Jeremiah 11:16

Authorized King James Version

The LORD called thy name, A green olive tree, fair, and of goodly fruit: with the noise of a great tumult he hath kindled fire upon it, and the branches of it are broken.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
זַ֤יִת
olive tree
an olive (as yielding illuminating oil), the tree, the branch or the berry
#2
רַֽעֲנָן֙
A green
verdant; by analogy, new; figuratively, prosperous
#3
יְפֵ֣ה
fair
beautiful (literally or figuratively)
#4
פְרִי
fruit
fruit (literally or figuratively)
#5
תֹ֔אַר
and of goodly
outline, i.e., figure or appearance
#6
קָרָ֥א
called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#7
יְהוָ֖ה
The LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
שְׁמֵ֑ךְ
thy name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#9
לְק֣וֹל׀
with the noise
a voice or sound
#10
הֲמוּלָּ֣ה
tumult
a sound
#11
גְדֹלָ֗ה
of a great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#12
הִצִּ֥ית
he hath kindled
to burn or set on fire; figuratively, to desolate
#13
אֵשׁ֙
fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#14
עָלֶ֔יהָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
וְרָע֖וּ
of it are broken
properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)
#16
דָּלִיּוֹתָֽיו׃
upon it and the branches
something dangling, i.e., a bough

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

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 salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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