Jeremiah 40:15
New International Version
Then Johanan son of Kareah said privately to Gedaliah in Mizpah, “Let me go and kill Ishmael son of Nethaniah, and no one will know it. Why should he take your life and cause all the Jews who are gathered around you to be scattered and the remnant of Judah to perish?”

New Living Translation
Later Johanan had a private conference with Gedaliah and volunteered to kill Ishmael secretly. “Why should we let him come and murder you?” Johanan asked. “What will happen then to the Judeans who have returned? Why should the few of us who are still left be scattered and lost?”

English Standard Version
Then Johanan the son of Kareah spoke secretly to Gedaliah at Mizpah, “Please let me go and strike down Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and no one will know it. Why should he take your life, so that all the Judeans who are gathered about you would be scattered, and the remnant of Judah would perish?”

Berean Standard Bible
Then Johanan son of Kareah spoke privately to Gedaliah at Mizpah. “Let me go and kill Ishmael son of Nethaniah,” he said. “No one will know it. Why should he take your life and scatter all the people of Judah who have gathered to you, so that the remnant of Judah would perish?”

King James Bible
Then Johanan the son of Kareah spake to Gedaliah in Mizpah secretly, saying, Let me go, I pray thee, and I will slay Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and no man shall know it: wherefore should he slay thee, that all the Jews which are gathered unto thee should be scattered, and the remnant in Judah perish?

New King James Version
Then Johanan the son of Kareah spoke secretly to Gedaliah in Mizpah, saying, “Let me go, please, and I will kill Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and no one will know it. Why should he murder you, so that all the Jews who are gathered to you would be scattered, and the remnant in Judah perish?”

New American Standard Bible
Then Johanan the son of Kareah spoke secretly to Gedaliah in Mizpah, saying, “Let me go and kill Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and no one will know! Why should he take your life, so that all the Jews who are gathered to you would be scattered and the remnant of Judah would perish?”

NASB 1995
Then Johanan the son of Kareah spoke secretly to Gedaliah in Mizpah, saying, “Let me go and kill Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and not a man will know! Why should he take your life, so that all the Jews who are gathered to you would be scattered and the remnant of Judah would perish?”

NASB 1977
Then Johanan the son of Kareah spoke secretly to Gedaliah in Mizpah, saying, “Let me go and kill Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and not a man will know! Why should he take your life, so that all the Jews who are gathered to you should be scattered and the remnant of Judah perish?”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Johanan the son of Kareah spoke secretly to Gedaliah in Mizpah, saying, “Let me go and strike down Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and not a man will know! Why should he strike down your life, so that all the Jews who are gathered to you would be scattered and the remnant of Judah would perish?”

Amplified Bible
Then Johanan the son of Kareah spoke secretly to Gedaliah in Mizpah, saying, “Let me go and kill Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and not a man will know [who is responsible]. Why should he kill you and cause all the Jews who are gathered near you to be scattered and the remnant of Judah to perish?”

Christian Standard Bible
Then Johanan son of Kareah suggested to Gedaliah in private at Mizpah, “Let me go kill Ishmael son of Nethaniah. No one will know it. Why should he kill you and allow all of Judah that has gathered around you to scatter and the remnant of Judah to perish? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then Johanan son of Kareah suggested to Gedaliah in private at Mizpah, “Let me go kill Ishmael son of Nethaniah. No one will know it. Why should he kill you and scatter all of Judah that has gathered to you so that the remnant of Judah would perish?”

American Standard Version
Then Johanan the son of Kareah spake to Gedaliah in Mizpah secretly, saying, Let me go, I pray thee, and I will slay Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and no man shall know it: wherefore should he take thy life, that all the Jews that are gathered unto thee should be scattered, and the remnant of Judah perish?

Contemporary English Version
so Johanan went to Gedaliah privately and said, "Let me kill Ishmael. No one will find out who did it. There are only a few people left in Judah, but they are depending on you. And if you are murdered, they will be scattered or killed."

English Revised Version
Then Johanan the son of Kareah spake to Gedaliah in Mizpah secretly, saying, Let me go, I pray thee, and I will slay Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and no man shall know it: wherefore should he take thy life, that all the Jews which are gathered unto thee should be scattered, and the remnant of Judah perish?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then Johanan, Kareah's son, secretly asked Gedaliah at Mizpah, "Let me kill Ishmael, Nethaniah's son. No one will know about it. Why should he kill you? All the Jews who have gathered around you would scatter. What is left of Judah would disappear."

Good News Translation
Then Johanan said privately to him, "Let me go and kill Ishmael, and no one will know who did it. Why should he be allowed to murder you? That would cause all the Jews who have gathered around you to be scattered, and it would bring disaster on all the people who are left in Judah."

