Jeremiah 14:9

Authorized King James Version

Why shouldest thou be as a man astonied, as a mighty man that cannot save? yet thou, O LORD, art in the midst of us, and we are called by thy name; leave us not.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לָ֤מָּה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#2
תִֽהְיֶה֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#3
כְּאִ֣ישׁ
Why shouldest thou be as a man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#4
נִדְהָ֔ם
astonied
to be dumb, i.e., (figuratively) dumbfounded
#5
כְּגִבּ֖וֹר
as a mighty man
powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant
#6
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
יוּכַ֣ל
that cannot
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#8
לְהוֹשִׁ֑יעַ
save
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
#9
וְאַתָּ֧ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#10
בְקִרְבֵּ֣נוּ
art in the midst
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
#11
יְהוָ֗ה
yet thou O LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#12
וְשִׁמְךָ֛
by thy name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#13
עָלֵ֥ינוּ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
נִקְרָ֖א
of us and we are called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#15
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#16
תַּנִּחֵֽנוּ׃
leave
to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay

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

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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