Jeremiah 2:26

Authorized King James Version

As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כְּבֹ֤שֶׁת
is ashamed
shame (the feeling and the condition, as well as its cause); by implication (specifically) an idol
#2
גַּנָּב֙
As the thief
a stealer
#3
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#4
יִמָּצֵ֔א
when he is found
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
#5
כֵּ֥ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#6
הֹבִ֖ישׁוּ
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
#7
בֵּ֣ית
so is the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#8
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#9
הֵ֤מָּה
they (only used when emphatic)
#10
מַלְכֵיהֶם֙
they their kings
a king
#11
שָֽׂרֵיהֶ֔ם
their princes
a head person (of any rank or class)
#12
וְכֹהֲנֵיהֶ֖ם
and their priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#13
וּנְבִיאֵיהֶֽם׃
and their prophets
a prophet or (generally) inspired man

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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