Jeremiah 15:3

Authorized King James Version

And I will appoint over them four kinds, saith the LORD: the sword to slay, and the dogs to tear, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the earth, to devour and destroy.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּפָקַדְתִּ֨י

H6485

And I will appoint

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

עֲלֵיהֶ֜ם

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אַרְבַּ֤ע

H702

over them four

four

מִשְׁפָּחוֹת֙

H4940

kinds

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

נְאֻם

H5002

saith

an oracle

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַחֶ֣רֶב

H2719

the sword

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

לַֽהֲרֹ֔ג

H2026

to slay

to smite with deadly intent

#10

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

הַכְּלָבִ֖ים

H3611

and the dogs

a dog; hence (by euphemism) a male prostitute

#12

לִסְחֹ֑ב

H5498

to tear

to trail along

#13

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#14

ע֧וֹף

H5775

and the fowls

a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively

#15

הַשָּׁמַ֛יִם

H8064

of the heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

#16

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#17

בֶּהֱמַ֥ת

H929

and the beasts

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

#18

הָאָ֖רֶץ

H776

of the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#19

לֶאֱכֹ֥ל

H398

to devour

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#20

וּלְהַשְׁחִֽית׃

H7843

and destroy

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 15 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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