Jeremiah 12:7

Authorized King James Version

I have forsaken mine house, I have left mine heritage; I have given the dearly beloved of my soul into the hand of her enemies.

Word-by-Word Analysis

עָזַ֙בְתִּי֙

H5800

I have forsaken

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

אֶת

H853

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

בֵּיתִ֔י

H1004

mine house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

נָטַ֖שְׁתִּי

H5203

I have left

properly, to pound, i.e., smite; by implication (as if beating out, and thus expanding) to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon (inclusive

אֶת

H853

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

נַחֲלָתִ֑י

H5159

mine heritage

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

נָתַ֛תִּי

H5414

I have given

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת

H853

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

יְדִד֥וּת

H3033

the dearly beloved

properly, affection; concretely, a darling object

#10

נַפְשִׁ֖י

H5315

of my soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#11

בְּכַ֥ף

H3709

into the hand

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

#12

אֹיְבֶֽיהָ׃

H341

of her enemies

hating; an adversary

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of love connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about love, 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 love in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on love address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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 love differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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