Jeremiah 20:16

Authorized King James Version

And let that man be as the cities which the LORD overthrew, and repented not: and let him hear the cry in the morning, and the shouting at noontide;

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָיָה֙

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הָאִ֣ישׁ

H376

And let that 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)

הַה֔וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

כֶּֽעָרִ֛ים

H5892

be as the cities

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הָפַ֥ךְ

H2015

overthrew

to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

which the LORD

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

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

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

נִחָ֑ם

H5162

and repented

properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo

#10

וְשָׁמַ֤ע

H8085

not and let him hear

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

#11

זְעָקָה֙

H2201

the cry

a shriek or outcry

#12

בַּבֹּ֔קֶר

H1242

in the morning

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

#13

וּתְרוּעָ֖ה

H8643

and the shouting

clamor, i.e., acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangor of trumpets, as an alarum

#14

בְּעֵ֥ת

H6256

at noontide

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

#15

צָהֳרָֽיִם׃

H6672

a light (i.e., window); dual double light, i.e., noon

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 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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
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?
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?

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