Jeremiah 18:12

Authorized King James Version

And they said, There is no hope: but we will walk after our own devices, and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאָמְר֖וּ
And they said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
נוֹאָ֑שׁ
There is no hope
to desist, i.e., (figuratively) to despond
#3
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#4
אַחֲרֵ֤י
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#5
מַחְשְׁבוֹתֵ֙ינוּ֙
our own devices
a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)
#6
נֵלֵ֔ךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#7
וְאִ֛ישׁ
and we will every one
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)
#8
שְׁרִר֥וּת
the imagination
obstinacy
#9
לִבּֽוֹ
heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#10
הָרָ֖ע
of his evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#11
נַעֲשֶֽׂה׃
do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of hope connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about hope, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Jeremiah.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood hope. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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