Jeremiah 11:13

Authorized King James Version

For according to the number of thy cities were thy gods, O Judah; and according to the number of the streets of Jerusalem have ye set up altars to that shameful thing, even altars to burn incense unto Baal.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֚י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
וּמִסְפַּ֞ר
For according to the number
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
#3
עָרֶ֔יךָ
of thy cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#4
הָי֥וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#5
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ
were thy 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
#6
יְהוּדָ֑ה
O Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#7
וּמִסְפַּ֞ר
For according to the number
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
#8
חֻצ֣וֹת
of the streets
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
#9
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֗ם
of Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#10
שַׂמְתֶּ֤ם
have ye set up
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#11
מִזְבְּח֖וֹת
altars
an altar
#12
לַבֹּ֔שֶׁת
to that shameful thing
shame (the feeling and the condition, as well as its cause); by implication (specifically) an idol
#13
מִזְבְּח֖וֹת
altars
an altar
#14
לְקַטֵּ֥ר
to burn incense
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
#15
לַבָּֽעַל׃
unto Baal
baal, a phoenician deity

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation 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

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

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