Jeremiah 23:2

Authorized King James Version

Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לָ֠כֵן
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
יְהוָֽה׃
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#6
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#7
עַֽל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
הָרֹעִ֣ים
against the pastors
to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
#9
הָרֹעִ֣ים
against the pastors
to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
#10
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
עַמִּי֒
my people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#12
אַתֶּ֞ם
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#13
הֲפִצֹתֶ֤ם
Ye have scattered
to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)
#14
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
צֹאנִי֙
my flock
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
#16
וַתַּדִּח֔וּם
and driven them away
to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (to expel, mislead, strike, inflict, etc.)
#17
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#18
פֹקֵ֧ד
and have not visited
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#19
אֹתָ֑ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#20
הִנְנִ֨י
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#21
פֹקֵ֧ד
and have not visited
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#22
עֲלֵיכֶ֛ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#23
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#24
רֹ֥עַ
upon you the evil
badness (as marring), physically or morally
#25
מַעַלְלֵיכֶ֖ם
of your doings
an act (good or bad)
#26
נְאֻם
saith
an oracle
#27
יְהוָֽה׃
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 divine sovereignty 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 divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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