Jeremiah 26:16

Authorized King James Version

Then said the princes and all the people unto the priests and to the prophets; This man is not worthy to die: for he hath spoken to us in the name of the LORD our God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּאמְר֤וּ

H559

Then said

to say (used with great latitude)

הַשָּׂרִים֙

H8269

the princes

a head person (of any rank or class)

וְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָעָ֔ם

H5971

and all the people

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

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַכֹּהֲנִ֖ים

H3548

unto the priests

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

וְאֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַנְּבִיאִ֑ים

H5030

and to the prophets

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

אֵין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#10

לָאִ֤ישׁ

H376

This man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#11

הַזֶּה֙

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#12

מִשְׁפַּט

H4941

is not worthy

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

#13

מָ֔וֶת

H4194

to die

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

#14

כִּ֗י

H3588

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

#15

בְּשֵׁ֛ם

H8034

to us in the name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

#16

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

#17

אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ

H430

our God

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

#18

דִּבֶּ֥ר

H1696

for he hath spoken

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

#19

אֵלֵֽינוּ׃

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty 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 sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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