Jeremiah 19:5

Authorized King James Version

They have built also the high places of Baal, to burn their sons with fire for burnt offerings unto Baal, which I commanded not, nor spake it, neither came it into my mind:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבָנ֞וּ
They have built
to build (literally and figuratively)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
בָּמ֣וֹת
also the high places
an elevation
#4
לַבָּ֑עַל
of Baal
baal, a phoenician deity
#5
לִשְׂרֹ֧ף
to burn
to be (causatively, set) on fire
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
בְּנֵיהֶ֛ם
their sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#8
בָּאֵ֖שׁ
with fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#9
עֹל֣וֹת
for burnt offerings
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
#10
לַבָּ֑עַל
of Baal
baal, a phoenician deity
#11
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
צִוִּ֙יתִי֙
which I commanded
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#14
וְלֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#15
דִבַּ֔רְתִּי
not nor spake
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#16
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#17
עָלְתָ֖ה
it neither came
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#18
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#19
לִבִּֽי׃
it into my mind
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

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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