Jeremiah 42:8
New International Version
So he called together Johanan son of Kareah and all the army officers who were with him and all the people from the least to the greatest.

New Living Translation
So he called for Johanan son of Kareah and the other military leaders, and for all the people, from the least to the greatest.

English Standard Version
Then he summoned Johanan the son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces who were with him, and all the people from the least to the greatest,

Berean Standard Bible
and he summoned Johanan son of Kareah, all the commanders of the forces who were with him, and all the people from the least to the greatest.

Berean Literal Bible
And he called to Johanan son of Kareah, and to all the captains of the forces that were with him, and to all the people, from the least even to the greatest,

King James Bible
Then called he Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces which were with him, and all the people from the least even to the greatest,

New King James Version
Then he called Johanan the son of Kareah, all the captains of the forces which were with him, and all the people from the least even to the greatest,

New American Standard Bible
Then he called for Johanan the son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces that were with him, and for all the people from the small to the great,

NASB 1995
Then he called for Johanan the son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces that were with him, and for all the people both small and great,

NASB 1977
Then he called for Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the commanders of the forces that were with him, and for all the people both small and great,

Legacy Standard Bible
Then he called for Johanan the son of Kareah and all the commanders of the military forces that were with him, and for all the people both small and great,

Amplified Bible
Then he called for Johanan the son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces that were with him and all the people from the least to the greatest,

Berean Annotated Bible
and he summoned Johanan (YHWH has graced) son of Kareah (bald), all the commanders of the forces who were with him, and all the people from the least to the greatest.

Christian Standard Bible
and he summoned Johanan son of Kareah, all the commanders of the armies who were with him, and all the people from the least to the greatest.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
and he summoned Johanan son of Kareah, all the commanders of the armies who were with him, and all the people from the least to the greatest.

American Standard Version
Then called he Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces that were with him, and all the people from the least even to the greatest,

Contemporary English Version
Johanan, the officers, and the other people. So I called them together

English Revised Version
Then called he Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces which were with him, and all the people from the least even to the greatest,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So Jeremiah called Kareah's son Johanan, all the army commanders who were with him, and all the people from the least important to the most important.

Good News Translation
so I called together Johanan, all the army leaders who were with him, and all the other people.

International Standard Version
So he called Kareah's son Jonathan, all the military leaders who were with him, and all the people from the least to the greatest.

NET Bible
So Jeremiah summoned Johanan son of Kareah and all the army officers who were with him and all the people of every class.

New Heart English Bible
Then called he Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces who were with him, and all the people from the least even to the greatest,

Webster's Bible Translation
Then called he Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces who were with him, and all the people from the least even to the greatest,
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
and he summoned Johanan son of Kareah, all the commanders of the forces who were with him, and all the people from the least to the greatest.

World English Bible
Then he called Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces who were with him, and all the people from the least even to the greatest,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and he calls to Johanan son of Kareah, and to all the heads of the forces that [are] with him, and to all the people, from the least even to the greatest,

Berean Literal Bible
And he called to Johanan son of Kareah, and to all the captains of the forces that were with him, and to all the people, from the least even to the greatest,

Young's Literal Translation
and he calleth unto Johanan son of Kareah, and unto all the heads of the forces that are with him, and to all the people, from the least even unto the greatest,

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will call to Johanan son of Kareah, and to all the chiefs of the armies which were with him, and to all the people, from small even to great,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he called Johanan the son of Caree, and all the captains of the fighting men that were with him, and all the people from the least to the greatest.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he called Johanan, the son of Kareah, and all the leaders of warriors who were with him, and all the people, from the least even to the greatest.

