Jeremiah 17:9

Authorized King James Version

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עָקֹ֥ב
is deceitful
(transitive) fraudulent or (intransitive) tracked
#2
הַלֵּ֛ב
The heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#3
מִכֹּ֖ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
וְאָנֻ֣שׁ
above all things and desperately wicked
to be frail, feeble, or (figuratively) melancholy
#5
ה֑וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#6
מִ֖י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#7
יֵדָעֶֽנּוּ׃
who can know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

Cross References

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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

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