Jeremiah 1:15

Authorized King James Version

For, lo, I will call all the families of the kingdoms of the north, saith the LORD; and they shall come, and they shall set every one his throne at the entering of the gates of Jerusalem, and against all the walls thereof round about, and against all the cities of Judah.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֣י׀

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הִנְנִ֣י

H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

קֹרֵ֗א

H7121

For lo I will call

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

לְכָֽל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מִשְׁפְּח֛וֹת

H4940

all the families

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

מַמְלְכ֥וֹת

H4467

of the kingdoms

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

צָפ֖וֹנָה

H6828

of the north

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

נְאֻם

H5002

saith

an oracle

יְהוָ֑ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#10

וּבָ֡אוּ

H935

and they shall come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#11

וְֽנָתְנוּ֩

H5414

and they shall set

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#12

אִ֨ישׁ

H376

every one

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#13

כִּסְא֜וֹ

H3678

his throne

properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

#14

פֶּ֣תַח׀

H6607

at the entering

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

#15

שַׁעֲרֵ֣י

H8179

of the gates

an opening, i.e., door or gate

#16

יְרוּשָׁלִַ֗ם

H3389

of Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

#17

וְעַ֤ל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#18

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#19

חוֹמֹתֶ֙יהָ֙

H2346

and against all the walls

a wall of protection

#20

סָבִ֔יב

H5439

thereof round about

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

#21

וְעַ֖ל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#22

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#23

עָרֵ֥י

H5892

and against all the cities

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#24

יְהוּדָֽה׃

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of kingdom reflects the development of kingdom of God within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Jeremiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes kingdom in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on kingdom address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of kingdom differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What practical applications emerge from understanding kingdom of God as presented in this verse, particularly in light of providing hope in times of political and social upheaval?

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Jeremiah