Jeremiah 2:31

Authorized King James Version

O generation, see ye the word of the LORD. Have I been a wilderness unto Israel? a land of darkness? wherefore say my people, We are lords; we will come no more unto thee?

Word-by-Word Analysis

הַדּ֗וֹר

H1755

O generation

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

אַתֶּם֙

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

רְא֣וּ

H7200

see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

דְבַר

H1697

ye the word

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הֲמִדְבָּ֤ר

H4057

Have I been a wilderness

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

הָיִ֙יתִי֙

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

unto Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אִ֛ם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#10

אֶ֥רֶץ

H776

a land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#11

מַאְפֵּ֖לְיָ֑ה

H3991

of darkness

opaqueness

#12

מַדּ֜וּעַ

H4069

what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?

#13

אָמְר֤וּ

H559

wherefore say

to say (used with great latitude)

#14

עַמִּי֙

H5971

my people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#15

רַ֔דְנוּ

H7300

We are lords

to tramp about, i.e., ramble (free or disconsolate)

#16

לֽוֹא

H3808

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

#17

נָב֥וֹא

H935

we will come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#18

ע֖וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

#19

אֵלֶֽיךָ׃

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Jeremiah.

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?
How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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