Jeremiah 23:22

Authorized King James Version

But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאִֽם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

עָמְד֖וּ

H5975

But if they had stood

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

בְּסוֹדִ֑י

H5475

in my counsel

a session, i.e., company of persons (in close deliberation); by implication, intimacy, consultation, a secret

וְיַשְׁמִ֤עוּ

H8085

to hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

דְבָרַי֙

H1697

my words

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עַמִּ֔י

H5971

and had caused my people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וִֽישִׁבוּם֙

H7725

then they should have turned

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

מִדַּרְכָּ֣ם

H1870

way

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

#10

הָרָ֔ע

H7451

them from their evil

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

#11

וּמֵרֹ֖עַ

H7455

and from the evil

badness (as marring), physically or morally

#12

מַֽעַלְלֵיהֶֽם׃

H4611

of their doings

an act (good or bad)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of covenant community 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

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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

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?
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?
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?

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