Jeremiah 10:20

Authorized King James Version

My tabernacle is spoiled, and all my cords are broken: my children are gone forth of me, and they are not: there is none to stretch forth my tent any more, and to set up my curtains.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אָהֳלִ֔י
My tabernacle
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#2
שֻׁדָּ֔ד
is spoiled
properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage
#3
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
מֵיתָרַ֖י
and all my cords
a cord (of a tent); or the string (of a bow)
#5
נִתָּ֑קוּ
are broken
to tear off
#6
בָּנַ֤י
my children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#7
יְצָאֻ֙נִי֙
are gone forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#8
וְאֵינָ֔ם
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#9
אֵין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#10
נֹטֶ֥ה
of me and they are not there is none to stretch forth
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
#11
עוֹד֙
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
#12
אָהֳלִ֔י
My tabernacle
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#13
וּמֵקִ֖ים
any more and to set up
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#14
יְרִיעוֹתָֽי׃
my curtains
a hanging (as tremulous)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine revelation 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Jeremiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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