Jeremiah 16:17

For mine eyes are upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֤י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

עֵינָֽי׃

H5869

For mine eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

עַל

H5921

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

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

דַּרְכֵיהֶ֔ם

H1870

are upon all their ways

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נִסְתְּר֖וּ

H5641

they are not hid

to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively

מִלְּפָנָ֑י

H6440

from my face

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#10

נִצְפַּ֥ן

H6845

hid

to hide (by covering over); by implication, to hoard or reserve; figuratively to deny; specifically (favorably) to protect, (unfavorably) to lurk

#11

עֲוֹנָ֖ם

H5771

neither is their iniquity

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

#12

מִנֶּ֥גֶד

H5048

from

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

#13

עֵינָֽי׃

H5869

For mine eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine revelation 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

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 16 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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