Jeremiah 18:6

Authorized King James Version

O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הַיּוֹצֵ֔ר
is in the potter's
to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)
#2
הַזֶּ֜ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#3
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
אוּכַ֨ל
cannot
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#5
לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת
I do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#6
לָכֶ֛ם
H0
#7
בֵּ֥ית
O house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#8
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#9
נְאֻם
saith
an oracle
#10
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#11
הִנֵּ֤ה
lo!
#12
כַחֹ֙מֶר֙
Behold as the clay
properly, a bubbling up, i.e., of water, a wave; hence, a chomer or dry measure
#13
בְּיָדִ֖י
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
#14
הַיּוֹצֵ֔ר
is in the potter's
to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)
#15
כֵּן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#16
אַתֶּ֥ם
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#17
בְּיָדִ֖י
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
#18
בֵּ֥ית
O house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#19
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People