Jeremiah 12:4

Authorized King James Version

How long shall the land mourn, and the herbs of every field wither, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein? the beasts are consumed, and the birds; because they said, He shall not see our last end.

Word-by-Word Analysis

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

מָתַי֙

H4970

properly, extent (of time); but used only adverbially (especially with other particle prefixes), when (either relative or interrogative)

תֶּאֱבַ֣ל

H56

mourn

to bewail

הָאָ֔רֶץ

H776

How long shall the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְעֵ֥שֶׂב

H6212

and the herbs

grass (or any tender shoot)

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַשָּׂדֶ֖ה

H7704

of every field

a field (as flat)

יִיבָ֑שׁ

H3001

wither

to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)

מֵרָעַ֣ת

H7451

for the wickedness

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

#10

יֹֽשְׁבֵי

H3427

of them that dwell

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#11

בָ֗הּ

#12

סָפְתָ֤ה

H5595

are consumed

properly, to scrape (literally, to shave; but usually figuratively) together (i.e., to accumulate or increase) or away (i.e., to scatter, remove, or r

#13

בְהֵמוֹת֙

H929

therein the beasts

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

#14

וָע֔וֹף

H5775

and the birds

a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively

#15

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#16

אָמְר֔וּ

H559

because they said

to say (used with great latitude)

#17

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#18

יִרְאֶ֖ה

H7200

He shall not see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#19

אֶת

H853

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

#20

אַחֲרִיתֵֽנוּ׃

H319

our last end

the last or end, hence, the future; also posterity

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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