Jeremiah 2:36

Why gaddest thou about so much to change thy way? thou also shalt be ashamed of Egypt, as thou wast ashamed of Assyria.

Word-by-Word Analysis

מַה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

תֵּזְלִ֥י

H235

Why gaddest thou about

to go away, hence, to disappear

מְאֹ֖ד

H3966

so much

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

לְשַׁנּ֣וֹת

H8138

to change

to fold, i.e., duplicate (literally or figuratively); by implication, to transmute (transitive or intransitive)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

דַּרְכֵּ֑ךְ

H1870

thy way

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

גַּ֤ם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

מִמִּצְרַ֙יִם֙

H4714

of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

בֹּ֖שְׁתְּ

H954

as thou wast ashamed

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

#10

כַּאֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#11

בֹּ֖שְׁתְּ

H954

as thou wast ashamed

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

#12

מֵאַשּֽׁוּר׃

H804

of Assyria

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

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

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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