Jeremiah 15:7

Authorized King James Version

And I will fan them with a fan in the gates of the land; I will bereave them of children, I will destroy my people, since they return not from their ways.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וָאֶזְרֵ֥ם
And I will fan
to toss about; by implication, to diffuse, winnow
#2
בְּמִזְרֶ֖ה
them with a fan
a winnowing shovel (as scattering the chaff)
#3
בְּשַׁעֲרֵ֣י
in the gates
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#4
הָאָ֑רֶץ
of the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#5
שִׁכַּ֤לְתִּי
I will bereave
properly, to miscarry, i.e., suffer abortion; by analogy, to bereave (literally or figuratively)
#6
אִבַּ֙דְתִּי֙
H6
them of children I will destroy
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
עַמִּ֔י
my people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#9
מִדַּרְכֵיהֶ֖ם
not from their ways
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#10
לוֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
שָֽׁבוּ׃
since they return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

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 covenant community 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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

People