Jeremiah 23:25

Authorized King James Version

I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שָׁמַ֗עְתִּי
I have heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#2
אֵ֤ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#4
לֵאמֹ֑ר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#5
הַנְּבִאִ֔ים
what the prophets
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#6
הַֽנִּבְּאִ֥ים
that prophesy
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
#7
בִּשְׁמִ֛י
in my name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#8
שֶׁ֖קֶר
lies
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
#9
לֵאמֹ֑ר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#10
חָלָֽמְתִּי׃
I have dreamed
properly, to bind firmly, i.e., (through the figurative sense of dumbness) to dream
#11
חָלָֽמְתִּי׃
I have dreamed
properly, to bind firmly, i.e., (through the figurative sense of dumbness) to dream

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 revelation 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 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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