Jeremiah 2:18

Authorized King James Version

And now what hast thou to do in the way of Egypt, to drink the waters of Sihor? or what hast thou to do in the way of Assyria, to drink the waters of the river?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעַתָּ֗ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#2
מַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#3
לָּךְ֙
H0
#4
לְדֶ֣רֶךְ
And now what hast thou to do in the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#5
מִצְרַ֔יִם
of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#6
לִשְׁתּ֖וֹת
to drink
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
#7
מֵ֥י
the waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#8
שִׁח֑וֹר
of Sihor
shichor, a stream of egypt
#9
וּמַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#10
לָּךְ֙
H0
#11
לְדֶ֣רֶךְ
And now what hast thou to do in the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#12
אַשּׁ֔וּר
of Assyria
ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire
#13
לִשְׁתּ֖וֹת
to drink
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
#14
מֵ֥י
the waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#15
נָהָֽר׃
of the river
a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine revelation 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

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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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