Jeremiah 2:8

Authorized King James Version

The priests said not, Where is the LORD? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הַכֹּהֲנִ֗ים
The priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#2
לֹ֤א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#3
אָֽמְרוּ֙
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
אַיֵּ֣ה
where?
#5
יְהוָ֔ה
not Where is the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
וְתֹפְשֵׂ֤י
and they that handle
to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably
#7
הַתּוֹרָה֙
the law
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
#8
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
יְדָע֔וּנִי
knew
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#10
וְהָרֹעִ֖ים
me not the pastors
to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
#11
פָּ֣שְׁעוּ
also transgressed
to break away (from just authority), i.e., trespass, apostatize, quarrel
#12
בִ֑י
H0
#13
וְהַנְּבִיאִים֙
against me and the prophets
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#14
נִבְּא֣וּ
prophesied
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
#15
בַבַּ֔עַל
by Baal
baal, a phoenician deity
#16
וְאַחֲרֵ֥י
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#17
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#18
יוֹעִ֖לוּ
things that do not profit
properly, to ascend; figuratively, to be valuable (objectively; useful, subjectively; benefited)
#19
הָלָֽכוּ׃
and walked
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

Questions for Reflection

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