Jeremiah 23:33

Authorized King James Version

And when this people, or the prophet, or a priest, shall ask thee, saying, What is the burden of the LORD? thou shalt then say unto them, What burden? I will even forsake you, saith the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְכִי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יִשְׁאָלְךָ֩

H7592

shall ask

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

הָעָ֨ם

H5971

And when this people

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

הַזֶּ֜ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אֽוֹ

H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

הַנָּבִ֤יא

H5030

or the prophet

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

אֽוֹ

H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

כֹהֵן֙

H3548

or a priest

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וְאָמַרְתָּ֤

H559

thee saying

to say (used with great latitude)

#10

מַה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#11

מַשָּׂ֔א

H4853

What is the burden

a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire

#12

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#13

וְאָמַרְתָּ֤

H559

thee saying

to say (used with great latitude)

#14

אֲלֵיהֶם֙

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#15

אֶת

H853

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

#16

מַה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#17

מַשָּׂ֔א

H4853

What is the burden

a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire

#18

וְנָטַשְׁתִּ֥י

H5203

I will even forsake

properly, to pound, i.e., smite; by implication (as if beating out, and thus expanding) to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon (inclusive

#19

אֶתְכֶ֖ם

H853

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

#20

נְאֻם

H5002

you saith

an oracle

#21

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

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

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?

Related Resources

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

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Jeremiah