Jeremiah 23:12

Authorized King James Version

Wherefore their way shall be unto them as slippery ways in the darkness: they shall be driven on, and fall therein: for I will bring evil upon them, even the year of their visitation, saith the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לָכֵן֩
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#2
יִֽהְיֶ֨ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#3
דַרְכָּ֜ם
Wherefore their way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#4
לָהֶ֗ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#5
כַּחֲלַקְלַקּוֹת֙
shall be unto them as slippery
properly, something very smooth; i.e., a treacherous spot; figuratively, blandishment
#6
בָּֽאֲפֵלָ֔ה
ways in the darkness
duskiness, figuratively, misfortune; concrete, concealment
#7
יִדַּ֖חוּ
they shall be driven on
to push down
#8
וְנָ֣פְלוּ
and fall
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#9
בָ֑הּ
H0
#10
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
אָבִ֨יא
therein for I will bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#12
עֲלֵיהֶ֥ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
רָעָ֛ה
evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#14
שְׁנַ֥ת
upon them even the year
a year (as a revolution of time)
#15
פְּקֻדָּתָ֖ם
of their visitation
visitation (in many senses, chiefly official)
#16
נְאֻם
saith
an oracle
#17
יְהוָֽה׃
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 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

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