Jeremiah 2:24

Authorized King James Version

A wild ass used to the wilderness, that snuffeth up the wind at her pleasure; in her occasion who can turn her away? all they that seek her will not weary themselves; in her month they shall find her.

Word-by-Word Analysis

פֶּ֣רֶה׀

H6501

A wild ass

the onager

לִמֻּ֣ד

H3928

used

instructed

מִדְבָּ֗ר

H4057

to the wilderness

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

בְּאַוַּ֤ת

H185

at her pleasure

longing

נַפְשָׁוּ֙

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

שָׁאֲפָ֣ה

H7602

that snuffeth up

to inhale eagerly; figuratively, to cover; by implication, to be angry; also to hasten

ר֔וּחַ

H7307

the wind

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

תַּאֲנָתָ֖הּ

H8385

in her occasion

an opportunity or (subjectively) purpose

מִ֣י

H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

#10

יְשִׁיבֶ֑נָּה

H7725

who can turn her away

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#11

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#12

מְבַקְשֶׁ֙יהָ֙

H1245

all they that seek

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

#13

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#14

יִיעָ֔פוּ

H3286

her will not weary

to tire (as if from wearisome flight)

#15

בְּחָדְשָׁ֖הּ

H2320

themselves in her month

the new moon; by implication, a month

#16

יִמְצָאֽוּנְהָ׃

H4672

they shall find

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Jeremiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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