Jeremiah 18:20

Authorized King James Version

Shall evil be recompensed for good? for they have digged a pit for my soul. Remember that I stood before thee to speak good for them, and to turn away thy wrath from them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הַיְשֻׁלַּ֤ם

H7999

be recompensed

to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate

תַּֽחַת

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

טוֹבָ֔ה

H2896

for good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

רָעָ֔ה

H7451

Shall evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

כָר֥וּ

H3738

for they have digged

properly, to dig; figuratively, to plot; generally, to bore or open

שׁוּחָ֖ה

H7745

a pit

a chasm

לְנַפְשִׁ֑י

H5315

for my soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

זְכֹ֣ר׀

H2142

Remember

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

#10

עָמְדִ֣י

H5975

that I stood

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

#11

לְפָנֶ֗יךָ

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#12

לְדַבֵּ֤ר

H1696

thee to speak

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

#13

עֲלֵיהֶם֙

H5921

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

#14

טוֹבָ֔ה

H2896

for good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

#15

לְהָשִׁ֥יב

H7725

for them and to turn away

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#16

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#17

חֲמָתְךָ֖

H2534

thy wrath

heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

#18

מֵהֶֽם׃

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Jeremiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
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 the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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