Jeremiah 2:30

Authorized King James Version

In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לַשָּׁוְא֙
In vain
evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, object
#2
הִכֵּ֣יתִי
have I smitten
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
בְּנֵיכֶ֔ם
your children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#5
מוּסָ֖ר
no correction
properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint
#6
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
לָקָ֑חוּ
they received
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#8
אָכְלָ֧ה
hath devoured
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#9
חַרְבְּכֶ֛ם
your own sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#10
נְבִֽיאֵיכֶ֖ם
your prophets
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#11
כְּאַרְיֵ֥ה
lion
a lion
#12
מַשְׁחִֽית׃
like a destroying
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or 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 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

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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