Jeremiah 11:4

Authorized King James Version

Which I commanded your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, Obey my voice, and do them, according to all which I command you: so shall ye be my people, and I will be your God:

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

אֲצַוֶּ֖ה

H6680

Which I commanded

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֶת

H853

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

אֲבֽוֹתֵיכֶ֡ם

your fathers

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

בְּי֣וֹם

H3117

in the day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הוֹצִיאִֽי

H3318

that I brought them forth

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אוֹתָ֣ם

H853

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

מֵאֶֽרֶץ

H776

out of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרַיִם֩

H4714

of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

#10

מִכּ֨וּר

H3564

furnace

a pot or furnace (as if excavated)

#11

הַבַּרְזֶ֜ל

H1270

from the iron

iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement

#12

לֵאמֹ֗ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

#13

שִׁמְע֤וּ

H8085

Obey

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

#14

בְקוֹלִי֙

H6963

my voice

a voice or sound

#15

וַעֲשִׂיתֶ֣ם

H6213

and do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#16

אוֹתָ֔ם

H853

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

#17

כְּכֹ֥ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#18

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#19

אֲצַוֶּ֖ה

H6680

Which I commanded

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

#20

אֶתְכֶ֑ם

H853

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

#21

וִהְיִ֤יתֶם

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#22

לִי֙

#23

לְעָ֔ם

H5971

you so shall ye be my people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#24

וְאָ֣נֹכִ֔י

H595

#25

אֶהְיֶ֥ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#26

לָכֶ֖ם

#27

לֵאלֹהִֽים׃

H430

and I will be your 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

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

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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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 verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 11 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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