Jeremiah 17:1

Authorized King James Version

The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron, and with the point of a diamond: it is graven upon the table of their heart, and upon the horns of your altars;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
חַטַּ֣את
The sin
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
#2
יְהוּדָ֗ה
of Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#3
כְּתוּבָ֛ה
is written
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
#4
בְּעֵ֥ט
with a pen
a stylus or marking stick
#5
בַּרְזֶ֖ל
of iron
iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement
#6
בְּצִפֹּ֣רֶן
and with the point
properly, a claw, i.e., (human) nail; also the point of a style (or pen, tipped with adamant)
#7
שָׁמִ֑יר
of a diamond
a thorn; also (from its keenness for scratching) a gem, probably the diamond
#8
חֲרוּשָׁה֙
it is graven
to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad
#9
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
ל֣וּחַ
upon the table
probably meaning to glisten; a tablet (as polished), of stone, wood or metal
#11
לִבָּ֔ם
of their heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#12
וּלְקַרְנ֖וֹת
and upon the horns
a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun
#13
מִזְבְּחוֹתֵיכֶֽם׃
of your altars
an altar

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 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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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