Jeremiah 26:5

Authorized King James Version

To hearken to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I sent unto you, both rising up early, and sending them, but ye have not hearkened;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שְׁמַעְתֶּֽם׃
To hearken
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#2
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
דִּבְרֵ֨י
to the words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#4
עֲבָדַ֣י
of my servants
a servant
#5
הַנְּבִאִ֔ים
the prophets
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#6
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
אָנֹכִ֖י
i
#8
וְשָׁלֹ֖חַ
and sending
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#9
אֲלֵיכֶ֑ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
וְהַשְׁכֵּ֥ם
unto you both rising up early
literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning
#11
וְשָׁלֹ֖חַ
and sending
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#12
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
שְׁמַעְתֶּֽם׃
To hearken
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine revelation 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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