Jeremiah 11:5

Authorized King James Version

That I may perform the oath which I have sworn unto your fathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as it is this day. Then answered I, and said, So be it, O LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לְמַעַן֩
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
#2
הָקִ֨ים
That I may perform
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
הַשְּׁבוּעָ֜ה
the oath
properly, something sworn, i.e., an oath
#5
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
נִשְׁבַּ֣עְתִּי
which I have sworn
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
#7
לַאֲבֽוֹתֵיכֶ֗ם
H1
unto your fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#8
לָתֵ֤ת
to give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#9
לָהֶם֙
they (only used when emphatic)
#10
אֶ֣רֶץ
them a land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#11
זָבַ֥ת
flowing
to flow freely (as water), i.e., (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to waste away; also to overflow
#12
חָלָ֛ב
with milk
milk (as the richness of kine)
#13
וּדְבַ֖שׁ
and honey
honey (from its stickiness); by analogy, syrup
#14
כַּיּ֣וֹם
as it is this 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
#15
הַזֶּ֑ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#16
וָאַ֥עַן
Then answered
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
#17
וָאֹמַ֖ר
I and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#18
אָמֵ֥ן׀
So be it
sure; abstract, faithfulness; adverb, truly
#19
יְהוָֽה׃
O LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

This verse develops the covenant theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine sovereignty 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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