Jeremiah 1:18

Authorized King James Version

For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַאֲנִ֞י
For behold I
i
#2
הִנֵּ֧ה
lo!
#3
נְתַתִּ֣יךָ
have made
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#4
הַיּ֗וֹם
thee this day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#5
לְעִ֨יר
city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#6
מִבְצָ֜ר
a defenced
a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender
#7
וּלְעַמּ֥וּד
pillar
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
#8
בַּרְזֶ֛ל
and an iron
iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement
#9
וּלְחֹמ֥וֹת
walls
a wall of protection
#10
נְחֹ֖שֶׁת
and brasen
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
#11
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#13
הָאָֽרֶץ׃
against the whole land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#14
לְמַלְכֵ֤י
against the kings
a king
#15
יְהוּדָה֙
of Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#16
לְשָׂרֶ֔יהָ
against the princes
a head person (of any rank or class)
#17
לְכֹהֲנֶ֖יהָ
thereof against the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#18
וּלְעַ֥ם
thereof and against the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#19
הָאָֽרֶץ׃
against the whole land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to Jeremiah's theological argument.

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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