Jeremiah 21:1

Authorized King James Version

The word which came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, when king Zedekiah sent unto him Pashur the son of Melchiah, and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest, saying,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הַדָּבָ֛ר
The word
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#2
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
הָיָ֥ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#4
אֶֽל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
יִרְמְיָ֖הוּ
which came unto Jeremiah
jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites
#6
מֵאֵ֣ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
יְהוָ֑ה
from the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
בִּשְׁלֹ֨חַ
sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#9
אֵלָ֜יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ
when king
a king
#11
צִדְקִיָּ֗הוּ
Zedekiah
tsidkijah, the name of six israelites
#12
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
פַּשְׁחוּר֙
unto him Pashur
pashchur, the name of four israelites
#14
בֶן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#15
מַלְכִּיָּ֔ה
of Melchiah
malkijah, the name of ten israelites
#16
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#17
צְפַנְיָ֧ה
and Zephaniah
tsephanjah, the name of four israelites
#18
בֶן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#19
מַעֲשֵׂיָ֛ה
of Maaseiah
maasejah, the name of sixteen israelites
#20
הַכֹּהֵ֖ן
the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#21
לֵאמֹֽר׃
saying
to say (used with great latitude)

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 introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Jeremiah.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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