Jeremiah 2:27

Authorized King James Version

Saying to a stock, Thou art my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: for they have turned their back unto me, and not their face: but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יֹֽאמְר֔וּ
Saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
לָעֵ֜ץ
to a stock
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#3
אָ֣בִי
H1
Thou art my father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#4
אַ֗תָּה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#5
וְלָאֶ֙בֶן֙
H68
and to a stone
a stone
#6
אַ֣תְּ
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#7
יְלִדְתָּ֔ניּ
Thou hast brought me forth
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#8
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
פָנ֥וּ
for they have turned
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
#10
אֵלַ֛י
near, with or among; often in general, to
#11
עֹ֖רֶף
their back
the nape or back of the neck (as declining); hence, the back generally (whether literal or figurative)
#12
וְלֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
פָנִ֑ים
unto me and not their face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#14
וּבְעֵ֤ת
but in the time
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
#15
רָֽעָתָם֙
of their trouble
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#16
יֹֽאמְר֔וּ
Saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#17
ק֖וּמָה
Arise
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#18
וְהוֹשִׁיעֵֽנוּ׃
and save
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

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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