Jeremiah 17:16

Authorized King James Version

As for me, I have not hastened from being a pastor to follow thee: neither have I desired the woeful day; thou knowest: that which came out of my lips was right before thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַאֲנִ֞י

H589

לֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אַ֣צְתִּי׀

H213

As for me I have not hastened

to press; (by implication) to be close, hurry, withdraw

מֵרֹעֶ֣ה

H7462

from being a pastor

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

אַחֲרֶ֗יךָ

H310

to follow

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

וְי֥וֹם

H3117

day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אָנ֛וּשׁ

H605

the woeful

to be frail, feeble, or (figuratively) melancholy

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הִתְאַוֵּ֖יתִי

H183

thee neither have I desired

to wish for

#10

אַתָּ֣ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#11

יָדָ֑עְתָּ

H3045

thou knowest

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#12

מוֹצָ֣א

H4161

that which came out

a going forth, i.e., (the act) an egress, or (the place) an exit; hence, a source or product; specifically, dawn, the rising of the sun (the east), ex

#13

שְׂפָתַ֔י

H8193

of my lips

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

#14

נֹ֥כַח

H5227

was right before

properly, the front part; used adverbially (especially with preposition), opposite, in front of, forward, in behalf of

#15

פָּנֶ֖יךָ

H6440

thee

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#16

הָיָֽה׃

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Jeremiah.

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 might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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