Jeremiah 13:3
And the word of the LORD came unto me the second time, saying,
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֧י
H1961
וַיְהִ֧י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 6
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
דְבַר
And the word
H1697
דְבַר
And the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
2 of 6
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָ֛ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 6
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
Sign-acts often involved multiple stages revealing progressive meaning. The time between commands allowed the girdle to become thoroughly used and identified with Jeremiah's body, making its subsequent ruin more powerful. Divine revelation coming in stages models how God often reveals truth progressively.
Questions for Reflection
- Why might the symbolic action require two separate divine commands?
- What does the extended wearing accomplish before the second stage?
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse introduces second command: 'And the word of the LORD came unto me the second time, saying.' The phrase 'second time' (shenith) indicates a subsequent revelation after initial wearing period. The girdle has been worn; now comes the next stage of the sign-act. The two-stage process—first wearing, then hiding—will illustrate both intimacy and judgment, relationship and ruin.