Jeremiah 2:14

Authorized King James Version

Is Israel a servant? is he a homeborn slave? why is he spoiled?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הַעֶ֙בֶד֙
a servant
a servant
#2
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Is Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#3
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#4
יְלִ֥יד
born
#5
בַּ֖יִת
is he a homeborn
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#6
ה֑וּא
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
#7
מַדּ֖וּעַ
slave why
what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?
#8
הָיָ֥ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#9
לָבַֽז׃
is he spoiled
plunder

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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