Jeremiah 2:32

Authorized King James Version

Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שְׁכֵח֔וּנִי
forget
to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention
#2
בְּתוּלָה֙
Can a maid
a virgin (from her privacy); sometimes (by continuation) a bride; also (figuratively) a city or state
#3
עֶדְיָ֔הּ
her ornaments
finery; generally an outfit; specifically, a headstall
#4
כַּלָּ֖ה
or a bride
a bride (as if perfect); hence, a son's wife
#5
קִשֻּׁרֶ֑יהָ
her attire
an (ornamental) girdle (for women)
#6
וְעַמִּ֣י
yet my people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#7
שְׁכֵח֔וּנִי
forget
to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention
#8
יָמִ֖ים
me days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#9
אֵ֥ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#10
מִסְפָּֽר׃
without number
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

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 covenant community 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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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