Jeremiah 23:16

Authorized King James Version

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כֹּֽה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#2
אָמַ֞ר
Thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
צְבָא֗וֹת
of hosts
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#5
אַֽל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#6
תִּשְׁמְע֞וּ
Hearken
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#7
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
דִּבְרֵ֤י
not unto the words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#9
הַנְּבִאִים֙
of the prophets
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#10
הַנִּבְּאִ֣ים
that prophesy
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
#11
לָכֶ֔ם
H0
#12
מַהְבִּלִ֥ים
unto you they make you vain
to be vain in act, word, or expectation; specifically to lead astray
#13
הֵ֖מָּה
they (only used when emphatic)
#14
אֶתְכֶ֑ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
חֲז֤וֹן
a vision
a sight (mentally), i.e., a dream, revelation, or oracle
#16
לִבָּם֙
of their own heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#17
יְדַבֵּ֔רוּ
they speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#18
לֹ֖א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#19
מִפִּ֥י
and not out of the mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#20
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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

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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