Jeremiah 17:4

Authorized King James Version

And thou, even thyself, shalt discontinue from thine heritage that I gave thee; and I will cause thee to serve thine enemies in the land which thou knowest not: for ye have kindled a fire in mine anger, which shall burn for ever.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְשָׁמַטְתָּ֗ה
And thou even thyself shalt discontinue
to fling down; incipiently to jostle; figuratively, to let alone, desist, remit
#2
וּבְךָ֙
H0
#3
מִנַּחֲלָֽתְךָ֙
from thine heritage
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
#4
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
נָתַ֣תִּי
that I gave
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#6
לָ֔ךְ
H0
#7
וְהַעֲבַדְתִּ֙יךָ֙
thee and I will cause thee to serve
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
אֹ֣יְבֶ֔יךָ
thine enemies
hating; an adversary
#10
בָּאָ֖רֶץ
in the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#11
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
יָדָ֑עְתָּ
which thou knowest
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#14
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#15
אֵ֛שׁ
a fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#16
קְדַחְתֶּ֥ם
not for ye have kindled
to inflame
#17
בְּאַפִּ֖י
in mine anger
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
#18
עַד
for
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#19
עוֹלָ֥ם
ever
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
#20
תּוּקָֽד׃
which shall burn
to burn

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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