Jer 40:13-16 | NETfull | STEP | Johanan and all the officers of the troops that had been hiding in the open country came to Gedaliah at Mizpah.

Jeremiah 40:13-16

Ishmael Murders Gedaliah and Carries the Judeans at Mizpah off as Captives

13 Johanan and all the officers of the troops that had been hiding in the open country came to Gedaliah at Mizpah. 14 They said to him, “Are you at all aware ^{▼▼ The translation is intended to reflect the emphasizing infinitive absolute before the finite verb.} that King Baalis of Ammon has sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to kill you?” But Gedaliah son of Ahikam would not believe them. 15 Then Johanan son of Kareah spoke privately to Gedaliah there at Mizpah, “Let me go and kill Ishmael the son of Nethaniah before anyone knows about it. Otherwise he will kill you ^{▼▼ Heb “Why should he kill you?” However, this is one of those cases listed in BDB 554 s.v. מָה 4.d(b) where it introduces a question introducing rhetorically the reason why something should not be done. In cases like this BDB notes that it approximates the meaning “lest” and is translated in Greek by μήποτε (mēpote) or μή (mē) as the Greek version does here. Hence it is separated from the preceding and translated “otherwise” for the sake of English style.} and all the Judeans who have rallied around you will be scattered. Then what remains of Judah will disappear.” 16 But Gedaliah son of Ahikam said to Johanan son of Kareah, “Do not do that ^{▼▼ Heb “this thing.”} because what you are saying about Ishmael is not true.” ^{▼▼ Heb “is false” or “is a lie.”}