Jeremiah 13:10

Authorized King James Version

This evil people, which refuse to hear my words, which walk in the imagination of their heart, and walk after other gods, to serve them, and to worship them, shall even be as this girdle, which is good for nothing.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הָעָם֩
H5971
people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#2
הַזֶּ֨ה
H2088
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#3
הָרָ֜ע
H7451
This evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#4
הַֽמֵּאֲנִ֣ים׀
H3987
which refuse
refractory
#5
לִשְׁמ֣וֹעַ
H8085
to hear
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#6
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
דְּבָרַ֗י
H1697
my words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#8
וַיֵּלְכ֗וּ
H1980
which walk
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#9
בִּשְׁרִר֣וּת
H8307
in the imagination
obstinacy
#10
לִבָּ֔ם
H3820
of their heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#11
וַיֵּלְכ֗וּ
H1980
which walk
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#12
אַֽחֲרֵי֙
H310
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#13
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
H430
gods
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#14
אֲחֵרִ֔ים
H312
other
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc
#15
לְעָבְדָ֖ם
H5647
to serve
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#16
וּלְהִשְׁתַּחֲוֺ֣ת
H7812
them and to worship
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
#17
לָהֶ֑ם
H1992
they (only used when emphatic)
#18
וִיהִי֙
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#19
כָּאֵז֣וֹר
H232
them shall even be as this girdle
something girt; a belt, also a band
#20
הַזֶּ֔ה
H2088
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#21
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#22
לֹא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#23
יִצְלַ֖ח
H6743
which is good
to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
#24
לַכֹּֽל׃
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

Related Resources

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

People