third Deportation")). The chapter's inclusion at the end of Jeremiah's prophecies emphasizes the undeniable fulfillment of God's word, even in the face of national catastrophe.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "eighteenth year of Nebuchadrezzar" corresponds to 586 BC, a pivotal and catastrophic year for the Kingdom of Judah. This was the year Jerusalem finally fell after a prolonged siege, the Temple was destroyed, and the city walls were torn down. This period marked the end of the Davidic monarchy's independent rule and the beginning of the seventy-year Babylonian exile, a period of profound national trauma and theological reflection for the Jewish people. The deportations were a standard tactic of ancient Near Eastern empires, designed to break the spirit of conquered peoples, prevent rebellion, and integrate skilled labor into the imperial economy. The precision of the numbers and dates in Jeremiah 52 highlights the meticulous record-keeping of the time and the profound impact these events had on the collective memory of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment and Consequences**, demonstrating that God's covenant curses for disobedience ([Deuteronomy 28:47-48](/deuteronomy/28-47 "Deuteronomy 28:47-48 - Consequences of Disobedience")) were indeed executed upon Judah for its persistent idolatry and rejection of prophetic warnings. Secondly, the detailed numerical and chronological data underscore **Historical Precision and Veracity**, affirming the Bible's commitment to recording historical facts accurately, even those that bring shame or sorrow. This historical grounding lends weight to the theological claims. Finally, the verse is a stark reminder of the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as Jeremiah had tirelessly warned of this very destruction and exile ([Jeremiah 25:11](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:11 - Prophecy of 70-Year Exile")). The unfolding events of the deportations served as undeniable proof that God's word, though often rejected, would ultimately come to pass.

### 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 portrays the humiliation and vulnerability of the exiled population. It's not merely a relocation but a stripping away of identity, land, and dignity, emphasizing the punitive and shaming aspect of the deportation.
* **Jerusalem (Hebrew, _Yᵉrûwshâlaim'_):** "The capital city of Palestine," likely derived from roots meaning "founded peaceful." The city's name, ironically, suggests peace, yet it became the epicenter of intense conflict and the target of divine judgment due to its inhabitants' unfaithfulness. Its repeated mention as the source of the captives highlights the direct assault on the heart of Judah's religious and political life.
* **persons (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** Properly, "a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental)." While translated as "persons," _nephesh_ here refers to individual lives, souls, or beings. The use of this term emphasizes that these were not just numbers but individual human beings, each with a life, a story, and a profound experience of displacement and loss, underscoring the personal tragedy embedded within the national catastrophe.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the eighteenth year of Nebuchadrezzar":** This precise chronological marker places the event firmly within the historical timeline of the Babylonian Empire. Nebuchadrezzar (often spelled Nebuchadnezzar) was the powerful king of Babylon who conquered Judah, destroyed Jerusalem, and orchestrated the deportations. His eighteenth year corresponds to 586 BC, the year of Jerusalem's final fall and the destruction of the Temple.
* **"he carried away captive from Jerusalem":** This phrase identifies the agent of the deportation (Nebuchadrezzar) and the origin of the captives (Jerusalem). It highlights the forced nature of the relocation, emphasizing that the people were not migrating but were forcibly removed from their homeland, marking a severe disruption of their national and spiritual life.
* **"eight hundred thirty and two persons":** The specific number of captives provides a striking detail. While seemingly small compared to the total population, this figure likely represents a specific category of individuals, perhaps the remaining elite, skilled workers, or those deemed most rebellious after the main destruction. The precision of the number lends historical credibility and underscores the meticulous record-keeping of the time, even in the midst of immense chaos and tragedy.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 52:29 primarily employs **Historical Reporting** and **Numerical Precision**. The verse functions as a stark, factual record, presenting verifiable data—the specific year of Nebuchadrezzar's reign and the exact number of "persons" deported. This meticulous detail serves to validate the preceding prophecies of Jeremiah, transforming abstract warnings into concrete, undeniable historical events. The very dryness of the numerical account, however, creates a powerful effect of **Understatement**; the bare number of 832 "persons" conceals the immense human suffering, the shattered lives, the forced marches, and the profound trauma of exile. This stark presentation allows the weight of the historical reality to speak for itself, emphasizing the devastating fulfillment of divine judgment without overt emotional language.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, a grim historical record, serves as a powerful testament to the theological principle of divine judgment and the consequences of persistent disobedience. It demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, both in blessing for obedience and in discipline for rebellion. The exile was not an arbitrary act but the culmination of centuries of Israel's unfaithfulness, idolatry, and rejection of prophetic warnings. Yet, even within this severe judgment, God's sovereignty is profoundly evident; He used a pagan king, Nebuchadrezzar, as His instrument to fulfill His divine purposes ([Jeremiah 27:6](/jeremiah/27-6 "Jeremiah 27:6 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant")). This act of discipline was intended to purify His people, leading them to repentance and preparing them for a future restoration, demonstrating that even in judgment, God's ultimate plan is redemptive.

