Jeremiah 12:16

Authorized King James Version

And it shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, The LORD liveth; as they taught my people to swear by Baal; then shall they be built in the midst of my people.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָיָ֡ה

H1961

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

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לִמְּדוּ֙

H3925

And it shall come to pass if they will diligently

properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)

לִמְּדוּ֙

H3925

And it shall come to pass if they will diligently

properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)

אֶת

H853

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

דַּֽרְכֵ֨י

H1870

the ways

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

עַמִּֽי׃

H5971

my people

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

לְהִשָּׁבֵ֖עַ

H7650

to swear

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

בִּשְׁמִי֙

H8034

by my name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

#10

חַי

H2416

liveth

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

#11

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

The LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#12

כַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

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

#13

לִמְּדוּ֙

H3925

And it shall come to pass if they will diligently

properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)

#14

אֶת

H853

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

#15

עַמִּֽי׃

H5971

my people

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

#16

לְהִשָּׁבֵ֖עַ

H7650

to swear

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

#17

בַּבָּ֑עַל

H1168

by Baal

baal, a phoenician deity

#18

וְנִבְנ֖וּ

H1129

then shall they be built

to build (literally and figuratively)

#19

בְּת֥וֹךְ

H8432

in the midst

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

#20

עַמִּֽי׃

H5971

my people

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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 salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

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