International Standard Version
Then Kareah's son Jonathan spoke privately to Gedaliah at Mizpah: "Let me go kill Nethaniah's son Ishmael, and no one will know. Why should he take your life? Otherwise all the Judeans who have gathered around you will be scattered, and the remnant of Judah will perish."

Majority Standard Bible
Then Johanan son of Kareah spoke privately to Gedaliah at Mizpah. “Let me go and kill Ishmael son of Nethaniah,” he said. “No one will know it. Why should he take your life and scatter all the people of Judah who have gathered to you, so that the remnant of Judah would perish?”

NET Bible
Then Johanan son of Kareah spoke privately to Gedaliah there at Mizpah, "Let me go and kill Ishmael the son of Nethaniah before anyone knows about it. Otherwise he will kill you and all the Judeans who have rallied around you will be scattered. Then what remains of Judah will disappear."

New Heart English Bible
Then Johanan the son of Kareah spoke to Gedaliah in Mizpah secretly, saying, "Please let me go, and I will kill Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and no man shall know it: why should he take your life, that all the Jews who are gathered to you should be scattered, and the remnant of Judah perish?"

Webster's Bible Translation
Then Johanan the son of Kareah spoke to Gedaliah in Mizpah secretly, saying, Let me go, I pray thee, and I will slay Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and no man shall know it: why should he slay thee, that all the Jews who are gathered to thee should be scattered, and the remnant of Judah perish?

World English Bible
Then Johanan the son of Kareah spoke to Gedaliah in Mizpah secretly, saying, “Please let me go, and I will kill Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and no man will know it. Why should he take your life, that all the Jews who are gathered to you should be scattered, and the remnant of Judah perish?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Johanan son of Kareah has spoken to Gedaliah in secret, in Mizpah, saying, “Please let me go, and I strike Ishmael son of Nethaniah, and no one knows; why does he strike your soul? And all Judah who are gathered to you have been scattered, and the remnant of Judah has perished.”

Young's Literal Translation
And Johanan son of Kareah hath spoken unto Gedaliah in secret, in Mizpah, saying, 'Let me go, I pray thee, and I smite Ishmael son of Nethaniah, and no one doth know; why doth he smite thy soul? and scattered have been all Judah who are gathered unto thee, and perished hath the remnant of Judah.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Johanan son of Kareah said to Gedaliah in Mizpeh, in secret, saying, I will go now and strike Ishmael son of Nethaniah, and no man shall know: wherefore shall he strike the soul, and all the Jews gathered to thee be scattered, and the remnant of Judah perish?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But Johanan the son of Caree, spoke to Oodolias privately in Masphath, saying: I will go, and I will kill Ismahel the son of Nathanias, and no man shall know it, lest he kill thee, and all the Jews be scattered, that are gathered unto thee, and the remnant of Juda perish.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But Johanan, the son of Kareah, spoke to Gedaliah, separately, at Mizpah, saying: “I will go, and I will strike down Ishmael, the son of Nethaniah, without anyone knowing; otherwise he may kill you, and all the Jews will be scattered who have been gathered to you, and the remnant of Judah will perish.”

New American Bible
Then Johanan, son of Kareah, said secretly to Gedaliah in Mizpah: “Please let me go and kill Ishmael, son of Nethaniah; no one will know it. What if he assassinates you? All the Judahites who have now rallied behind you would scatter and the remnant of Judah would perish.”

New Revised Standard Version
Then Johanan son of Kareah spoke secretly to Gedaliah at Mizpah, “Please let me go and kill Ishmael son of Nethaniah, and no one else will know. Why should he take your life, so that all the Judeans who are gathered around you would be scattered, and the remnant of Judah would perish?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then Johanan the son of Kareah spoke secretly to Gedaliah at Mizpah, saying, Let me go and slay Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and no man shall know it; lest he slay you, and all the Jews who are gathered to you should be scattered, and the remnant of the Jews should perish.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Yokhanan, son of Qorakh, said to Gedaliah secretly in Mezpaya: “I shall go kill Ishmayl, son of Nethaniah, and no man will know, lest he would kill you and all of the house of Yehuda who are assembled to you would be scattered, and the remnant of the Jews would be cut off!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then Johanan the son of Kareah spoke to Gedaliah in Mizpah secretly, saying: 'Let me go, I pray thee, and I will slay Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and no man shall know it; wherefore should he take thy life, that all the Jews that are gathered unto thee should be scattered, and the remnant of Judah perish?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Joanan said to Godolias secretly in Massepha, I will go now and smite Ismael, and let no man know it; lest he slay thee, and all the Jews that are gathered to thee be dispersed, and the remnant of Juda perish.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Plot Against Gedaliah
14and said to him, “Are you aware that Baalis king of the Ammonites has sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to take your life?” But Gedaliah son of Ahikam did not believe them. 15Then Johanan son of Kareah spoke privately to Gedaliah at Mizpah. “Let me go and kill Ishmael son of Nethaniah,” he said. “No one will know it. Why should he take your life and scatter all the people of Judah who have gathered to you, so that the remnant of Judah would perish?” 16But Gedaliah son of Ahikam said to Johanan son of Kareah, “Do not do such a thing! What you are saying about Ishmael is a lie.”…

Cross References
2 Samuel 3:27
When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel.

