Jeremiah 17:6

Authorized King James Version

For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָיָה֙

H1961

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

כְּעַרְעָ֣ר

H6176

a juniper

בָּֽעֲרָבָ֔ה

H6160

in the desert

a desert; especially (with the article prefix) the (generally) sterile valley of the jordan and its continuation to the red sea

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

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

יִרְאֶ֖ה

H7200

and shall not see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

כִּי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יָב֣וֹא

H935

cometh

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

ט֑וֹב

H2896

when good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

וְשָׁכַ֤ן

H7931

but shall inhabit

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

#10

חֲרֵרִים֙

H2788

the parched places

arid

#11

בַּמִּדְבָּ֔ר

H4057

in the wilderness

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

#12

אֶ֥רֶץ

H776

land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#13

מְלֵחָ֖ה

H4420

in a salt

properly, salted (i.e., land), i.e., a desert

#14

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

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

#15

תֵשֵֽׁב׃

H3427

and not inhabited

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

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

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?
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?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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