Jeremiah 23:13

Authorized King James Version

And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to err.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבִנְבִיאֵ֥י
in the prophets
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#2
שֹׁמְר֖וֹן
of Samaria
shomeron, a place in palestine
#3
רָאִ֣יתִי
And I have seen
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#4
תִפְלָ֑ה
folly
frivolity
#5
הִנַּבְּא֣וּ
they prophesied
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
#6
בַבַּ֔עַל
in Baal
baal, a phoenician deity
#7
וַיַּתְע֥וּ
to err
to vacillate, i.e., reel or stray (literally or figuratively); also causative of both
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
עַמִּ֖י
and caused my people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#10
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 covenant community 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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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