Jeremiah 11:19

Authorized King James Version

But I was like a lamb or an ox that is brought to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, saying, Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַאֲנִ֕י

H589

כְּכֶ֥בֶשׂ

H3532

But I was like a lamb

a ram (just old enough to butt)

אַלּ֖וּף

H441

or an ox

familiar; a friend, also gentle; and so, a chieftain (as notable, like neat cattle)

יוּבַ֣ל

H2986

that is brought

properly, to flow; causatively, to bring (especially with pomp)

לִטְב֑וֹחַ

H2873

to the slaughter

to slaughter (animals or men)

וְלֹֽא

H3808

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

יָדַ֜עְתִּי

H3045

and I knew

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

עָלַ֣י׀

H5921

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

#10

חָשְׁב֣וּ

H2803

not that they had devised

properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou

#11

מַחֲשָׁב֗וֹת

H4284

devices

a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)

#12

נַשְׁחִ֨יתָה

H7843

against me saying Let us destroy

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

#13

עֵ֤ץ

H6086

the tree

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

#14

בְּלַחְמוֹ֙

H3899

with the fruit

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

#15

וְנִכְרְתֶ֙נּוּ֙

H3772

thereof and let us cut him off

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

#16

מֵאֶ֣רֶץ

H776

from the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#17

חַיִּ֔ים

H2416

of the living

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

#18

וּשְׁמ֖וֹ

H8034

that his name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

#19

לֹֽא

H3808

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

#20

יִזָּכֵ֥ר

H2142

may be no more remembered

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

#21

עֽוֹד׃

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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 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?

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