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Jeremiah 39:12

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Jeremiah 39:12 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Take him, and look well to him, and do him no harm; but do unto him even as he shall say unto thee.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Take him, and look well to him, and do him no harm; but do unto him even as he shall say unto thee.
Jeremiah 39:12 — American Standard Version

Context — Jeremiah 39

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
9Then Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive into Babylon the residue of the people that remained in the city, the deserters also that fell away to him, and the residue of the people that remained.
10But Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard left of the poor of the people, that had nothing, in the land of Judah, and gave them vineyards and fields at the same time.
11Now Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon gave charge concerning Jeremiah to Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, saying,
12Take him, and look well to him, and do him no harm; but do unto him even as he shall say unto thee.
13So Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard sent, and Nebushazban, Rab-saris, and Nergal-sharezer, Rab-mag, and all the chief officers of the king of Babylon;
14they sent, and took Jeremiah out of the court of the guard, and committed him unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, that he should carry him home: so he dwelt among the people.
15Now the word of Jehovah came unto Jeremiah, while he was shut up in the court of the guard, saying,
← Jeremiah 39:11Jeremiah 39:13 →
← Full Chapter 39 Jeremiah Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Take him, and look well to him, etc.] Take him out of prison; take him under your immediate care; receive him kindly, and use him humanely; provide everything necessary for him, and let him not want for anything: or, “set thine eyes upon him”f734 look pleasantly at him, and let him be always under your view and inspection; treat him not with neglect and contempt, but see to it that nothing is wanting to him: and do him no harm; no injury to his person by beating, imprisoning, or starving him; nor suffer any to be done to him by the common soldiers, or by his own people: but do unto him even as he shall say unto thee: let him have whatever he asks for: this was great favour from a Heathen…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“look well to him--Hebrew, "set thine eyes upon him"; provide for his well-being.”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Take him - It is probable, that Nebuchadnezzar had been informed, Jeremiah had constantly told the king, that the Chaldeans should take the city, and as steadily persuaded both the king and princes to surrender it to them. Jeremiah 39:15”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“look well to him: Heb. set thine eyes upon him, Jer 24:6, Jer 40:4 \*marg. Pro 23:5; Amo 9:4; Pe1 3:12 do him: Psa 105:14, Psa 105:15; Pro 16:7, Pro 21:1; Act 7:10; Pe1 3:13 Jeremiah 39:13”
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Related study paths

Read Jeremiah 39 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification