Jeremiah 14:18

Authorized King James Version

If I go forth into the field, then behold the slain with the sword! and if I enter into the city, then behold them that are sick with famine! yea, both the prophet and the priest go about into a land that they know not.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#2
יָצָ֣אתִי
If I go forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#3
הַשָּׂדֶ֗ה
into the field
a field (as flat)
#4
וְהִנֵּה֙
lo!
#5
חַלְלֵי
then behold the slain
pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted
#6
חֶ֔רֶב
with the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#7
וְאִם֙
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#8
בָּ֣אתִי
and if I enter
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#9
הָעִ֔יר
into the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#10
וְהִנֵּ֖ה
lo!
#11
תַּחֲלוּאֵ֣י
then behold them that are sick
a malady
#12
רָעָ֑ב
with famine
hunger (more or less extensive)
#13
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#14
גַם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#15
נָבִ֧יא
yea both the prophet
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#16
גַם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#17
כֹּהֵ֛ן
and the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#18
סָחֲר֥וּ
go about
to travel round (specifically as a pedlar); intensively, to palpitate
#19
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#20
אֶ֖רֶץ
into a land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#21
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#22
יָדָֽעוּ׃
that they know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

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 revelation 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 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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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