Jeremiah 14:3

Authorized King James Version

And their nobles have sent their little ones to the waters: they came to the pits, and found no water; they returned with their vessels empty; they were ashamed and confounded, and covered their heads.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאַדִּ֣רֵיהֶ֔ם
And their nobles
wide or (generally) large; figuratively, powerful
#2
שָׁלְח֥וּ
have sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#3
צְעִורֵיהֶ֖ם
their little ones
little; (in number) few; (in age) young, (in value) ignoble
#4
מַ֗יִם
no water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#5
בָּ֣אוּ
they came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#6
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
גֵּבִ֞ים
to the pits
a log (as cut out); also well or cistern (as dug)
#8
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
מָ֣צְאוּ
and found
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#10
מַ֗יִם
no water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#11
שָׁ֤בוּ
they returned
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#12
כְלֵיהֶם֙
with their vessels
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
#13
רֵיקָ֔ם
empty
emptily; figuratively (objective) ineffectually, (subjective) undeservedly
#14
בֹּ֥שׁוּ
they were ashamed
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
#15
וְהָכְלְמ֖וּ
and confounded
properly, to wound; but only figuratively, to taunt or insult
#16
וְחָפ֥וּ
and covered
to cover; by implication, to veil, to encase, protect
#17
רֹאשָֽׁם׃
their heads
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

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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