* [Deuteronomy 28:64](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Deuteronomy 28:64 - Prophecy of Dispersion")
* [Leviticus 26:33](/leviticus/26-33 "Leviticus 26:33 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Isaiah 39:6-7](/isaiah/39-6 "Isaiah 39:6-7 - Prophecy of Babylonian Captivity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 52:29, though a historical footnote in a chapter of devastation, carries profound contemporary lessons. It reminds us that God is not indifferent to human sin and that His warnings, though sometimes delayed, are ultimately fulfilled. The precision of the numbers and dates underscores the reality and severity of God's judgment, serving as a sobering call to heed His word in our own lives. For believers today, this verse challenges us to examine our own hearts for areas of disobedience or compromise, recognizing that spiritual complacency can lead to profound consequences. Yet, even in the midst of such a dire historical moment, we can discern God's underlying sovereignty and His faithfulness to His larger redemptive plan. The discipline of exile ultimately paved the way for repentance, spiritual renewal, and the eventual return to the land, reminding us that God's discipline is always purposeful, aiming for our ultimate good and conformity to His will. It encourages us to trust in His justice and mercy, even when His ways are difficult to comprehend, finding hope in His ultimate promises of restoration and new covenant.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the historical precision of this verse (specific year, specific number) impact your understanding of God's involvement in human history?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the consequences of persistent disobedience, both individually and corporately?**
* **How can we discern God's sovereignty and purpose even in moments of profound suffering or judgment?**

### FAQ

**Why does Jeremiah 52 give different numbers for the deportations than 2 Kings?**

Answer: The numbers of captives mentioned in Jeremiah 52 (3,023 in the 7th year, 832 in the 18th year, 745 in the 23rd year) often differ from the more general accounts in [2 Kings 24-25](/2-kings/24 "2 Kings 24-25 - The Fall of Judah"). This discrepancy is generally understood not as a contradiction, but as a difference in scope or categorization. The numbers in Jeremiah 52 are often interpreted as referring specifically to adult male heads of households, or perhaps a particular group of people (e.g., those from Jerusalem only, or those of a certain status), rather than the total population deported which would have included women, children, and others. The accounts in Kings might be broader estimates or include different categories of exiles. The meticulous detail in Jeremiah 52, especially with these specific numbers, suggests a different, perhaps more focused, record-keeping purpose, emphasizing the precise impact on a certain segment of the population.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 52:29, detailing the physical exile of God's people due to their sin, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate spiritual exile of humanity from God's presence, a consequence of Adam's fall and our own rebellion ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). Just as Judah was carried away captive from Jerusalem, humanity finds itself alienated from the true "city of peace," the presence of God. However, the Lord Jesus Christ enters this narrative as the ultimate Deliverer. He is the one who was "carried away captive" to the cross, not for His own sin, but to bear the judgment for humanity's spiritual exile ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Suffering for Our Sins")). Through His atoning sacrifice, He provides the way for a new exodus, a spiritual return from captivity to the Father. He gathers the scattered "persons" of God's new covenant people from every nation, bringing them into His kingdom and establishing a new, eternal Jerusalem ([Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem")), where true peace and unhindered communion with God are found. Thus, the painful historical reality of Jeremiah 52:29 points forward to the glorious work of Christ, who overcomes the ultimate exile of sin and death, offering true freedom and restoration to all who believe ([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

Genesis 12:5

And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.

Jeremiah 52:12

¶ Now in the fifth month, in the tenth [day] of the month, which [was] the nineteenth year of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, came Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, [which] served the king of Babylon, into Jerusalem,

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:

Jeremiah 39:9

Then Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive into Babylon the remnant of the people that remained in the city, and those that fell away, that fell to him, with the rest of the people that remained.

Exodus 1:5

And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt [already].

2 Kings 25:11

Now the rest of the people [that were] left in the city, and the fugitives that fell away to the king of Babylon, with the remnant of the multitude, did Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carry away.