Jeremiah 10:5

Authorized King James Version

They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כְּתֹ֨מֶר
H8560
as the palm tree
a palm trunk
#2
מִקְשָׁ֥ה
H4749
They are upright
rounded work, i.e., moulded by hammering (repousse)
#3
הֵ֙מָּה֙
H1992
they (only used when emphatic)
#4
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
יְדַבֵּ֔רוּ
H1696
but speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#6
יִנָּשׂ֖וּא
H5375
be borne
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#7
יִנָּשׂ֖וּא
H5375
be borne
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#8
כִּ֣י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
לֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
יִצְעָ֑דוּ
H6805
because they cannot go
to pace, i.e., step regularly; (upward) to mount; (along) to march; (down and causatively) to hurl
#11
אַל
H408
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#12
תִּֽירְא֤וּ
H3372
Be not afraid
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#13
מֵהֶם֙
H1992
they (only used when emphatic)
#14
כִּי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#15
לֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#16
יָרֵ֔עוּ
H7489
of them for they cannot do evil
properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)
#17
וְגַם
H1571
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#18
הֵיטֵ֖יב
H3190
neither also is it in them to do good
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
#19
אֵ֥ין
H369
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#20
אוֹתָֽם׃
H854
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

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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