Jeremiah 20:11

Authorized King James Version

But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽיהוָ֤ה
But the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#2
אוֹתִי֙
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#3
כְּגִבּ֣וֹר
is with me as a mighty
powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant
#4
עָרִ֔יץ
terrible one
fearful, i.e., powerful or tyrannical
#5
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
כֵּ֛ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#7
רֹדְפַ֥י
therefore my persecutors
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
#8
יִכָּשְׁל֖וּ
shall stumble
to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall
#9
וְלֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
יֻכָ֑לוּ
and they shall not prevail
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#11
בֹּ֤שׁוּ
ashamed
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
#12
מְאֹד֙
they shall be greatly
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
#13
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#14
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#15
הִשְׂכִּ֔ילוּ
for they shall not prosper
to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent
#16
כְּלִמַּ֥ת
confusion
disgrace
#17
עוֹלָ֖ם
their everlasting
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
#18
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#19
תִשָּׁכֵֽחַ׃
shall never be forgotten
to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

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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