Jeremiah 12:13

Authorized King James Version

They have sown wheat, but shall reap thorns: they have put themselves to pain, but shall not profit: and they shall be ashamed of your revenues because of the fierce anger of the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
זָרְע֤וּ
They have sown
to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify
#2
חִטִּים֙
wheat
wheat, whether the grain or the plant
#3
וְקֹצִ֣ים
thorns
a thorn
#4
קָצָ֔רוּ
but shall reap
to dock off, i.e., curtail (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative); especially to harvest (grass or grain)
#5
נֶחְל֖וּ
they have put themselves to pain
properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat
#6
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
יוֹעִ֑לוּ
but shall not profit
properly, to ascend; figuratively, to be valuable (objectively; useful, subjectively; benefited)
#8
וּבֹ֙שׁוּ֙
and they shall be ashamed
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
#9
מִתְּבוּאֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם
of your revenues
income, i.e., produce (literally or figuratively)
#10
מֵחֲר֖וֹן
because of the fierce
a burning of anger
#11
אַף
anger
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
#12
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

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