Jeremiah 13:27

Authorized King James Version

I have seen thine adulteries, and thy neighings, the lewdness of thy whoredom, and thine abominations on the hills in the fields. Woe unto thee, O Jerusalem! wilt thou not be made clean? when shall it once be?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
נִֽאֻפַ֤יִךְ
thine adulteries
adultery
#2
וּמִצְהֲלוֹתַ֙יִךְ֙
and thy neighings
a whinnying (through impatience for battle or lust)
#3
זִמַּ֣ת
the lewdness
a plan, especially a bad one
#4
זְנוּתֵ֔ךְ
of thy whoredom
adultery, i.e., (figuratively) infidelity, idolatry
#5
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
גְּבָעוֹת֙
on the hills
a hillock
#7
בַּשָּׂדֶ֔ה
in the fields
a field (as flat)
#8
רָאִ֖יתִי
I have seen
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#9
שִׁקּוּצָ֑יִךְ
and thine abominations
disgusting, i.e., filthy; especially idolatrous or (concretely) an idol
#10
א֥וֹי
Woe
lamentation; also interjectionally oh!
#11
לָךְ֙
H0
#12
יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
unto thee O Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#13
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
תִטְהֲרִ֔י
wilt thou not be made clean
to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)
#15
אַחֲרֵ֥י
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#16
מָתַ֖י
properly, extent (of time); but used only adverbially (especially with other particle prefixes), when (either relative or interrogative)
#17
עֹֽד׃
when shall it once
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of covenant community 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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