Jeremiah 23:15

Authorized King James Version

Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets; Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall: for from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness gone forth into all the land.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לָכֵ֞ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#2
כֹּֽה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#3
אָמַ֨ר
Therefore thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
יְהוָ֤ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
צְבָאוֹת֙
of hosts
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#6
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
נְבִיאֵ֣י
concerning the prophets
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#8
הִנְנִ֨י
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#9
מַאֲכִ֤יל
Behold I will feed
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#10
אוֹתָם֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
לַֽעֲנָ֔ה
them with wormwood
wormwood (regarded as poisonous, and therefore accursed)
#12
וְהִשְׁקִתִ֖ים
and make them drink
to quaff, i.e., (causatively) to irrigate or furnish a potion to
#13
מֵי
the water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#14
רֹ֑אשׁ
of gall
a poisonous plant, probably the poppy (from its conspicuous head); generally poison (even of serpents)
#15
כִּ֗י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#16
מֵאֵת֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#17
נְבִיאֵ֣י
concerning the prophets
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#18
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֔ם
of Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#19
יָצְאָ֥ה
gone forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#20
חֲנֻפָּ֖ה
is profaneness
impiety
#21
לְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#22
הָאָֽרֶץ׃
into all the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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

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