Jeremiah 11:8

Authorized King James Version

Yet they obeyed not, nor inclined their ear, but walked every one in the imagination of their evil heart: therefore I will bring upon them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded them to do; but they did them not.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלֹ֤א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
שָֽׁמְעוּ֙
H8085
Yet they obeyed
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#3
וְלֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
הִטּ֣וּ
H5186
not nor inclined
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
#5
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
אָזְנָ֔ם
H241
their ear
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
#7
וַיֵּ֣לְכ֔וּ
H1980
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#8
אִ֕ישׁ
H376
every one
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)
#9
בִּשְׁרִיר֖וּת
H8307
in the imagination
obstinacy
#10
לִבָּ֣ם
H3820
heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#11
הָרָ֑ע
H7451
of their evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#12
וָאָבִ֨יא
H935
therefore I will bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#13
עֲלֵיהֶ֜ם
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
אֶֽת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#16
דִּבְרֵ֧י
H1697
upon them all the words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#17
הַבְּרִית
H1285
of this covenant
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
#18
הַזֹּ֛את
H2063
this (often used adverb)
#19
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#20
צִוִּ֥יתִי
H6680
which I commanded
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#21
עָשֽׂוּ׃
H6213
but they did
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#22
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#23
עָשֽׂוּ׃
H6213
but they did
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights covenant through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of covenant connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant, 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on covenant particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show treaty language and adoption practices from the ancient world, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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