Jeremiah 12:3

Authorized King James Version

But thou, O LORD, knowest me: thou hast seen me, and tried mine heart toward thee: pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and prepare them for the day of slaughter.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאַתָּ֤ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#2
יְהוָה֙
But thou O LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
יְדַעְתָּ֔נִי
knowest
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#4
תִּרְאֵ֕נִי
me thou hast seen
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#5
וּבָחַנְתָּ֥
me and tried
to test (especially metals); generally and figuratively, to investigate
#6
לִבִּ֖י
mine heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#7
אִתָּ֑ךְ
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#8
הַתִּקֵם֙
toward thee pull them out
to tear off
#9
כְּצֹ֣אן
like sheep
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
#10
לְטִבְחָ֔ה
for the slaughter
properly, something slaughtered; hence, a beast (or meat, as butchered); abstractly butchery (or concretely, a place of slaughter)
#11
וְהַקְדִּשֵׁ֖ם
and prepare
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
#12
לְי֥וֹם
them for the 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
#13
הֲרֵגָֽה׃
of slaughter
slaughter

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation 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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