What Does Jeremiah 39:10 Mean in the King James?
But Nebuzar-adan the captain of the guard left of the poor of the people, which had nothing, in the land of Judah, and gave them vineyards and fields at the same time.
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
The word translated “left” names a remainder: those who have nothing remain in the land, then receive ground from which something can grow.
THE MEANING
This verse speaks to the moment when lack seems to leave no future: people described as having nothing remain in the land and receive vineyards and fields that same day. It also keeps power visible, the guard commander decides who stays, while those left behind receive land to cultivate.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
Having nothing means there is no place for a future to take root.
THE ROOT
הִשְׁאִיר
hish'ir
GROWS FROM
שאר
sha'ar
Remain; be left over.
The verb translated “left” is a causative form of the root meaning “remain”: the commander causes some people to remain in the land. The same root names a remnant, so the people with nothing are also the remainder who survive in place, and the sentence goes on to give them land.
ALSO GROWS
she'erit: Remnant; what remains.
שְׁאֵרִית
This noun makes explicit the connection between being left and being a remainder.
nish'ar: Remained; was left.
נִשְׁאַר
This form describes the state of remaining that the verse’s verb brings about.
וַיִּתֵּן
vayyitten
GROWS FROM
נתן
natan
Give, set, place.
“gave” in this verse is vayyitten. This root can describe both giving something and setting or placing it. The people who have “nothing” are not merely counted as remaining; vineyards and fields are placed in their hands, changing what they can cultivate.
ALSO GROWS
mattanah: Gift.
מַתָּנָה
This noun shows how the act of giving can be understood as a concrete provision received.
natun: Given; placed.
נָתוּן
This form echoes the placement of vineyards and fields with the people who remain.
THE PATTERN
The text shows restoration taking concrete form as provision, a place to stand, or ground to cultivate.
He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people.And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.THE THREAD
And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.The word translated “remnant” here is שְׁאֵרִית (she’erit), “remnant”; it shares the root שאר (sha’ar), “remain,” behind “left” in Jeremiah 39:10. Here, what remains is gathered toward safety and fruitfulness, opening a future for the exposed remainder.
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