Jeremiah 21:9

Authorized King James Version

He that abideth in this city shall die by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth out, and falleth to the Chaldeans that besiege you, he shall live, and his life shall be unto him for a prey.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הַיֹּשֵׁב֙
He that abideth
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#2
בָּעִ֣יר
in this city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#3
הַזֹּ֔את
this (often used adverb)
#4
יָמ֕וּת
shall die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#5
בַּחֶ֖רֶב
by the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#6
וּבָרָעָ֣ב
and by the famine
hunger (more or less extensive)
#7
וּבַדָּ֑בֶר
and by the pestilence
a pestilence
#8
וְהַיּוֹצֵא֩
but he that goeth out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#9
וְנָפַ֨ל
and falleth
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#10
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
הַכַּשְׂדִּ֜ים
to the Chaldeans
a kasdite, or descendant of kesed; by implication, a chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people
#12
הַצָּרִ֤ים
that besiege
to cramp, i.e., confine (in many applications, literally and figuratively, formative or hostile)
#13
עֲלֵיכֶם֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
יְחָיָ֔ה
you he shall live
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
#15
וְהָֽיְתָה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#16
לּ֥וֹ
H0
#17
נַפְשׁ֖וֹ
and his life
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#18
לְשָׁלָֽל׃
shall be unto him for a prey
booty

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of life connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about life, 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 life. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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