Jeremiah 12:9

Authorized King James Version

Mine heritage is unto me as a speckled bird, the birds round about are against her; come ye, assemble all the beasts of the field, come to devour.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הַעַ֖יִט
bird
a hawk or other bird of prey
#2
צָב֤וּעַ
is unto me as a speckled
dyed (in stripes), i.e., the hyena
#3
נַחֲלָתִי֙
Mine heritage
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
#4
לִ֔י
H0
#5
הַעַ֖יִט
bird
a hawk or other bird of prey
#6
סָבִ֣יב
round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
#7
עָלֶ֑יהָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
לְכ֗וּ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#9
אִסְפ֛וּ
ye assemble
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
#10
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
חַיַּ֥ת
all the beasts
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#12
הַשָּׂדֶ֖ה
of the field
a field (as flat)
#13
הֵתָ֥יוּ
come
to arrive
#14
לְאָכְלָֽה׃
to devour
food

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

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