Jeremiah 15:2

Authorized King James Version

And it shall come to pass, if they say unto thee, Whither shall we go forth? then thou shalt tell them, Thus saith the LORD; Such as are for death, to death; and such as are for the sword, to the sword; and such as are for the famine, to the famine; and such as are for the captivity, to the captivity.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָיָ֛ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#3
אָמַ֣ר
And it shall come to pass if they say
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
אֵלֶ֖יךָ
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
אָ֣נָה
where?; hence, whither?, when?; also hither and thither
#6
נֵצֵ֑א
unto thee Whither shall we go forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#7
אָמַ֣ר
And it shall come to pass if they say
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
אֲלֵיהֶ֜ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
כֹּֽה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#10
אָמַ֣ר
And it shall come to pass if they say
to say (used with great latitude)
#11
יְהוָ֗ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#12
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#13
לַמָּ֙וֶת֙
Such as are for death
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
#14
לַמָּ֙וֶת֙
Such as are for death
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
#15
וַאֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#16
לַחֶ֔רֶב
and such as are for the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#17
לַחֶ֔רֶב
and such as are for the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#18
וַאֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#19
לָֽרָעָ֔ב
and such as are for the famine
hunger (more or less extensive)
#20
לָֽרָעָ֔ב
and such as are for the famine
hunger (more or less extensive)
#21
וַאֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#22
לַשֶּֽׁבִי׃
and such as are for the captivity
exiled; captured; as noun, exile (abstractly or concretely and collectively); by extension, booty
#23
לַשֶּֽׁבִי׃
and such as are for the captivity
exiled; captured; as noun, exile (abstractly or concretely and collectively); by extension, booty

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 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People