Jeremiah 2:25

Authorized King James Version

Withhold thy foot from being unshod, and thy throat from thirst: but thou saidst, There is no hope: no; for I have loved strangers, and after them will I go.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מִנְעִ֤י
Withhold
to debar (negatively or positively) from benefit or injury
#2
רַגְלֵךְ֙
thy foot
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#3
מִיָּחֵ֔ף
from being unshod
unsandalled
#4
וּגְורֹנֵ֖ךְ
and thy throat
the throat (as roughened by swallowing)
#5
מִצִּמְאָ֑ה
from thirst
thirst (figuratively, of libidinousnes)
#6
וַתֹּאמְרִ֣י
but thou saidst
to say (used with great latitude)
#7
נוֹאָ֔שׁ
There is no hope
to desist, i.e., (figuratively) to despond
#8
ל֕וֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#10
אָהַ֥בְתִּי
no for I have loved
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
#11
זָרִ֖ים
strangers
to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery
#12
וְאַחֲרֵיהֶ֥ם
and after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#13
אֵלֵֽךְ׃
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

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 love fundamental to theology proper, revealing God's essential nature and character and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 love in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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