Jeremiah 17:18

Authorized King James Version

Let them be confounded that persecute me, but let not me be confounded: let them be dismayed, but let not me be dismayed: bring upon them the day of evil, and destroy them with double destruction.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֵבֹ֣שָׁה
Let them be confounded
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
#2
רֹדְפַי֙
that persecute
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
#3
וְאַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#4
אֵבֹ֣שָׁה
Let them be confounded
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
#5
אָ֔נִי
i
#6
אֵחַ֖תָּה
but let not me be dismayed
properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear
#7
הֵ֔מָּה
they (only used when emphatic)
#8
וְאַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#9
אֵחַ֖תָּה
but let not me be dismayed
properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear
#10
אָ֑נִי
i
#11
הָבִ֤יא
bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#12
עֲלֵיהֶם֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
י֣וֹם
upon them the 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
#14
רָעָ֔ה
of evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#15
וּמִשְׁנֶ֥ה
them with double
properly, a repetition, i.e., a duplicate (copy of a document), or a double (in amount); by implication, a second (in order, rank, age, quality or loc
#16
שִׁבָּר֖וֹן
destruction
rupture, i.e., a pang; figuratively, ruin
#17
שָׁבְרֵֽם׃
and destroy
to burst (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

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