Jeremiah 14:16

Authorized King James Version

And the people to whom they prophesy shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and the sword; and they shall have none to bury them, them, their wives, nor their sons, nor their daughters: for I will pour their wickedness upon them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָעָ֣ם
And the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#2
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
הֵ֣מָּה
them
they (only used when emphatic)
#4
נִבְּאִ֣ים
to whom they prophesy
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
#5
הֵ֣מָּה
them
they (only used when emphatic)
#6
יִֽהְי֣וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
מֻשְׁלָכִים֩
shall be cast out
to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)
#8
בְּחֻצ֨וֹת
in the streets
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
#9
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֜ם
of Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#10
מִפְּנֵ֣י׀
because
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#11
הָרָעָ֣ב
of the famine
hunger (more or less extensive)
#12
וְהַחֶ֗רֶב
and the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#13
וְאֵ֤ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#14
מְקַבֵּר֙
and they shall have none to bury
to inter
#15
הֵ֣מָּה
them
they (only used when emphatic)
#16
הֵ֣מָּה
them
they (only used when emphatic)
#17
נְשֵׁיהֶ֔ם
them their wives
a woman
#18
וּבְנֵיהֶ֖ם
nor their sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#19
וּבְנֹֽתֵיהֶ֑ם
nor their daughters
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#20
וְשָׁפַכְתִּ֥י
for I will pour
to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc
#21
עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#22
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#23
רָעָתָֽם׃
their wickedness
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Jeremiah.

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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