New American Bible
Then he called Johanan, son of Kareah, his army leaders, and all the people, from the least to the greatest,

New Revised Standard Version
Then he summoned Johanan son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces who were with him, and all the people from the least to the greatest,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then he called Johanan the son of Kareah and all the officers of the forces that were with him and all the people from the young to the old,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he called Yokhanan, son of Qorakh, and all the Leaders of the armies that were with him, and all the people from the little ones and unto the Elders
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then called he Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces that were with him, and all the people from the least even to the greatest,

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he called Joanan, and the Leaders of the host, and all the people from the least even to the greatest,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Warning Against Going to Egypt
7After ten days the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, 8and he summoned Johanan son of Kareah, all the commanders of the forces who were with him, and all the people from the least to the greatest. 9Jeremiah told them, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, to whom you sent me to present your petition:…

Cross References
and he summoned Johanan son of Kareah,

Jeremiah 40:13
Meanwhile, Johanan son of Kareah and all the commanders of the armies in the field came to Gedaliah at Mizpah

Jeremiah 41:11
When Johanan son of Kareah and all the commanders of the armies with him heard of all the crimes that Ishmael son of Nethaniah had committed,

Jeremiah 41:16
Then Johanan son of Kareah and all the commanders of the armies with him took the whole remnant of the people from Mizpah whom he had recovered from Ishmael son of Nethaniah after Ishmael had killed Gedaliah son of Ahikam: the soldiers, women, children, and court officials he had brought back from Gibeon.
all the commanders of the forces who were with him,

Jeremiah 40:7
When all the commanders and men of the armies in the field heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam over the land and that he had put him in charge of the men, women, and children who were the poorest of the land and had not been exiled to Babylon,

Jeremiah 41:13
When all the people with Ishmael saw Johanan son of Kareah and all the commanders of the army with him, they rejoiced,

2 Kings 25:23
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 all the people from the least to the greatest.

2 Kings 23:2
And he went up to the house of the LORD with all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, as well as the priests and the prophets—all the people small and great—and in their hearing he read all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the LORD.

Jeremiah 31:34
No longer will each man teach his neighbor or his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquities and will remember their sins no more.”

Jeremiah 6:13
“For from the least of them to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; from prophet to priest, all practice deceit.
Jeremiah 43:1-4
When Jeremiah had finished telling all the people all the words of the LORD their God—everything that the LORD had sent him to say— / Azariah son of Hoshaiah, Johanan son of Kareah, and all the arrogant men said to Jeremiah, “You are lying! The LORD our God has not sent you to say, ‘You must not go to Egypt to reside there.’ / Rather, Baruch son of Neriah is inciting you against us to deliver us into the hands of the Chaldeans, so that they may put us to death or exile us to Babylon!” …

Jeremiah 40:1-6
This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD after Nebuzaradan captain of the guard had released him at Ramah, having found him bound in chains among all the captives of Jerusalem and Judah who were being exiled to Babylon. / The captain of the guard found Jeremiah and said to him, “The LORD your God decreed this disaster on this place, / and now the LORD has fulfilled it; He has done just as He said. Because you people have sinned against the LORD and have not obeyed His voice, this thing has happened to you. …

Jeremiah 44:1-6
This is the word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the Jews living in the land of Egypt—in Migdol, Tahpanhes, and Memphis—and in the land of Pathros: / “This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: You have seen all the disaster that I brought against Jerusalem and all the cities of Judah; and behold, they lie today in ruins and desolation / because of the evil they have done. They provoked Me to anger by continuing to burn incense and to serve other gods that neither they nor you nor your fathers ever knew. …

Jeremiah 29:10-14
For this is what the LORD says: “When Babylon’s seventy years are complete, I will attend to you and confirm My promise to restore you to this place. / For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope. / Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. …

Jeremiah 7:1-7
This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, / “Stand in the gate of the house of the LORD and proclaim this message: Hear the word of the LORD, all you people of Judah who enter through these gates to worship the LORD. / Thus says the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel: Correct your ways and deeds, and I will let you live in this place. …

Jeremiah 26:1-6
At the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, this word came from the LORD: / “This is what the LORD says: Stand in the courtyard of the house of the LORD and speak all the words I have commanded you to speak to all the cities of Judah who come to worship there. Do not omit a word. / Perhaps they will listen and turn—each from his evil way of life—so that I may relent of the disaster I am planning to bring upon them because of the evil of their deeds. …

Jeremiah 25:1-7
This is the word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the people of Judah in the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, which was the first year of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. / So the prophet Jeremiah spoke to all the people of Judah and all the residents of Jerusalem as follows: / “From the thirteenth year of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah until this very day—twenty-three years—the word of the LORD has come to me, and I have spoken to you again and again, but you have not listened. …


Treasury of Scripture

Then called he Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces which were with him, and all the people from the least even to the greatest,

Johanan.

