Jeremiah 11:20

Authorized King James Version

But, O LORD of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I revealed my cause.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽיהוָ֤ה
But O LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#2
צְבָאוֹת֙
of hosts
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#3
שֹׁפֵ֣ט
that judgest
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#4
צֶ֔דֶק
righteously
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
#5
בֹּחֵ֥ן
that triest
to test (especially metals); generally and figuratively, to investigate
#6
כְּלָי֖וֹת
the reins
a kidney (as an essential organ); figuratively, the mind (as the interior self)
#7
וָלֵ֑ב
and the heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#8
אֶרְאֶ֤ה
let me see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#9
נִקְמָֽתְךָ֙
thy vengeance
avengement, whether the act of the passion
#10
מֵהֶ֔ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#11
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#12
אֵלֶ֖יךָ
near, with or among; often in general, to
#13
גִּלִּ֥יתִי
on them for unto thee have I revealed
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
#14
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
רִיבִֽי׃
my cause
a contest (personal or legal)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

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