Jeremiah 40:16
New International Version
But Gedaliah son of Ahikam said to Johanan son of Kareah, “Don’t do such a thing! What you are saying about Ishmael is not true.”

New Living Translation
But Gedaliah said to Johanan, “I forbid you to do any such thing, for you are lying about Ishmael.”

English Standard Version
But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said to Johanan the son of Kareah, “You shall not do this thing, for you are speaking falsely of Ishmael.”

Berean Standard Bible
But 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.”

King James Bible
But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said unto Johanan the son of Kareah, Thou shalt not do this thing: for thou speakest falsely of Ishmael.

New King James Version
But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said to Johanan the son of Kareah, “You shall not do this thing, for you speak falsely concerning Ishmael.”

New American Standard Bible
But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said to Johanan the son of Kareah, “Do not do this thing, for you are telling a lie about Ishmael.”

NASB 1995
But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said to Johanan the son of Kareah, “Do not do this thing, for you are telling a lie about Ishmael.”

NASB 1977
But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said to Johanan the son of Kareah, “Do not do this thing, for you are telling a lie about Ishmael.”

Legacy Standard Bible
But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said to Johanan the son of Kareah, “Do not do this thing, for you are telling a lie about Ishmael.”

Amplified Bible
But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said to Johanan the son of Kareah, “Do not do this thing, for you are lying about Ishmael.”

Christian Standard Bible
But Gedaliah son of Ahikam responded to Johanan son of Kareah, “Don’t do that! What you’re saying about Ishmael is a lie.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But Gedaliah son of Ahikam responded to Johanan son of Kareah, “Don’t do that! What you’re saying about Ishmael is a lie.”

American Standard Version
But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said unto Johanan the son of Kareah, Thou shalt not do this thing; for thou speakest falsely of Ishmael.

Contemporary English Version
Gedaliah answered, "Don't kill Ishmael! What you've said about him can't be true."

English Revised Version
But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said unto Johanan the son of Kareah, Thou shalt not do this thing: for thou speakest falsely of Ishmael.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Gedaliah, son of Ahikam, told Johanan, Kareah's son, "Don't do that! What you are saying about Ishmael is a lie."

Good News Translation
But Gedaliah answered, "Don't do it! What you are saying about Ishmael is not true!"

International Standard Version
Ahikam's son Gedaliah replied to Kareah's son Jonathan, "Don't do this! You're lying about Ishmael!"

Majority Standard Bible
But 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.”

NET Bible
But Gedaliah son of Ahikam said to Johanan son of Kareah, "Do not do that because what you are saying about Ishmael is not true."

New Heart English Bible
But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said to Johanan the son of Kareah, "You shall not do this thing; for you speak falsely of Ishmael."

Webster's Bible Translation
But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said to Johanan the son of Kareah, Thou shalt not do this thing: for thou speakest falsely of Ishmael.

World English Bible
But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said to Johanan the son of Kareah, “You shall not do this thing, for you speak falsely of Ishmael.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Gedaliah son of Ahikam says to Johanan son of Kareah, “You do not do this thing, for you are speaking falsehood concerning Ishmael.”

Young's Literal Translation
And Gedaliah son of Ahikam saith unto Johanan son of Kareah, 'Thou dost not do this thing, for falsehood thou art speaking concerning Ishmael.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Gedaliah son of Ahikam will say to Johanan son of Kareah, Thou shalt not do this word, for thou speakest falsehood concerning Ishmael.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Codolias the son of Ahicam said to Johanan the son of Cares: Do not this thing: for what thou sayst of Ismahel is false.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam, said to Johanan, the son of Kareah: “Do not do this word. For what you have said about Ishmael is false.”

New American Bible
Gedaliah, son of Ahikam, answered Johanan, son of Kareah, “You must not do that. What you are saying about Ishmael is a lie!”

New Revised Standard Version
But Gedaliah son of Ahikam said to Johanan son of Kareah, “Do not do such a thing, for you are telling a lie about Ishmael.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said to Johanan the son of Kareah, You shall not do this thing; for you are speaking falsely of Ishmael.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Gedaliah, son of Akhiqam, said to Yokhanan, son of Qorakh, “You shall not make this response, because you have spoken a lie against Ishmayl!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said unto Johanan the son of Kareah: 'Thou shalt not do this thing; for thou speakest falsely of Ishmael.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But Godolias said to Joanan, Do not the thing, for thou speakest lies concerning Ismael.
Audio Bible



Context
The Plot Against Gedaliah
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 Kings 25:22-24
Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, over the people he had left behind in the land of Judah. / When all the commanders of the armies and their men heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah as governor, they came to Gedaliah at Mizpah—Ishmael son of Nethaniah, Johanan son of Kareah, Seraiah son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite, and Jaazaniah son of the Maacathite, as well as their men. / And Gedaliah took an oath before them and their men, assuring them, “Do not be afraid of the servants of the Chaldeans. Live in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will be well with you.”

Jeremiah 41:1-3
In the seventh month, Ishmael son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, who was a member of the royal family and one of the king’s chief officers, came with ten men to Gedaliah son of Ahikam at Mizpah, and they ate a meal together there. / Then Ishmael son of Nethaniah and the ten men who were with him got up and struck down Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, with the sword, killing the one whom the king of Babylon had appointed to govern the land. / Ishmael also killed all the Jews who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah, as well as the Chaldean soldiers who were there.

