Jeremiah 16:18

Authorized King James Version

And first I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double; because they have defiled my land, they have filled mine inheritance with the carcases of their detestable and abominable things.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְשִׁלַּמְתִּ֣י

H7999

I will recompense

to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate

רִֽאשׁוֹנָ֗ה

H7223

And first

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

מִשְׁנֵ֤ה

H4932

double

properly, a repetition, i.e., a duplicate (copy of a document), or a double (in amount); by implication, a second (in order, rank, age, quality or loc

עֲוֹנָם֙

H5771

their iniquity

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

וְחַטָּאתָ֔ם

H2403

and their sin

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

עַ֖ל

H5921

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

חַלְּלָ֣ם

H2490

because they have defiled

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

אֶת

H853

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

אַרְצִ֑י

H776

my land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#10

בְּנִבְלַ֤ת

H5038

with the carcases

a flabby thing, i.e., a carcase or carrion (human or bestial, often collectively); figuratively, an idol

#11

שִׁקּֽוּצֵיהֶם֙

H8251

of their detestable

disgusting, i.e., filthy; especially idolatrous or (concretely) an idol

#12

וְתוֹעֲב֣וֹתֵיהֶ֔ם

H8441

and abominable things

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

#13

מָלְא֖וּ

H4390

they have filled

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

#14

אֶת

H853

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

#15

נַחֲלָתִֽי׃

H5159

mine inheritance

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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