Jeremiah 10:9

Authorized King James Version

Silver spread into plates is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz, the work of the workman, and of the hands of the founder: blue and purple is their clothing: they are all the work of cunning men.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כֶּ֣סֶף

H3701

Silver

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

מְרֻקָּ֞ע

H7554

spread into plates

to pound the earth (as a sign of passion); by analogy to expand (by hammering); by implication, to overlay (with thin sheets of metal)

מִתַּרְשִׁ֣ישׁ

H8659

from Tarshish

tarshish, a place on the mediterranean, hence, the ephithet of a merchant vessel (as if for or from that port); also the name of a persian and of an i

יוּבָ֗א

H935

is brought

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וְזָהָב֙

H2091

and gold

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

מֵֽאוּפָ֔ז

H210

from Uphaz

uphaz, a famous gold region

מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה

H4639

the work

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

חָרָ֖שׁ

H2796

of the workman

a fabricator or any material

וִידֵ֣י

H3027

and of the hands

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#10

צוֹרֵ֑ף

H6884

of the founder

to fuse (metal), i.e., refine (literally or figuratively)

#11

תְּכֵ֤לֶת

H8504

blue

the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith

#12

וְאַרְגָּמָן֙

H713

and purple

purple (the color or the dyed stuff)

#13

לְבוּשָׁ֔ם

H3830

is their clothing

a garment (literally or figuratively); by implication (euphemistically) a wife

#14

מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה

H4639

the work

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

#15

חֲכָמִ֖ים

H2450

of cunning

wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)

#16

כֻּלָּֽם׃

H3605

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 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

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?
How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 10 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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