Jeremiah 10:12

Authorized King James Version

He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עֹשֵׂ֥ה
He hath made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
אֶ֙רֶץ֙
the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#3
בְּכֹח֔וֹ
by his power
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
#4
מֵכִ֥ין
he hath established
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
#5
תֵּבֵ֖ל
the world
the earth (as moist and therefore inhabited); by extension, the globe; by implication, its inhabitants; specifically, a particular land, as babylonia,
#6
בְּחָכְמָת֑וֹ
by his wisdom
wisdom (in a good sense)
#7
וּבִתְבוּנָת֖וֹ
by his discretion
intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice
#8
נָטָ֥ה
and hath stretched out
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
#9
שָׁמָֽיִם׃
the heavens
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of wisdom 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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