Jeremiah 16:6

Authorized King James Version

Both the great and the small shall die in this land: they shall not be buried, neither shall men lament for them, nor cut themselves, nor make themselves bald for them:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּמֵ֨תוּ
shall die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#2
גְדֹלִ֧ים
Both the great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#3
וּקְטַנִּ֛ים
and the small
abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)
#4
בָּאָ֥רֶץ
in this land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#5
הַזֹּ֖את
this (often used adverb)
#6
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
יִקָּבֵ֑רוּ
they shall not be buried
to inter
#8
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
יִסְפְּד֣וּ
neither shall men lament
properly, to tear the hair and beat the breasts (as middle easterners do in grief); generally to lament; by implication, to wail
#10
לָהֶ֔ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#11
וְלֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#12
יִתְגֹּדַ֔ד
for them nor cut
to crowd; also to gash (as if by pressing into)
#13
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
יִקָּרֵ֖חַ
themselves nor make themselves bald
to depilate
#15
לָהֶֽם׃
they (only used when emphatic)

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

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