Jeremiah 22:13

Authorized King James Version

Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; that useth his neighbour's service without wages, and giveth him not for his work;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ה֣וֹי
Woe
oh!
#2
בֹּנֶ֤ה
unto him that buildeth
to build (literally and figuratively)
#3
בֵיתוֹ֙
his house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#4
לֹ֥א
by
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
צֶ֔דֶק
unrighteousness
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
#6
וַעֲלִיּוֹתָ֖יו
and his chambers
something lofty, i.e., a stair-way; also a second-story room (or even one on the roof); figuratively, the sky
#7
לֹ֥א
by
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
by wrong
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#9
בְּרֵעֵ֙הוּ֙
that useth his neighbour's
an associate (more or less close)
#10
יַעֲבֹ֣ד
service
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#11
חִנָּ֔ם
without wages
gratis, i.e., devoid of cost, reason or advantage
#12
וּפֹעֲל֖וֹ
him not for his work
an act or work (concretely)
#13
לֹ֥א
by
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
יִתֶּן
and giveth
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#15
לֽוֹ׃
H0

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of righteousness reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 righteousness. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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