Jeremiah 40:15 Bible Verse Meaning, Explanation & Context
"Then Johanan the son of Kareah spoke to Gedaliah in Mizpah secretly, saying, "Please let me go, and I will kill Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and no man will know it. Why should he take your life, that all the Jews who are gathered to you should be scattered, and the remnant of Judah perish?""
Appearing toward the end of the chapter, this verse builds on the preceding truths. Read this verse with nearby lines and chapter themes to avoid out-of-context interpretation.
Verse Navigation
Surrounding Context
These nearby verses help interpret Jeremiah 40:15 inside the chapter flow.
Jeremiah 40:13
Moreover Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces who were in the fields, came to Gedaliah to Mizpah,
Jeremiah 40:14
and said to him, "Do you know that Baalis the king of the children of Ammon has sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to take your life?"
Jeremiah 40:15
Then Johanan the son of Kareah spoke to Gedaliah in Mizpah secretly, saying, "Please let me go, and I will kill Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and no man will know it. Why should he take your life, that all the Jews who are gathered to you should be scattered, and the remnant of Judah perish?"
Jeremiah 40:16
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."
Meaning and Themes
Jeremiah 40:15 contains Scripture that reveals God's heart and invites personal response.
Reflection Questions
- What does the word "Kareah" suggest about God's character or His purposes in this verse?
- Read the verses immediately before and after Jeremiah 40:15. How does the surrounding context change the way you understand this verse?
- If you were explaining Jeremiah 40:15 to a friend, what is the one main idea you would share?
Praying This Verse
"Heavenly Father, as I read Jeremiah 40:15 — "Then Johanan the son of Kareah spoke to Gedaliah in Mizpah secretly, saying, "Please let me go, and I will kill Ishmael…" — open my heart to understand what You are saying. Teach me about Your truth through this passage. Let these words shape how I think and act today. Help me carry this truth into every conversation and decision I face. In Jesus' name, amen."
Start with this prayer, then personalize it to your real situation.
5-Day Verse Study Plan
Day 1 — Read
Read Jeremiah 40 in full. Mark where verse 15 sits and observe the flow of the chapter.
Day 2 — Observe
Read Jeremiah 40:15 three times slowly. Write down every detail you notice: who is speaking, what is promised, and what action is described.
Day 3 — Interpret
Ask: What did Jeremiah 40:15 mean to its original audience? Compare the wording in different translations if possible.
Day 4 — Apply
Write one sentence about how Jeremiah 40:15 applies to your life this week. Share it with a friend or journal about it.
Day 5 — Pray
Turn Jeremiah 40:15 into a personal prayer. Thank God for what the verse teaches, and ask Him to help you live it out.
Personalized Next Paths
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When you need peace
Use this verse to calm anxious thoughts and turn stress into prayer.
When you need direction
Turn this verse into a decision-making framework for real choices.
When you need gratitude
RecommendedUse this verse to shift from pressure to thanksgiving and trust.
When you need relational wisdom
Apply this verse to family, marriage, friendship, or team conflict.
Common Questions
What does Jeremiah 40:15 mean?
Jeremiah 40:15 is best understood by reading the full chapter. The meaning deepens when you see what comes before and after.
How can I apply Jeremiah 40:15 to my life today?
Start by reading Jeremiah 40:15 slowly: "Then Johanan the son of Kareah spoke to Gedaliah in Mizpah secretly, saying, "Please let me go, and …" Ask what it reveals about God, whether there is a command or promise, and how the truth connects to a situation you are facing right now.
Is Jeremiah 40:15 a good verse to memorize?
Memorizing individual verses strengthens your faith. Read Jeremiah 40:15 aloud several times, write it from memory, and revisit it throughout the week. Psalm 119:11 says, "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."
Next Steps
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