Jeremiah 14:22

Authorized King James Version

Are there any among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? or can the heavens give showers? art not thou he, O LORD our God? therefore we will wait upon thee: for thou hast made all these things.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הֲיֵ֨שׁ

H3426

Are there

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

בְּהַבְלֵ֤י

H1892

any among the vanities

emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb

הַגּוֹיִם֙

H1471

of the Gentiles

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

מַגְשִׁמִ֔ים

H1652

that can cause rain

to shower violently

וְאִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם

H8064

or can the heavens

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

יִתְּנ֣וּ

H5414

give

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

רְבִבִ֑ים

H7241

showers

a rain (as an accumulation of drops)

הֲלֹ֨א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#10

אַתָּה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#11

ה֜וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#12

יְהוָ֤ה

H3068

art not thou he O LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#13

אֱלֹהֵ֙ינוּ֙

H430

our God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#14

וּ֨נְקַוֶּה

H6960

therefore we will wait

to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; (figuratively) to expect

#15

לָּ֔ךְ

#16

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#17

אַתָּ֥ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#18

עָשִׂ֖יתָ

H6213

upon thee for thou hast made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#19

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#20

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#21

אֵֽלֶּה׃

H428

these or those

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 14 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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