Jeremiah 18:10

Authorized King James Version

If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעָשָׂ֤ה
If it do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
הָרַע֙ה
evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#3
בְּעֵינַ֔י
in my sight
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#4
לְבִלְתִּ֖י
properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
#5
שְׁמֹ֣עַ
that it obey
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#6
בְּקוֹלִ֑י
not my voice
a voice or sound
#7
וְנִֽחַמְתִּי֙
then I will repent
properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo
#8
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
הַטּוֹבָ֔ה
of the 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
#10
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
אָמַ֖רְתִּי
wherewith I said
to say (used with great latitude)
#12
לְהֵיטִ֥יב
I would benefit
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
#13
אוֹתֽוֹ׃
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

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