Jeremiah 11:3

Authorized King James Version

And say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel; Cursed be the man that obeyeth not the words of this covenant,

Word-by-Word Analysis

אָמַ֥ר

H559

And say

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵיהֶ֔ם

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כֹּֽה

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֥ר

H559

And say

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵ֣י

H430

God

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אָר֣וּר

H779

Cursed

to execrate

הָאִ֔ישׁ

H376

be the man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#10

אֲשֶׁר֙

H834

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

#11

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

#12

יִשְׁמַ֔ע

H8085

that obeyeth

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#13

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#14

דִּבְרֵ֖י

H1697

not the words

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#15

הַבְּרִ֥ית

H1285

of this covenant

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

#16

הַזֹּֽאת׃

H2063

this (often used adverb)

Analysis

This verse develops the covenant theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of covenant reflects the development of covenant 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 the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of covenant within the theological tradition of Jeremiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes covenant in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the covenant theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding covenant in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about covenant?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Jeremiah