Jeremiah 16:7

Authorized King James Version

Neither shall men tear themselves for them in mourning, to comfort them for the dead; neither shall men give them the cup of consolation to drink for their father or for their mother.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
יִפְרְס֥וּ
Neither shall men tear
to break in pieces, i.e., (usually without violence) to split, distribute
#3
לָהֶ֛ם
H0
#4
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
אֵ֖בֶל
H60
themselves for them in mourning
lamentation
#6
לְנַחֲמ֣וֹ
to comfort
properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo
#7
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
מֵ֑ת
them for the dead
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#9
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
יַשְׁק֤וּ
to drink
to quaff, i.e., (causatively) to irrigate or furnish a potion to
#11
אוֹתָם֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
כּ֣וֹס
neither shall men give them the cup
a cup (as a container), often figuratively, some unclean bird, probably an owl (perhaps from the cup-like cavity of its eye)
#13
תַּנְחוּמִ֔ים
of consolation
compassion, solace
#14
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
אָבִ֖יו
H1
for their father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#16
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#17
אִמּֽוֹ׃
or for their mother
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

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 divine revelation 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 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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