Jeremiah 1:5

Authorized King James Version

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבְטֶ֛רֶם
Before
properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before
#2
אֶצָּורְךָ֤
I formed
to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)
#3
בַבֶּ֙טֶן֙
thee in the belly
the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything
#4
יְדַעְתִּ֔יךָ
I knew
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#5
וּבְטֶ֛רֶם
Before
properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before
#6
תֵּצֵ֥א
thee and before thou camest forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#7
מֵרֶ֖חֶם
out of the womb
the womb
#8
הִקְדַּשְׁתִּ֑יךָ
I sanctified
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
#9
נָבִ֥יא
thee a prophet
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#10
לַגּוֹיִ֖ם
unto the nations
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#11
נְתַתִּֽיךָ׃
thee and I ordained
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of covenant community reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. 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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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