Jeremiah 14:8

Authorized King James Version

O the hope of Israel, the saviour thereof in time of trouble, why shouldest thou be as a stranger in the land, and as a wayfaring man that turneth aside to tarry for a night?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מִקְוֵה֙
O the hope
something waited for, i.e., a collection, i.e., (of water) a pond, or (of men and horses) a caravan or drove
#2
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#3
מֽוֹשִׁיע֖וֹ
the saviour
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
#4
בְּעֵ֣ת
thereof in time
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
#5
צָרָ֑ה
of trouble
transitively, a female rival
#6
לָ֤מָּה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#7
תִֽהְיֶה֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#8
כְּגֵ֣ר
why shouldest thou be as a stranger
properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner
#9
בָּאָ֔רֶץ
in the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#10
וּכְאֹרֵ֖חַ
and as a wayfaring man
to travel
#11
נָטָ֥ה
that turneth aside
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
#12
לָלֽוּן׃
to tarry for a night
to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of hope 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Jeremiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes hope in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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