Jeremiah 18:16

Authorized King James Version

To make their land desolate, and a perpetual hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished, and wag his head.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לָשׂ֥וּם

H7760

To make

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

אַרְצָ֛ם

H776

their land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לְשַׁמָּ֖ה

H8047

desolate

ruin; by implication, consternation

שְׁרִוקֹ֣ת

H8292

hissing

a whistling (in scorn); by analogy, a piping

עוֹלָ֑ם

H5769

and a perpetual

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

כֹּ֚ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עוֹבֵ֣ר

H5674

every one that passeth

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

עָלֶ֔יהָ

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יִשֹּׁ֖ם

H8074

thereby shall be astonished

to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)

#10

וְיָנִ֥יד

H5110

and wag

to nod, i.e., waver; figuratively, to wander, flee, disappear; also (from shaking the head in sympathy), to console, deplore, or (from tossing the hea

#11

בְּרֹאשֽׁוֹ׃

H7218

his head

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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