Jeremiah 22:16

Authorized King James Version

He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well with him: was not this to know me? saith the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
דָּ֛ן
He judged
to rule; by implication to judge (as umpire); also to strive (as at law)
#2
דִּין
the cause
judgement (the suit, justice, sentence or tribunal); by implication also strife
#3
עָנִ֥י
of the poor
depressed, in mind or circumstances
#4
וְאֶבְי֖וֹן
H34
and needy
destitute
#5
אָ֣ז
at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore
#6
ט֑וֹב
then it was well
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#7
הֲלוֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
הִ֛יא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#9
הַדַּ֥עַת
with him was not this to know
knowledge
#10
אֹתִ֖י
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
נְאֻם
me saith
an oracle
#12
יְהוָֽה׃
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 sovereignty 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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