Jeremiah 1:11

Authorized King James Version

Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֤י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
דְבַר
Moreover the word
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#3
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
אֵלַ֣י
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
וָאֹמַ֕ר
came unto me saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
מָה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#7
אַתָּ֥ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#8
רֹאֶֽה׃
I see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#9
יִרְמְיָ֑הוּ
Jeremiah
jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites
#10
וָאֹמַ֕ר
came unto me saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#11
מַקֵּ֥ל
a rod
a shoot, i.e., stick (with leaves on, or for walking, striking, guiding, divining)
#12
שָׁקֵ֖ד
of an almond tree
the almond (tree or nut; as being the earliest in bloom)
#13
אֲנִ֥י
i
#14
רֹאֶֽה׃
I see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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