Jeremiah 10:2

Authorized King James Version

Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כֹּ֣ה׀

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר

H559

Thus saith

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֗ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דֶּ֤רֶךְ

H1870

not the way

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

הַגּוֹיִ֖ם

H1471

for the heathen

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּלְמָ֔דוּ

H3925

Learn

properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)

וּמֵאֹת֥וֹת

H226

at the signs

a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc

#10

הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם

H8064

of heaven

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

#11

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

#12

יֵחַ֥תּוּ

H2865

and be not dismayed

properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear

#13

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#14

יֵחַ֥תּוּ

H2865

and be not dismayed

properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear

#15

הַגּוֹיִ֖ם

H1471

for the heathen

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

#16

מֵהֵֽמָּה׃

H1992

at them

they (only used when emphatic)

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 the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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