Jeremiah 10:21

Authorized King James Version

For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the LORD: therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֤י

H3588

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

נִבְעֲרוּ֙

H1197

are become brutish

to be(-come) brutish

הָֽרֹעִ֔ים

H7462

For the pastors

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

the LORD

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

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

דָרָ֑שׁוּ

H1875

and have not sought

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּן֙

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

#10

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#11

הִשְׂכִּ֔ילוּ

H7919

therefore they shall not prosper

to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent

#12

וְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#13

מַרְעִיתָ֖ם

H4830

and all their flocks

pasturage; concretely, a flock

#14

נָפֽוֹצָה׃

H6327

shall be scattered

to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Jeremiah.

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 might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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