Jeremiah 20:7

Authorized King James Version

O LORD, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived: thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וָֽאֶפָּ֔ת

H6601

me and I was deceived

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)

יְהוָה֙

H3068

O LORD

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

וָֽאֶפָּ֔ת

H6601

me and I was deceived

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)

חֲזַקְתַּ֖נִי

H2388

thou art stronger

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

וַתּוּכָ֑ל

H3201

than I and hast prevailed

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

הָיִ֤יתִי

H1961

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

לִשְׂחוֹק֙

H7814

I am in derision

laughter (in merriment or defiance)

כָּל

H3605

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

הַיּ֔וֹם

H3117

daily

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#10

כֻּלֹּ֖ה

H3605

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

#11

לֹעֵ֥ג

H3932

every one mocketh

to deride; by implication (as if imitating a foreigner) to speak unintelligibly

#12

לִֽי׃

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 sovereignty 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 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?
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?
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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