Jeremiah 18:17

Authorized King James Version

I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will shew them the back, and not the face, in the day of their calamity.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כְּרֽוּחַ
wind
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#2
קָדִ֥ים
them as with an east
the fore or front part; hence (by orientation) the east (often adverbially, eastward, for brevity the east wind)
#3
אֲפִיצֵ֖ם
I will scatter
to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)
#4
פָנִ֛ים
and not the face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#5
אוֹיֵ֑ב
the enemy
hating; an adversary
#6
עֹ֧רֶף
them the back
the nape or back of the neck (as declining); hence, the back generally (whether literal or figurative)
#7
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
פָנִ֛ים
and not the face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#9
אֶרְאֵ֖ם
I will shew
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#10
בְּי֥וֹם
in the day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#11
אֵידָֽם׃
of their calamity
oppression; by implication misfortune, ruin

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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