Jeremiah 23:17

Authorized King James Version

They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אָֽמְר֔וּ
They say
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אָֽמְר֔וּ
They say
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
לִֽמְנַאֲצַ֔י
unto them that despise
to scorn; or (in ecclesiastes 12:5), by interchange for h5132, to bloom
#4
דִּבֶּ֣ר
hath said
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#5
יְהוָ֔ה
me The LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
שָׁל֖וֹם
Ye shall have peace
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
#7
יִֽהְיֶ֣ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#8
לָכֶ֑ם
H0
#9
וְ֠כֹל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#10
הֹלֵ֞ךְ
unto every one that walketh
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#11
בִּשְׁרִר֤וּת
after the imagination
obstinacy
#12
לִבּוֹ֙
of his own heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#13
אָֽמְר֔וּ
They say
to say (used with great latitude)
#14
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#15
תָב֥וֹא
shall come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#16
עֲלֵיכֶ֖ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#17
רָעָֽה׃
No evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of peace connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about peace, 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

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People