Jeremiah 22:5

But if ye will not hear these words, I swear by myself, saith the LORD, that this house shall become a desolation.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאִם֙

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִשְׁמְע֔וּ

H8085

But if ye will not hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַדְּבָרִ֖ים

H1697

these words

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הָאֵ֑לֶּה

H428

these or those

בִּ֤י

נִשְׁבַּ֙עְתִּי֙

H7650

I swear

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

נְאֻם

H5002

by myself saith

an oracle

#10

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#11

כִּי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#12

לְחָרְבָּ֥ה

H2723

shall become a desolation

properly, drought, i.e., (by implication) a desolation

#13

יִֽהְיֶ֖ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#14

הַבַּ֥יִת

H1004

that this house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#15

הַזֶּֽה׃

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Jeremiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 22 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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