Jeremiah 40:4

40:4 But now, Jeremiah, today I will set you free 1  from the chains on your wrists. If you would like to come to Babylon with me, come along and I will take care of you. 2  But if you prefer not to come to Babylon with me, you are not required to do so. 3  You are free to go anywhere in the land you want to go. 4  Go wherever you choose.” 5 

1 tn The verb here is an example of the perfect of resolve where the speaker announces his intention to do something according to IBHS 488-89 §30.5.1d. The word “Jeremiah” is supplied in the translation to avoid the possible misunderstanding that the you is still plural.

2 tn Or “look out for you.” See 39:12 and the translator’s note there.

3 tn Or “Stay here”; Heb “Forbear.” The imperative is used in a permissive sense; “you may forbear.” See GKC 324 §110.b and compare usage in Gen 50:6.

4 tn Heb “See all the land [or the whole land] is before you.” For this idiom see BDB 817 s.v. פָּנֶה II.4.a(f) and compare the usage in Gen 20:15; 47:6.

5 tn Heb “Unto the good and the right in your eyes to go, go there.”