Jeremiah 20:9

Authorized King James Version

Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאָמַרְתִּ֣י

H559

Then I said

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹֽא

H3808

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

אֶזְכְּרֶ֗נּוּ

H2142

I will not make mention

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

וְלֹֽא

H3808

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

אֲדַבֵּ֥ר

H1696

of him nor speak

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

עוֹד֙

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

בִּשְׁמ֔וֹ

H8034

any more in his name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

וְהָיָ֤ה

H1961

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

בְלִבִּי֙

H3820

But his word was in mine heart

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

#10

כְּאֵ֣שׁ

H784

fire

fire (literally or figuratively)

#11

בֹּעֶ֔רֶת

H1197

as a burning

to be(-come) brutish

#12

עָצֻ֖ר

H6113

shut up

to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble

#13

בְּעַצְמֹתָ֑י

H6106

in my bones

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

#14

וְנִלְאֵ֥יתִי

H3811

and I was weary

to tire; (figuratively) to be (or make) disgusted

#15

כַּֽלְכֵ֖ל

H3557

with forbearing

properly, to keep in; hence, to measure; figuratively, to maintain (in various senses)

#16

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

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

#17

אוּכָֽל׃

H3201

and I could

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

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 this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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