Jeremiah 2:13

Authorized King James Version

For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
שְׁתַּ֥יִם
two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#3
רָע֖וֹת
evils
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#4
עָשָׂ֣ה
have committed
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#5
עַמִּ֑י
For my people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#6
אֹתִ֨י
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
עָזְב֜וּ
they have forsaken
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
#8
מְק֣וֹר׀
me the fountain
properly, something dug, i.e., a (general) source (of water, even when naturally flowing; also of tears, blood (by euphemism, of the female pudenda);
#9
הַמָּֽיִם׃
no water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#10
חַיִּ֗ים
of living
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#11
לַחְצֹ֤ב
and hewed them out
to cut or carve (wood, stone or other material); by implication, to hew, split, square, quarry, engrave
#12
לָהֶם֙
H0
#13
בֹּארֹת֙
cisterns
a cistern
#14
בֹּארֹת֙
cisterns
a cistern
#15
נִשְׁבָּרִ֔ים
broken
to burst (literally or figuratively)
#16
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#17
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#18
יָכִ֖לוּ
that can hold
properly, to keep in; hence, to measure; figuratively, to maintain (in various senses)
#19
הַמָּֽיִם׃
no water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of covenant community 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

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