Jeremiah 42:1
Then all the captains of the forces, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least even unto the greatest, came near,

Jeremiah 40:8,13
Then they came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan and Jonathan the sons of Kareah, and Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth, and the sons of Ephai the Netophathite, and Jezaniah the son of a Maachathite, they and their men…

Jeremiah 41:11-16
But when Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces that were with him, heard of all the evil that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had done, …

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Army Captains Commanders Forces Great Greatest Heads Johanan Joha'nan Kareah Kare'ah Least Small Summoned Together
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Army Captains Commanders Forces Great Greatest Heads Johanan Joha'nan Kareah Kare'ah Least Small Summoned Together
Jeremiah 42
1. Johanan desires Jeremiah to enquire of God, promising obedience to his will.
7. Jeremiah assures him of safety in Judea;
13. and destruction in Egypt.
19. He reproves their hypocrisy.












and he summoned Johanan son of Kareah
Jeremiah, the prophet, is the one doing the summoning. Johanan son of Kareah was a military leader during the time of the Babylonian conquest of Judah. His role is significant as he represents the remnant of Judah that had not been exiled. Johanan had previously opposed Ishmael, who had assassinated Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor. This context highlights the political instability and the struggle for leadership among the remaining Jews in Judah.

all the commanders of the forces who were with him
The commanders of the forces refer to the military leaders who were aligned with Johanan. These men were responsible for the safety and decisions of the remnant community. Their presence indicates the importance of the message Jeremiah was about to deliver, as it concerned the future of the entire group. This gathering underscores the gravity of seeking divine guidance in times of national crisis.

and all the people from the least to the greatest
This phrase emphasizes the inclusivity of the assembly, indicating that Jeremiah's message was intended for everyone, regardless of social status. It reflects the biblical principle that God's word is accessible to all people. The mention of "from the least to the greatest" echoes other scriptural instances where God addresses entire communities, such as in Joel 2:16, where a similar call to gather is made. This inclusivity also foreshadows the New Testament teaching that in Christ, there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, slave and free, male and female (Galatians 3:28).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. He is often called the "weeping prophet" due to his deep sorrow over the people's disobedience and the resulting consequences.

2. Johanan son of Kareah
A military leader among the remnant of Judah after the Babylonian conquest. He is depicted as a key figure seeking guidance from Jeremiah on behalf of the people.

3. Commanders of the Forces
These were the military leaders who survived the Babylonian invasion and were now leading the remnant of Judah. They sought Jeremiah's counsel on whether to stay in Judah or flee to Egypt.

4. The People from the Least to the Greatest
This phrase indicates the inclusivity of the gathering, showing that the message from God through Jeremiah was intended for everyone, regardless of social status.

5. The Event
This passage occurs after the fall of Jerusalem, when the remnant of Judah is seeking divine guidance on their next steps. They approach Jeremiah to inquire of the Lord, demonstrating a moment of seeking God's will.
Teaching Points
Seeking God's Guidance
The remnant's approach to Jeremiah for divine direction underscores the importance of seeking God's will in times of uncertainty. Believers today are encouraged to seek God's guidance through prayer and Scripture.

Inclusivity of God's Message
The gathering of all people, from the least to the greatest, highlights that God's message is for everyone. In the church, all members should be encouraged to seek and understand God's word.

Obedience to God's Word
The subsequent chapters reveal the consequences of disobedience. This serves as a reminder that obedience to God's instructions is crucial for spiritual well-being.

Leadership and Responsibility
Johanan and the commanders had a responsibility to lead the people wisely. Christian leaders today are called to seek God's wisdom and lead with integrity.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Jeremiah 42:8?

2. How does Jeremiah 42:8 emphasize the importance of seeking God's guidance before acting?

3. What can we learn from Jeremiah's obedience in delivering God's message to the people?

4. How does Jeremiah 42:8 connect with Proverbs 3:5-6 about trusting God's direction?

5. In what ways can we apply Jeremiah's example of leadership in our communities?

6. How can we ensure we are listening to God's voice in decision-making today?

7. What is the historical context of Jeremiah 42:8 in the Bible?

8. How does Jeremiah 42:8 challenge our understanding of obedience to God?

9. What message does Jeremiah 42:8 convey about seeking divine guidance?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 42?

