Jeremiah 19:4

Authorized King James Version

Because they have forsaken me, and have estranged this place, and have burned incense in it unto other gods, whom neither they nor their fathers have known, nor the kings of Judah, and have filled this place with the blood of innocents;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יַ֣עַן׀
properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause
#2
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
עֲזָבֻ֗נִי
Because they have forsaken
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
#4
וַֽיְנַכְּר֞וּ
me and have estranged
properly, to scrutinize, i.e., look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (
#5
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
הַמָּק֥וֹם
this place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#7
הַזֶּה֙
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#8
וַיְקַטְּרוּ
and have burned incense
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
#9
בוֹ֙
H0
#10
לֵאלֹהִ֣ים
gods
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#11
אֲחֵרִ֔ים
in it unto other
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc
#12
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#13
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
יְדָע֛וּם
have known
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#15
הֵ֥מָּה
they (only used when emphatic)
#16
וַאֲבֽוֹתֵיהֶ֖ם
H1
whom neither they nor their fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#17
וּמַלְכֵ֣י
nor the kings
a king
#18
יְהוּדָ֑ה
of Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#19
וּמָֽלְא֛וּ
and have filled
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
#20
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#21
הַמָּק֥וֹם
this place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#22
הַזֶּ֖ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#23
דַּ֥ם
with the blood
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
#24
נְקִיִּֽם׃
of innocents
innocent

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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