2 Kings 25:25
In the seventh month, however, Ishmael son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, who was a member of the royal family, came with ten men and struck down and killed Gedaliah, along with the Judeans and Chaldeans who were with him at Mizpah.

Judges 9:5
He went to his father’s house in Ophrah, and on one stone murdered his seventy brothers, the sons of Jerubbaal. But Jotham, the youngest son of Jerubbaal, survived, because he hid himself.

2 Samuel 20:10
Amasa was not on guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach and spilled out his intestines on the ground. And Joab did not need to strike him again, for Amasa was dead. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bichri.

1 Kings 2:5
Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet.

2 Kings 11:1
When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to annihilate all the royal heirs.

2 Samuel 4:6-7
They entered the interior of the house as if to get some wheat, and they stabbed him in the stomach. Then Rechab and his brother Baanah slipped away. / They had entered the house while Ish-bosheth was lying on his bed, and having stabbed and killed him, they beheaded him, took his head, and traveled all night by way of the Arabah.

2 Samuel 13:28-29
Now Absalom had ordered his young men, “Watch Amnon until his heart is merry with wine, and when I order you to strike Amnon down, you are to kill him. Do not be afraid. Have I not commanded you? Be courageous and valiant!” / So Absalom’s young men did to Amnon just as Absalom had ordered. Then all the other sons of the king got up, and each one fled on his mule.

1 Samuel 26:8
Abishai said to David, “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hand. Now, therefore, please let me thrust the spear through him into the ground with one stroke. I will not need to strike him twice!”

1 Samuel 24:4
So David’s men said to him, “This is the day about which the LORD said to you, ‘Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do with him as you wish.’” Then David crept up and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul’s robe.

Matthew 26:14-16
Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests / and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. / So from then on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

John 18:3
So Judas brought a band of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees. They arrived at the garden carrying lanterns, torches, and weapons.

Acts 23:12-15
When daylight came, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. / More than forty of them were involved in this plot. / They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have bound ourselves with a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. ...

Matthew 27:3-5
When Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was filled with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. / “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said. “What is that to us?” they replied. “You bear the responsibility.” / So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.

Luke 22:47-48
While He was still speaking, a crowd arrived, led by the man called Judas, one of the Twelve. He approached Jesus to kiss Him. / But Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”


Treasury of Scripture

Then Johanan the son of Kareah spoke to Gedaliah in Mizpah secretly saying, Let me go, I pray you, and I will slay Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and no man shall know it: why should he slay you, that all the Jews which are gathered to you should be scattered, and the remnant in Judah perish?

Let.

1 Samuel 24:4
And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily.

1 Samuel 26:8
Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not smite him the second time.

Job 31:31
If the men of my tabernacle said not, Oh that we had of his flesh! we cannot be satisfied.

wherefore.

Jeremiah 12:3,4
But thou, O LORD, knowest me: thou hast seen me, and tried mine heart toward thee: pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and prepare them for the day of slaughter…

2 Samuel 18:3
But the people answered, Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but now thou art worth ten thousand of us: therefore now it is better that thou succour us out of the city.

2 Samuel 21:17
But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of Israel.

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Jeremiah 40
1. Jeremiah, being set free by Nebuzaradan, goes to Gedaliah.
7. The dispersed Jews repair unto him.
13. Johanan revealing Ishmael's conspiracy is not believed.














Then Johanan son of Kareah
Johanan, whose name means "Yahweh is gracious," is a significant figure in this narrative. As the son of Kareah, he represents a remnant of leadership among the Jews left in Judah after the Babylonian conquest. His role is pivotal as he seeks to protect the fragile community that remains. Historically, Johanan's actions reflect the turbulent times and the desperate measures considered to preserve the remnant of Judah.

said privately to Gedaliah
The private nature of this conversation underscores the gravity and sensitivity of the situation. Gedaliah, appointed by the Babylonians as governor over the land, is a symbol of hope and stability for the Jews. The secrecy of Johanan's approach indicates the potential for internal conflict and the delicate balance of power. In a broader scriptural context, this reflects the recurring theme of God's people navigating leadership and governance under foreign rule.

in Mizpah
Mizpah, a significant location in biblical history, serves as a center of governance and refuge. It is here that Gedaliah establishes his administration. Archaeologically, Mizpah is identified with Tell en-Nasbeh, providing a tangible connection to the biblical narrative. The choice of Mizpah as a setting highlights its strategic and symbolic importance as a place of gathering and decision-making.

