Jeremiah 18:13

Authorized King James Version

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Ask ye now among the heathen, who hath heard such things: the virgin of Israel hath done a very horrible thing.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לָכֵ֗ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#2
כֹּ֚ה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#3
אָמַ֣ר
Therefore thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
שַֽׁאֲלוּ
Ask
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
#6
נָא֙
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#7
בַּגּוֹיִ֔ם
ye now among the heathen
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#8
מִ֥י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#9
שָׁמַ֖ע
who hath heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#10
כָּאֵ֑לֶּה
these or those
#11
שַֽׁעֲרֻרִת֙
horrible thing
something fearful
#12
עָשְׂתָ֣ה
hath done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#13
מְאֹ֔ד
a very
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
#14
בְּתוּלַ֖ת
such things the virgin
a virgin (from her privacy); sometimes (by continuation) a bride; also (figuratively) a city or state
#15
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

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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