Jeremiah 25:6

Authorized King James Version

And go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands; and I will do you no hurt.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תֵּלְכ֗וּ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אַֽחֲרֵי֙

H310

not after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

אֱלֹהִ֣ים

H430

gods

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֲחֵרִ֔ים

H312

other

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

לְעָבְדָ֖ם

H5647

to serve

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

וּלְהִשְׁתַּחֲוֺ֣ת

H7812

them and to worship

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

לָהֶ֑ם

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#10

תַכְעִ֤יסוּ

H3707

them and provoke me not to anger

to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant

#11

אוֹתִי֙

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#12

בְּמַעֲשֵׂ֣ה

H4639

with the works

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

#13

יְדֵיכֶ֔ם

H3027

of your 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

#14

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#15

אָרַ֖ע

H7489

and I will do you no hurt

properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)

#16

לָכֶֽם׃

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

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 sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?

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