Jeremiah 23:14

Authorized King James Version

I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּבִנְבִאֵ֨י

H5030

also in the prophets

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

יְרוּשָׁלִַ֜ם

H3389

of Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

רָאִ֣יתִי

H7200

I have seen

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

שַׁעֲרוּרָ֗ה

H8186

an horrible thing

something fearful

נָא֞וֹף

H5003

they commit adultery

to commit adultery; figuratively, to apostatize

וְהָלֹ֤ךְ

H1980

and walk

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בַּשֶּׁ֙קֶר֙

H8267

in lies

an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)

וְחִזְּקוּ֙

H2388

they strengthen

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

יְדֵ֣י

H3027

also the hands

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#10

מְרֵעִ֔ים

H7489

of evildoers

properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)

#11

לְבִ֨לְתִּי

H1115

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

#12

שָׁ֔בוּ

H7725

doth return

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#13

אִ֖ישׁ

H376

that none

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)

#14

מֵרָֽעָת֑וֹ

H7451

from his wickedness

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

#15

הָֽיוּ

H1961

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

#16

לִ֤י

#17

כֻלָּם֙

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#18

כִּסְדֹ֔ם

H5467

they are all of them unto me as Sodom

sedom, a place near the dead sea

#19

וְיֹשְׁבֶ֖יהָ

H3427

and the inhabitants

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#20

כַּעֲמֹרָֽה׃

H6017

thereof as Gomorrah

amorah, a place in palestine

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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