Jeremiah 39:10
But Nebuzaradan left behind in the land of Judah some of the poor people who had no property, and at that time he gave them vineyards and fields.

2 Chronicles 36:20-21
Those who escaped the sword were carried by Nebuchadnezzar into exile in Babylon, and they became servants to him and his sons until the kingdom of Persia came to power. / So the land enjoyed its Sabbath rest all the days of the desolation, until seventy years were completed, in fulfillment of the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah.

Isaiah 37:30-32
And this will be a sign to you, O Hezekiah: This year you will eat what grows on its own, and in the second year what springs from the same. But in the third year you will sow and reap; you will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. / And the surviving remnant of the house of Judah will again take root below and bear fruit above. / For a remnant will go forth from Jerusalem, and survivors from Mount Zion. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.

Ezekiel 33:24-26
“Son of man, those living in the ruins in the land of Israel are saying, ‘Abraham was only one man, yet he possessed the land. But we are many; surely the land has been given to us as a possession.’ / Therefore tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘You eat meat with the blood in it, lift up your eyes to your idols, and shed blood. Should you then possess the land? / You have relied on your swords, you have committed detestable acts, and each of you has defiled his neighbor’s wife. Should you then possess the land?’

Nehemiah 9:30-31
You were patient with them for many years, and Your Spirit admonished them through Your prophets. Yet they would not listen, so You gave them into the hands of the neighboring peoples. / But in Your great compassion, You did not put an end to them; nor did You forsake them, for You are a gracious and compassionate God.

Lamentations 3:22-23
Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. / They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!

Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Romans 12:18
If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.

1 Peter 3:11
He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.

Proverbs 16:7
When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him.

Psalm 37:11
But the meek will inherit the land and delight in abundant prosperity.

Isaiah 32:17
The work of righteousness will be peace; the service of righteousness will be quiet confidence forever.

James 3:18
Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.


Treasury of Scripture

But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said to Johanan the son of Kareah, You shall not do this thing: for you speak falsely of Ishmael.

Thou shalt.

Jeremiah 41:2
Then arose Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and the ten men that were with him, and smote Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan with the sword, and slew him, whom the king of Babylon had made governor over the land.

Matthew 10:16,17
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves…

Romans 3:8
And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.

Jump to Previous
Ahikam Ahi'kam Falsehood Falsely Gedaliah Gedali'ah Ishmael Ish'mael Johanan Joha'nan Kareah Kare'ah Lie Speak Speakest Speaking Telling True.
Jump to Next
Ahikam Ahi'kam Falsehood Falsely Gedaliah Gedali'ah Ishmael Ish'mael Johanan Joha'nan Kareah Kare'ah Lie Speak Speakest Speaking Telling True.
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.














But Gedaliah son of Ahikam
Gedaliah, appointed by the Babylonians as governor over the remnant in Judah, is a figure of trust and hope for the people left in the land. His lineage, being the son of Ahikam, connects him to a family known for their support of the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 26:24). This highlights a legacy of faithfulness and protection of God's messengers, suggesting Gedaliah's role as a leader who values peace and stability. Historically, Gedaliah's appointment represents a period of transition and the potential for restoration after the Babylonian conquest.

said to Johanan son of Kareah
Johanan, a military leader, represents the protective instincts of the remnant in Judah. His concern for Gedaliah's safety reflects the turbulent and dangerous times following the fall of Jerusalem. The mention of his father, Kareah, emphasizes the familial and tribal connections that were crucial for leadership and survival in ancient Israel. Johanan's role is pivotal in the unfolding narrative of loyalty and betrayal, illustrating the complexities of leadership and trust in a post-exilic community.

'Do not do such a thing!
Gedaliah's response to Johanan's warning about Ishmael is a plea for restraint and discernment. This phrase underscores the importance of seeking truth and avoiding rash actions based on unverified claims. In a broader spiritual context, it serves as a reminder of the need for wisdom and patience in leadership, especially when faced with potential threats. The call to "do not do such a thing" echoes the biblical theme of seeking God's guidance before taking action.

What you are saying about Ishmael is a lie.'
Gedaliah's dismissal of Johanan's warning reveals his trust in Ishmael, which tragically proves to be misplaced. The accusation of lying highlights the theme of deception and the challenges of discerning truth in a fallen world. Ishmael, a member of the royal family, harbors ambitions that lead to betrayal and violence. This part of the verse serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of naivety and the need for vigilance against deceit. It also reflects the broader biblical narrative of the struggle between truth and falsehood, urging believers to seek divine wisdom in discerning the intentions of others.

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

son
בֶן־ (ḇen-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Ahikam
אֲחִיקָם֙ (’ă·ḥî·qām)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 296: Ahikam -- 'my brother has arisen', an Israelite

said
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

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

Johanan
יוֹחָנָ֣ן (yō·w·ḥā·nān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3110: Jochanan

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

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

“Do not
אַֽל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

do
תַּעֲשֵׂ֖ה (ta·‘ă·śêh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

such a thing!
הַדָּבָ֣ר (had·dā·ḇār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

What you are
אַתָּ֥ה (’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

saying
דֹבֵ֖ר (ḏō·ḇêr)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

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

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

is a lie.”
שֶׁ֛קֶר (še·qer)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8267: Deception, disappointment, falsehood


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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 40:16 But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said (Jer.)
Jeremiah 40:15
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