Jeremiah 16:11

Authorized King James Version

Then shalt thou say unto them, Because your fathers have forsaken me, saith the LORD, and have walked after other gods, and have served them, and have worshipped them, and have forsaken me, and have not kept my law;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאָמַרְתָּ֣
Then shalt thou say
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֲלֵיהֶ֗ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
עַל֩
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
עָזָ֔בוּ
have forsaken
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
#6
אֲבוֹתֵיכֶ֤ם
H1
unto them Because your fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#7
אוֹתִי֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
נְאֻם
me saith
an oracle
#9
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#10
וַיֵּלְכ֗וּ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#11
אַֽחֲרֵי֙
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#12
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
gods
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#13
אֲחֵרִ֔ים
other
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc
#14
וַיַּעַבְד֖וּם
and have served
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#15
וַיִּשְׁתַּחֲו֣וּ
them and have worshipped
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
#16
לָהֶ֑ם
H0
#17
וְאֹתִ֣י
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#18
עָזָ֔בוּ
have forsaken
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
#19
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#20
תּוֹרָתִ֖י
my law
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
#21
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#22
שָׁמָֽרוּ׃
me and have not kept
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

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

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

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