Jeremiah 22:17

Authorized King James Version

But thine eyes and thine heart are not but for thy covetousness, and for to shed innocent blood, and for oppression, and for violence, to do it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
אֵ֤ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#3
עֵינֶ֙יךָ֙
But thine eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#4
וְלִבְּךָ֔
and thine heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#5
כִּ֖י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#6
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#7
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
בִּצְעֶ֑ךָ
are not but for thy covetousness
plunder; by extension, gain (usually unjust)
#9
וְעַ֤ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
דַּֽם
blood
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
#11
הַנָּקִי֙
innocent
innocent
#12
לִשְׁפּ֔וֹךְ
and for to shed
to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc
#13
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
הָעֹ֥שֶׁק
and for oppression
injury, fraud, (subjectively) distress, (concretely) unjust gain
#15
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#16
הַמְּרוּצָ֖ה
and for violence
oppression
#17
לַעֲשֽׂוֹת׃
to do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

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 revelation 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

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

Questions for Reflection

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