11. Do the promises in Jer 42 about the safety of the remnant conflict with the calamities in Jer 43?

12. Jeremiah 42 (overall): How do the warnings and outcomes in this chapter align with other biblical teachings on God's protection and judgment, and are there any inconsistencies?

13. Jeremiah 42:1-6: If the people truly sought God's guidance, why did they ignore it immediately after receiving Jeremiah's answer?

14. Jeremiah 40 (especially verses 13-16) - Are there any external accounts to corroborate or challenge the internal conflicts hinted at, particularly with Ishmael's faction?
What Does Jeremiah 42:8 Mean
He summoned

“and he summoned” (Jeremiah 42:8)

• Jeremiah, having received the word of the LORD after ten days of waiting (Jeremiah 42:7), immediately calls the people together instead of keeping the revelation private. This models obedience like Elijah gathering Israel at Carmel (1 Kings 18:30) and Jesus calling His disciples to hear the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20).

• God’s message is never meant to stay hidden; prophets and apostles alike gather listeners so that no one can later claim ignorance (Ezekiel 3:17-19).

• The summons underscores accountability. Once the people hear, they are responsible to act (James 1:22-24).


Johanan son of Kareah

“Johanan son of Kareah”

• Johanan had just rescued the remnant from Ishmael’s massacre (Jeremiah 41:11-16), showing courage and leadership.

• By naming him first, Scripture highlights his position as spokesman (Jeremiah 42:1-3). It also foreshadows that leaders can still resist God’s word if their hearts are set elsewhere (Jeremiah 43:2-4).

• Leadership carries a heavier weight (Luke 12:48). Johanan’s inclusion reminds us that visible victories never exempt leaders from humble submission to divine direction.


All the commanders of the forces who were with him

“all the commanders of the forces who were with him”

• These military officers represent strength and strategy, yet they, too, must hear God’s counsel. David’s generals regularly sought prophetic insight before battle (2 Samuel 5:19-25).

• Their presence signals unity: civilian and military alike need the same truth (Psalm 33:16-17).

• It also removes any excuse that the message applied only to one social segment; everyone in authority is directly addressed (Romans 13:1-2).


All the people from the least to the greatest

“and all the people from the least to the greatest.”

• Scripture repeatedly insists that God’s word is impartial (Acts 10:34-35). By naming every social layer, Jeremiah echoes earlier covenant gatherings—Moses before Israel (Deuteronomy 29:10-12) and Jehoshaphat before Judah (2 Chronicles 20:13).

• The phrase assures the humble that God sees them (Psalm 113:7-8) and warns the powerful that they stand under the same standard (Isaiah 2:11).

• Corporate hearing fosters shared obedience. When the entire remnant hears together, no sub-group can later claim ignorance or twist the message (Jeremiah 44:15-16).


summary

Jeremiah 42:8 shows the prophet faithfully gathering every layer of the remnant—leader, soldier, and commoner—to deliver God’s word. The verse emphasizes accountability, impartiality, and the necessity of collective obedience. No one is outside the scope of divine instruction; all are summoned so that all may respond in faith.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
and he summoned
וַיִּקְרָ֗א (way·yiq·rā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

Johanan
יֽוֹחָנָן֙ (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

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

the commanders
שָׂרֵ֥י (śā·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

of the forces
הַחֲיָלִ֖ים (ha·ḥă·yā·lîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2428: A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

who
אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

were with him,
אִתּ֑וֹ (’it·tōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

and all
וּלְכָ֨ל־ (ū·lə·ḵāl-)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the people
הָעָ֔ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

from the least
לְמִקָּטֹ֥ן (lə·miq·qā·ṭōn)
Preposition-l, Preposition-m | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6996: Small, young, unimportant

to
וְעַד־ (wə·‘aḏ-)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

the greatest.
גָּדֽוֹל׃ (gā·ḏō·wl)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent


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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 42:8 Then called he Johanan the son (Jer.)
Jeremiah 42:7
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