Jeremiah 18:4

Authorized King James Version

And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְנִשְׁחַ֣ת

H7843

was marred

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

כְּלִ֣י

H3627

And the vessel

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

ה֥וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לַעֲשֽׂוֹת׃

H6213

so he made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

בַּחֹ֖מֶר

H2563

of clay

properly, a bubbling up, i.e., of water, a wave; hence, a chomer or dry measure

בְּיַ֣ד

H3027

in the hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

הַיּוֹצֵ֖ר

H3335

of the potter

to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)

וְשָׁ֗ב

H7725

it again

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

#10

לַעֲשֽׂוֹת׃

H6213

so he made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#11

כְּלִ֣י

H3627

And the vessel

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

#12

אַחֵ֔ר

H312

another

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

#13

כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#14

יָשַׁ֛ר

H3474

good

to be straight or even; figuratively, to be (causatively, to make) right, pleasant, prosperous

#15

בְּעֵינֵ֥י

H5869

as seemed

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

#16

הַיּוֹצֵ֖ר

H3335

of the potter

to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)

#17

לַעֲשֽׂוֹת׃

H6213

so he made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 18 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?

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