Jeremiah 20:12

Authorized King James Version

But, O LORD of hosts, that triest the righteous, and seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I opened my cause.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיהוָ֤ה

H3068

But O LORD

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

צְבָאוֹת֙

H6635

of hosts

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

בֹּחֵ֣ן

H974

that triest

to test (especially metals); generally and figuratively, to investigate

צַדִּ֔יק

H6662

the righteous

just

אֶרְאֶ֤ה

H7200

and seest

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

כְלָי֖וֹת

H3629

the reins

a kidney (as an essential organ); figuratively, the mind (as the interior self)

וָלֵ֑ב

H3820

and the heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

אֶרְאֶ֤ה

H7200

and seest

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

נִקְמָֽתְךָ֙

H5360

thy vengeance

avengement, whether the act of the passion

#10

מֵהֶ֔ם

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#11

כִּ֥י

H3588

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

#12

אֵלֶ֖יךָ

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#13

גִּלִּ֥יתִי

H1540

on them for unto thee have I opened

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

#14

אֶת

H853

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

#15

רִיבִֽי׃

H7379

my cause

a contest (personal or legal)

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 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

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?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?

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Jeremiah