Jeremiah 13:4

Authorized King James Version

Take the girdle that thou hast got, which is upon thy loins, and arise, go to Euphrates, and hide it there in a hole of the rock.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
קַ֧ח
Take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
הָאֵז֛וֹר
the girdle
something girt; a belt, also a band
#4
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
קָנִ֖יתָ
that thou hast got
to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own
#6
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
מָתְנֶ֑יךָ
which is upon thy loins
properly, the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins
#9
וְקוּם֙
and arise
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#10
לֵ֣ךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#11
פְּרָ֔תָה
to Euphrates
perath (i.e., euphrates), a river of the east
#12
וְטָמְנֵ֥הוּ
and hide
to hide (by covering over)
#13
שָׁ֖ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#14
בִּנְקִ֥יק
it there in a hole
a cleft
#15
הַסָּֽלַע׃
of the rock
a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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