Jeremiah 16:5

Authorized King James Version

For thus saith the LORD, Enter not into the house of mourning, neither go to lament nor bemoan them: for I have taken away my peace from this people, saith the LORD, even lovingkindness and mercies.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּֽי

H3588

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

כֹ֣ה׀

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר

H559

For thus saith

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תָּבוֹא֙

H935

Enter

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בֵּ֣ית

H1004

not into the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

מַרְזֵ֔חַ

H4798

of mourning

a cry, i.e., (of grief) a lamentation

וְאַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

#10

תֵּלֵ֣ךְ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#11

לִסְפּ֔וֹד

H5594

to lament

properly, to tear the hair and beat the breasts (as middle easterners do in grief); generally to lament; by implication, to wail

#12

וְאַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

#13

תָּנֹ֖ד

H5110

nor bemoan

to nod, i.e., waver; figuratively, to wander, flee, disappear; also (from shaking the head in sympathy), to console, deplore, or (from tossing the hea

#14

לָהֶ֑ם

#15

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#16

אָסַ֨פְתִּי

H622

them for I have taken away

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

#17

אֶת

H853

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

#18

שְׁלוֹמִ֜י

H7965

my peace

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

#19

מֵאֵ֨ת

H853

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

#20

הָעָ֤ם

H5971

from this people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#21

הַזֶּה֙

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#22

נְאֻם

H5002

saith

an oracle

#23

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#24

אֶת

H853

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

#25

הַחֶ֖סֶד

H2617

even lovingkindness

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

#26

וְאֶת

H853

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

#27

הָֽרַחֲמִֽים׃

H7356

and mercies

compassion (in the plural)

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 peace 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood peace. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of peace differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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 peace address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

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