Jeremiah 21:14

Authorized King James Version

But I will punish you according to the fruit of your doings, saith the LORD: and I will kindle a fire in the forest thereof, and it shall devour all things round about it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּפָקַדְתִּ֧י
But I will punish
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#2
עֲלֵיכֶ֛ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
כִּפְרִ֥י
you according to the fruit
fruit (literally or figuratively)
#4
מַעַלְלֵיכֶ֖ם
of your doings
an act (good or bad)
#5
נְאֻם
saith
an oracle
#6
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
וְהִצַּ֤תִּי
and I will kindle
to burn or set on fire; figuratively, to desolate
#8
אֵשׁ֙
a fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#9
בְּיַעְרָ֔הּ
in the forest
a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)
#10
וְאָכְלָ֖ה
thereof and it shall devour
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#11
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#12
סְבִיבֶֽיהָ׃
all things round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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