Jeremiah 18:11

Authorized King James Version

Now therefore go to, speak to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I frame evil against you, and devise a device against you: return ye now every one from his evil way, and make your ways and your doings good.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעַתָּ֡ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#2
אָמַ֣ר
Now therefore go to speak
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
נָ֣א
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#4
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
אִ֚ישׁ
to the men
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#6
יְהוּדָה֩
of Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#7
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
יוֹשְׁבֵ֨י
and to the inhabitants
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#9
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֜ם
of Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#10
אָמַ֣ר
Now therefore go to speak
to say (used with great latitude)
#11
כֹּ֚ה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#12
אָמַ֣ר
Now therefore go to speak
to say (used with great latitude)
#13
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#14
הִנֵּ֨ה
lo!
#15
אָנֹכִ֜י
i
#16
יוֹצֵ֤ר
Behold I frame
to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)
#17
עֲלֵיכֶם֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#18
הָֽרָעָ֔ה
evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#19
וְחֹשֵׁ֥ב
against you and devise
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
#20
עֲלֵיכֶ֖ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#21
מַֽחֲשָׁבָ֑ה
a device
a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)
#22
שׁ֣וּבוּ
against you return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#23
נָ֗א
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#24
אִ֚ישׁ
to the men
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#25
דַרְכֵיכֶ֖ם
and make your ways
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#26
הָֽרָעָ֔ה
evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#27
וְהֵיטִ֥יבוּ
good
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
#28
דַרְכֵיכֶ֖ם
and make your ways
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#29
וּמַעַלְלֵיכֶֽם׃
and your doings
an act (good or bad)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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