Jeremiah 17:8

Authorized King James Version

For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָיָ֞ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
כְּעֵ֣ץ׀
For he shall be as a tree
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#3
שָׁת֣וּל
planted
to transplant
#4
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
מַ֗יִם
by the waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#6
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
יוּבַל֙
by the river
a stream
#8
יְשַׁלַּ֣ח
and that spreadeth out
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#9
שָֽׁרָשָׁ֔יו
her roots
a root (literally or figuratively)
#10
וְלֹ֤א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
יִרְאֶ֙
and shall not see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#12
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#13
יָבֹ֣א
cometh
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#14
חֹ֔ם
when heat
heat
#15
וְהָיָ֥ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#16
עָלֵ֖הוּ
but her leaf
a leaf (as coming up on a tree); collectively, foliage
#17
רַֽעֲנָ֑ן
shall be green
verdant; by analogy, new; figuratively, prosperous
#18
וּבִשְׁנַ֤ת
in the year
a year (as a revolution of time)
#19
בַּצֹּ֙רֶת֙
of drought
restraint (of rain), i.e., drought
#20
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#21
יִדְאָ֔ג
and shall not be careful
be anxious
#22
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#23
יָמִ֖ישׁ
neither shall cease
to withdraw (both literally and figuratively, whether intransitive or transitive)
#24
מֵעֲשׂ֥וֹת
from yielding
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#25
פֶּֽרִי׃
fruit
fruit (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People