Jeremiah 23:27

Authorized King James Version

Which think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbour, as their fathers have forgotten my name for Baal.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הַחֹשְׁבִ֗ים

H2803

Which think

properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou

שָׁכְח֧וּ

H7911

have forgotten

to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

אֶת

H853

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

עַמִּי֙

H5971

to cause my people

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

שְׁמִ֖י

H8034

my name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

בַּחֲל֣וֹמֹתָ֔ם

H2472

by their dreams

a dream

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יְסַפְּר֖וּ

H5608

which they tell

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

אִ֣ישׁ

H376

every man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#10

לְרֵעֵ֑הוּ

H7453

to his neighbour

an associate (more or less close)

#11

כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#12

שָׁכְח֧וּ

H7911

have forgotten

to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

#13

אֲבוֹתָ֛ם

as their fathers

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#14

אֶת

H853

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

#15

שְׁמִ֖י

H8034

my name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

#16

בַּבָּֽעַל׃

H1168

for Baal

baal, a phoenician deity

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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

In what ways does understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?
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?

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