Jeremiah 10:23

O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יָדַ֣עְתִּי

H3045

I know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

O LORD

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

כִּ֛י

H3588

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

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

לָאָדָ֖ם

H120

of man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

דַּרְכּ֑וֹ

H1870

that the way

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

לֹֽא

H3808

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

לְאִ֣ישׁ

H376

is not in himself it is not in man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

הֹלֵ֔ךְ

H1980

that walketh

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#10

וְהָכִ֖ין

H3559

to direct

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

#11

אֶֽת

H853

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

#12

צַעֲדֽוֹ׃

H6806

his steps

a pace or regular step

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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