Jeremiah 15:19

Authorized King James Version

Therefore thus saith the LORD, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לָכֵ֞ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#2
כֹּֽה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#3
אָמַ֣ר
Therefore thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
יְהוָ֗ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#6
תָשׁ֥וּב
If thou return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#7
תָשׁ֥וּב
If thou return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#8
לְפָנַ֣י
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#9
תַּֽעֲמֹ֔ד
and thou shalt stand
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#10
וְאִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#11
תּוֹצִ֥יא
me and if thou take forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#12
יָקָ֛ר
the precious
valuable (objectively or subjectively)
#13
מִזּוֹלֵ֖ל
from the vile
figuratively, to be loose morally, worthless or prodigal
#14
כְּפִ֣י
thou shalt be as my mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#15
תִֽהְיֶ֑ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#16
תָשׁ֥וּב
If thou return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#17
הֵ֙מָּה֙
they (only used when emphatic)
#18
אֵלֶ֔יךָ
near, with or among; often in general, to
#19
וְאַתָּ֖ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#20
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#21
תָשׁ֥וּב
If thou return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#22
אֲלֵיהֶֽם׃
near, with or among; often in general, to

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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