Jeremiah 16:12

Authorized King James Version

And ye have done worse than your fathers; for, behold, ye walk every one after the imagination of his evil heart, that they may not hearken unto me:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאַתֶּ֛ם
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#2
הֲרֵעֹתֶ֥ם
worse
properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)
#3
לַעֲשׂ֖וֹת
And ye have done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#4
מֵאֲבֽוֹתֵיכֶ֑ם
H1
than your fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#5
וְהִנְּכֶ֣ם
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#6
הֹלְכִ֗ים
ye walk
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#7
אִ֚ישׁ
every one
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#8
אַֽחֲרֵי֙
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#9
שְׁרִר֣וּת
the imagination
obstinacy
#10
לִבּֽוֹ
heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#11
הָרָ֔ע
of his evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#12
לְבִלְתִּ֖י
properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
#13
שְׁמֹ֥עַ
that they may not hearken
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#14
אֵלָֽי׃
near, with or among; often in general, to

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of covenant community reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, 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

Related Resources

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

People