Jeremiah 11:10

Authorized King James Version

They are turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, which refused to hear my words; and they went after other gods to serve them: the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant which I made with their fathers.

Word-by-Word Analysis

שָׁ֩בוּ֩

H7725

They are turned back

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

עַל

H5921

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

עֲוֹנֹ֨ת

H5771

to the iniquities

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

אֲבוֹתָֽם׃

with their fathers

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

הָרִֽאשֹׁנִ֗ים

H7223

of their forefathers

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

מֵֽאֲנוּ֙

H3985

which refused

to refuse

לִשְׁמ֣וֹעַ

H8085

to hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶת

H853

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

#10

דְּבָרַ֔י

H1697

my words

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#11

וְהֵ֣מָּה

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#12

הָלְכ֗וּ

H1980

and they went

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

#13

אַחֲרֵ֛י

H310

after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

#14

אֱלֹהִ֥ים

H430

gods

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#15

אֲחֵרִ֖ים

H312

other

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

#16

לְעָבְדָ֑ם

H5647

to serve

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

#17

הֵפֵ֤רוּ

H6565

have broken

to break up (usually figuratively), i.e., to violate, frustrate

#18

וּבֵ֣ית

H1004

and the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#19

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#20

וּבֵ֣ית

H1004

and the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#21

יְהוּדָ֔ה

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

#22

אֶת

H853

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

#23

בְּרִיתִ֕י

H1285

my covenant

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

#24

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#25

כָּרַ֖תִּי

H3772

which I made

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

#26

אֶת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#27

אֲבוֹתָֽם׃

with their fathers

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

Analysis

This verse develops the covenant theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of covenant reflects the development of covenant within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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

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 covenant particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show treaty language and adoption practices from the ancient world, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding covenant as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 11 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?

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