Jeremiah 1:6

Authorized King James Version

Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וָאֹמַ֗ר
Then said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֲהָהּ֙
I Ah
oh!
#3
אֲדֹנָ֣י
Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#4
יְהוִֹ֔ה
GOD
god
#5
הִנֵּ֥ה
lo!
#6
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
יָדַ֖עְתִּי
behold I cannot
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#8
דַּבֵּ֑ר
speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#9
כִּי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#10
נַ֖עַר
for I am a child
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
#11
אָנֹֽכִי׃
i

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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