Jeremiah 22:8

Authorized King James Version

And many nations shall pass by this city, and they shall say every man to his neighbour, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this great city?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעָֽבְרוּ֙
shall pass
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#2
גּוֹיִ֣ם
nations
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#3
רַבִּ֔ים
And many
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#4
עַ֖ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
לָעִ֥יר
by this city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#6
הַזֹּ֑את
this (often used adverb)
#7
וְאָֽמְרוּ֙
and they shall say
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
אִ֣ישׁ
every man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#9
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
רֵעֵ֔הוּ
to his neighbour
an associate (more or less close)
#11
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
מֶ֨ה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#13
עָשָׂ֤ה
done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#14
יְהוָה֙
Wherefore hath the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#15
כָּ֔כָה
just so, referring to the previous or following context
#16
לָעִ֥יר
by this city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#17
הַגְּדוֹלָ֖ה
thus unto this great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#18
הַזֹּֽאת׃
this (often used adverb)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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