Jeremiah 20:10

Authorized King James Version

For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, saying, Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שָׁמַ֜עְתִּי

H8085

For I heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

דִּבַּ֣ת

H1681

the defaming

slander

רַבִּים֮

H7227

of many

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

מָג֣וֹר

H4032

fear

a fright (objective or subjective)

מִסָּבִיב֒

H5439

on every side

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

וְנַגִּידֶ֔נּוּ

H5046

Report

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

וְנַגִּידֶ֔נּוּ

H5046

Report

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

כֹּ֚ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#10

אֱנ֣וֹשׁ

H582

it All my familiars

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

#11

שְׁלֹמִ֔י

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

#12

שֹׁמְרֵ֖י

H8104

watched

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

#13

צַלְעִ֑י

H6761

a limping or full (figuratively)

#14

אוּלַ֤י

H194

if not; hence perhaps

#15

יְפֻתֶּה֙

H6601

saying Peradventure he will be enticed

to open, i.e., be (causatively, make) roomy; usually figuratively (in a mental or moral sense) to be (causatively, make) simple or (in a sinister way)

#16

וְנ֣וּכְלָה

H3201

and we shall prevail

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

#17

ל֔וֹ

#18

וְנִקְחָ֥ה

H3947

against him and we shall take

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#19

נִקְמָתֵ֖נוּ

H5360

our revenge

avengement, whether the act of the passion

#20

מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

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 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 revelation 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 revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?

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