¹⁸ to escape the Babylonians.^[a] They were afraid^(A) of them because Ishmael son of Nethaniah had killed Gedaliah^(B) son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had appointed as governor over the land.

⁵ However, before Jeremiah turned to go,^[a] Nebuzaradan added, “Go back to Gedaliah^(A) son of Ahikam,^(B) the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed^(C) over the towns^(D) of Judah, and live with him among the people, or go anywhere else you please.”^(E)

Then the commander gave him provisions and a present^(F) and let him go.

⁴ “I tell you, my friends,^(A) do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. ⁵ But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.^(B)

¹⁶ then the sword^(A) you fear^(B) will overtake you there, and the famine^(C) you dread will follow you into Egypt, and there you will die.^(D)

² Azariah son of Hoshaiah^(A) and Johanan^(B) son of Kareah and all the arrogant^(C) men said to Jeremiah, “You are lying!^(D) The Lord our God has not sent you to say, ‘You must not go to Egypt to settle there.’^{(E) 3} But Baruch^(F) son of Neriah is inciting you against us to hand us over to the Babylonians,^[a] so they may kill us or carry us into exile to Babylon.”^(G)

¹¹ Do not be afraid of the king of Babylon,^(A) whom you now fear.^(B) Do not be afraid of him, declares the Lord, for I am with you and will save^(C) you and deliver you from his hands.^(D)