Old Testament
Jeremiah 40:7
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When the military commanders still out in the countryside — along with their men — heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam as governor over the land and had placed him in charge of the men, women, and children who remained, especially the poorest people who hadn't been deported to Babylon,
Compare translations
Now when all the captains of the forces which were in the fields, even they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam governor in the land, and had committed unto him men, and women, and children, and of the poor of the land, of them that were not carried away captive to Babylon;
What Jeremiah 40:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a significant moment after the fall of Jerusalem. The military leaders who had been operating in the countryside learn that Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam, has been appointed by the Babylonian king as the governor of the remaining people in Judah. This includes men, women, and children, particularly those who were the poorest and had not been taken into exile. Gedaliah's appointment signifies a new leadership structure in a devastated land, aiming to restore some order and governance among those left behind. The mention of the poorest people highlights the vulnerability of the population and the need for care and protection in a time of upheaval. This situation sets the stage for the challenges and dynamics that will unfold in the following chapters, as the people must navigate their new reality under foreign rule.
How to apply Jeremiah 40:7 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of leadership during difficult times. Just as Gedaliah was appointed to care for the vulnerable, we too are called to support and uplift those in need within our communities. Compassionate leadership can bring hope and stability.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Jeremiah 40:7
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Jeremiah 40:7
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 40:7 mean?
Jeremiah 40:7 describes the appointment of Gedaliah as governor over the remaining people in Judah after the fall of Jerusalem. It highlights the new leadership structure and the focus on caring for the vulnerable population that was left behind.
What is the significance of Gedaliah in Jeremiah 40:7?
Gedaliah's appointment as governor signifies a shift in leadership following the Babylonian conquest. He is tasked with overseeing the men, women, and children who remained, particularly the poorest, indicating a need for stability and governance in a time of crisis.
What does the phrase 'the poorest people' in Jeremiah 40:7 refer to?
In Jeremiah 40:7, 'the poorest people' refers to those who were not deported to Babylon and were left in Judah. This highlights their vulnerability and the importance of providing care and support during a period of upheaval.
How does Jeremiah 40:7 relate to themes of leadership and governance?
Jeremiah 40:7 illustrates the theme of leadership by showing how Gedaliah was chosen to govern those left in Judah. His role underscores the importance of compassionate governance in times of crisis, particularly for the vulnerable.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.