Jeremiah 11:12

Authorized King James Version

Then shall the cities of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem go, and cry unto the gods unto whom they offer incense: but they shall not save them at all in the time of their trouble.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָֽלְכ֞וּ

H1980

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

עָרֵ֣י

H5892

Then shall the cities

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

יְהוּדָ֗ה

H3063

of Judah

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

וְיֹשְׁבֵי֙

H3427

and inhabitants

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם

H3389

of Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וְזָֽעֲקוּ֙

H2199

and cry

to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָ֣אֱלֹהִ֔ים

H430

unto the 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

אֲשֶׁ֛ר

H834

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

#10

הֵ֥ם

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#11

מְקַטְּרִ֖ים

H6999

unto whom they offer incense

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

#12

לָהֶ֑ם

#13

יוֹשִׁ֥יעוּ

H3467

but they shall not save

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

#14

לֹֽא

H3808

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

#15

יוֹשִׁ֥יעוּ

H3467

but they shall not save

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

#16

לָהֶ֖ם

#17

בְּעֵ֥ת

H6256

in the time

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

#18

רָעָתָֽם׃

H7451

of their trouble

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 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?
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?
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?

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