Jeremiah 12:11

Authorized King James Version

They have made it desolate, and being desolate it mourneth unto me; the whole land is made desolate, because no man layeth it to heart.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שָׂ֥ם
They have made
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#2
לִשְׁמָמָ֔ה
it desolate
ruined
#3
אָבְלָ֥ה
H56
it mourneth
to bewail
#4
עָלַ֖י
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
שְׁמֵמָ֑ה
and being desolate
devastation; figuratively, astonishment
#6
נָשַׁ֙מָּה֙
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#7
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#8
הָאָ֔רֶץ
unto me the whole land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#9
כִּ֛י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#10
אֵ֥ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#11
אִ֖ישׁ
because no 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)
#12
שָׂ֥ם
They have made
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#13
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
לֵֽב׃
it to heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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