Jeremiah 25:34

Authorized King James Version

Howl, ye shepherds, and cry; and wallow yourselves in the ashes, ye principal of the flock: for the days of your slaughter and of your dispersions are accomplished; and ye shall fall like a pleasant vessel.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הֵילִ֨ילוּ

H3213

Howl

to howl (with a wailing tone) or yell (with a boisterous one)

הָרֹעִ֜ים

H7462

ye shepherds

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

וְזַעֲק֗וּ

H2199

and cry

to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly

וְהִֽתְפַּלְּשׁוּ֙

H6428

and wallow

to roll (in dust)

אַדִּירֵ֣י

H117

yourselves in the ashes ye principal

wide or (generally) large; figuratively, powerful

הַצֹּ֔אן

H6629

of the flock

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

כִּֽי

H3588

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

מָלְא֥וּ

H4390

are accomplished

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

יְמֵיכֶ֖ם

H3117

for the days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#10

לִטְב֑וֹחַ

H2873

of your slaughter

to slaughter (animals or men)

#11

וּתְפוֹצ֣וֹתִיכֶ֔ם

H8600

and of your dispersions

a dispersal

#12

וּנְפַלְתֶּ֖ם

H5307

and ye shall fall

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

#13

כִּכְלִ֥י

H3627

vessel

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

#14

חֶמְדָּֽה׃

H2532

like a pleasant

delight

Analysis

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

How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 25 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?

Related Resources

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

People

Jeremiah