Jeremiah 25:14

Authorized King James Version

For many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of them also: and I will recompense them according to their deeds, and according to the works of their own hands.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
עָֽבְדוּ
shall serve
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#3
בָ֤ם
H0
#4
גַּם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#5
הֵ֙מָּה֙
they (only used when emphatic)
#6
גּוֹיִ֣ם
nations
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#7
רַבִּ֔ים
For many
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#8
וּמְלָכִ֖ים
kings
a king
#9
גְּדוֹלִ֑ים
and great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#10
וְשִׁלַּמְתִּ֥י
themselves of them also and I will recompense
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
#11
לָהֶ֛ם
H0
#12
כְּפָעֳלָ֖ם
them according to their deeds
an act or work (concretely)
#13
וּכְמַעֲשֵׂ֥ה
and according to the works
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
#14
יְדֵיהֶֽם׃
of their own hands
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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