Jeremiah 2:33

Authorized King James Version

Why trimmest thou thy way to seek love? therefore hast thou also taught the wicked ones thy ways.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#2
תֵּיטִ֥בִי
Why trimmest
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
#3
דְּרָכָֽיִךְ׃
thou thy way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#4
לְבַקֵּ֣שׁ
to seek
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
#5
אַהֲבָ֑ה
love
love
#6
לָכֵן֙
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#7
גַּ֣ם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
הָרָע֔וֹת
the wicked ones
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#10
לִמַּ֖דְתְּי
therefore hast thou also taught
properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)
#11
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
דְּרָכָֽיִךְ׃
thou thy way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of love connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about love, 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 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 love. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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