Jeremiah 2:5

Authorized King James Version

Thus saith the LORD, What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כֹּ֣ה׀
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#2
אָמַ֣ר
Thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
יְהוָ֗ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
מַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#5
מָּצְא֨וּ
found
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#6
אֲבוֹתֵיכֶ֥ם
H1
have your fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#7
בִּי֙
H0
#8
עָ֔וֶל
What iniquity
(moral) evil
#9
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#10
רָחֲק֖וּ
in me that they are gone far
to widen (in any direction), i.e., (intransitively) recede or (transitively) remove (literally or figuratively, of place or relation)
#11
מֵעָלָ֑י
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
וַיֵּֽלְכ֛וּ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#13
אַחֲרֵ֥י
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#14
הַהֶ֖בֶל
vanity
emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb
#15
וַיֶּהְבָּֽלוּ׃
and are become vain
to be vain in act, word, or expectation; specifically to lead astray

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

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