Jeremiah 1:16

Authorized King James Version

And I will utter my judgments against them touching all their wickedness, who have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, and worshipped the works of their own hands.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְדִבַּרְתִּ֤י

H1696

And I will utter

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

מִשְׁפָּטַי֙

H4941

my judgments

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

אוֹתָ֔ם

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

עַ֖ל

H5921

against them touching

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

כָּל

H3605

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

רָעָתָ֑ם

H7451

all their wickedness

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עֲזָב֗וּנִי

H5800

who have forsaken

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

וַֽיְקַטְּרוּ֙

H6999

me and have burned incense

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

#10

לֵאלֹהִ֣ים

H430

gods

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#11

אֲחֵרִ֔ים

H312

unto other

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

#12

וַיִּֽשְׁתַּחֲו֖וּ

H7812

and worshipped

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

#13

לְמַעֲשֵׂ֥י

H4639

the works

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

#14

יְדֵיהֶֽם׃

H3027

of their own hands

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation 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 careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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