Jeremiah 2:6

Authorized King James Version

Neither said they, Where is the LORD that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, that led us through the wilderness, through a land of deserts and of pits, through a land of drought, and of the shadow of death, through a land that no man passed through, and where no man dwelt?

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

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

אָמְר֔וּ

H559

Neither said

to say (used with great latitude)

אַיֵּ֣ה

H346

where?

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

they Where is the LORD

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

הַמַּעֲלֶ֥ה

H5927

that brought us up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

אֹתָ֖נוּ

H853

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

בְּאֶ֗רֶץ

H776

out of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרָ֑יִם

H4714

of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

הַמּוֹלִ֨יךְ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#10

אֹתָ֜נוּ

H853

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

#11

בַּמִּדְבָּ֗ר

H4057

us through the wilderness

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

#12

בְּאֶ֗רֶץ

H776

out of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#13

עֲרָבָ֤ה

H6160

of deserts

a desert; especially (with the article prefix) the (generally) sterile valley of the jordan and its continuation to the red sea

#14

וְשׁוּחָה֙

H7745

and of pits

a chasm

#15

בְּאֶ֗רֶץ

H776

out of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#16

צִיָּ֣ה

H6723

of drought

aridity; concretely, a desert

#17

וְצַלְמָ֔וֶת

H6757

and of the shadow of death

shade of death, i.e., the grave (figuratively, calamity)

#18

בְּאֶ֗רֶץ

H776

out of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#19

לֹֽא

H3808

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

#20

עָ֤בַר

H5674

passed through

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

#21

בָּהּ֙

#22

אִ֔ישׁ

H376

that no man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#23

וְלֹֽא

H3808

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

#24

יָשַׁ֥ב

H3427

dwelt

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#25

אָדָ֖ם

H120

and where no man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

#26

שָֽׁם׃

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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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