Let me go and kill Ishmael son of Nethaniah
Johanan's proposal to assassinate Ishmael reveals the intense political intrigue and the threat Ishmael poses. Ishmael, of royal descent, represents a faction opposed to Gedaliah's leadership. The Hebrew root for "kill" (הָרַג, harag) conveys the severity of Johanan's intent. This phrase illustrates the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the remnant community, as they weigh the cost of violence against the need for survival.

No one will know it
This phrase reflects the clandestine nature of Johanan's plan, emphasizing the desperation and secrecy involved. It suggests a willingness to take extreme measures to protect the community, even if it means acting in the shadows. Theologically, it raises questions about the righteousness of actions taken in secret and the trust in God's providence versus human intervention.

Why should he be allowed to take your life
Johanan's concern for Gedaliah's life highlights the value placed on leadership and the potential chaos that could ensue from his death. The phrase underscores the vulnerability of the remnant community and the precariousness of their situation. It also reflects a broader biblical theme of the protection of God's appointed leaders and the consequences of their loss.

and scatter all the Jews who are gathered to you
The gathering of the Jews to Gedaliah signifies a moment of unity and hope for the future. Johanan's fear of scattering reflects the historical reality of the Jewish diaspora and the constant threat of dispersion. This phrase resonates with the biblical narrative of exile and return, emphasizing the importance of community and the challenges of maintaining cohesion in the face of external threats.

and the remnant of Judah?
The concept of a "remnant" is a recurring theme in the Bible, symbolizing those who survive judgment and are preserved by God's grace. The remnant of Judah represents the hope for renewal and restoration. This phrase encapsulates the tension between despair and hope, as the community seeks to rebuild amidst adversity. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His people, even in the darkest times.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then Johanan
וְיוֹחָנָ֣ן (wə·yō·w·ḥā·nān)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3110: Jochanan

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Kareah
קָרֵ֡חַ (qā·rê·aḥ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7143: Kareah -- 'bald one', a man of Judah

spoke
אָמַ֣ר (’ā·mar)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

privately
בַסֵּ֨תֶר (ḇas·sê·ṯer)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5643: A covering, hiding place, secrecy

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Gedaliah
גְּדַלְיָהוּ֩ (gə·ḏal·yā·hū)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1436: Gedaliah -- 'Yah is great', three Israelites

at Mizpah.
בַּמִּצְפָּ֜ה (bam·miṣ·pāh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4709: Mizpah -- the name of several places in Israel

“Let me go
אֵ֤לְכָה (’ê·lə·ḵāh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

and kill
וְאַכֶּה֙ (wə·’ak·keh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common singular
Strong's 5221: To strike

Ishmael
יִשְׁמָעֵ֣אל (yiš·mā·‘êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3458: Ishmael -- 'God hears', the name of several Israelites

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Nethaniah,”
נְתַנְיָ֔ה (nə·ṯan·yāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5418: Nethaniah -- 'given of Yah', the name of several Israelites

he said.
לֵאמֹ֗ר (lê·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“No
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

one
וְאִ֖ישׁ (wə·’îš)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

will know it.
יֵדָ֑ע (yê·ḏā‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3045: To know

Why
לָ֧מָּה (lām·māh)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

should he take
יַכֶּ֣כָּה (yak·kek·kāh)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5221: To strike

your life
נֶּ֗פֶשׁ (ne·p̄eš)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion

and scatter
וְנָפֹ֙צוּ֙ (wə·nā·p̄ō·ṣū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 6327: To be dispersed or scattered

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the Jews
יְהוּדָ֔ה (yə·hū·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3064: Jews -- Jewish

who have gathered
הַנִּקְבָּצִ֣ים (han·niq·bā·ṣîm)
Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 6908: To gather, collect

to you,
אֵלֶ֔יךָ (’ê·le·ḵā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

so that the remnant
שְׁאֵרִ֥ית (šə·’ê·rîṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 7611: Rest, residue, remnant, remainder

of Judah
יְהוּדָֽה׃ (yə·hū·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

would perish?”
וְאָבְדָ֖ה (wə·’ā·ḇə·ḏāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 6: To wander away, lose oneself, to perish


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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 40:15 Then Johanan the son of Kareah spoke (Jer.)
Jeremiah 40:14
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