Jeremiah 25:38

Authorized King James Version

He hath forsaken his covert, as the lion: for their land is desolate because of the fierceness of the oppressor, and because of his fierce anger.

Word-by-Word Analysis

עָזַ֥ב

H5800

He hath forsaken

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

כַּכְּפִ֖יר

H3715

as the lion

a village (as covered in by walls); also a young lion (perhaps as covered with a mane)

סֻכּ֑וֹ

H5520

his covert

a hut (as of entwined boughs); also a lair

כִּֽי

H3588

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

הָיְתָ֤ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אַרְצָם֙

H776

for their land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לְשַׁמָּ֔ה

H8047

is desolate

ruin; by implication, consternation

וּמִפְּנֵ֖י

H6440

and because

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

חֲר֥וֹן

H2740

of his fierce

a burning of anger

#10

הַיּוֹנָ֔ה

H3238

of the oppressor

to rage or be violent; by implication, to suppress, to maltreat

#11

וּמִפְּנֵ֖י

H6440

and because

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#12

חֲר֥וֹן

H2740

of his fierce

a burning of anger

#13

אַפּֽוֹ׃

H639

anger

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?

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