Jeremiah 26:8

Authorized King James Version

Now it came to pass, when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking all that the LORD had commanded him to speak unto all the people, that the priests and the prophets and all the people took him, saying, Thou shalt surely die.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֣י׀

H1961

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

כְּכַלּ֣וֹת

H3615

had made an end

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

יִרְמְיָ֗הוּ

H3414

Now it came to pass when Jeremiah

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

לְדַבֵּ֖ר

H1696

him to speak

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

אֵ֣ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל

H3605

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

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צִוָּ֣ה

H6680

had commanded

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

all that the LORD

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

#10

לְדַבֵּ֖ר

H1696

him to speak

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

#11

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#12

כָּל

H3605

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

#13

הָעָ֥ם

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

#14

וַיִּתְפְּשׂ֨וּ

H8610

took

to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably

#15

אֹת֜וֹ

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#16

הַכֹּהֲנִ֧ים

H3548

that the priests

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

#17

וְהַנְּבִיאִ֛ים

H5030

and the prophets

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

#18

וְכָל

H3605

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

#19

הָעָ֥ם

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

#20

לֵאמֹ֖ר

H559

him saying

to say (used with great latitude)

#21

תָּמֽוּת׃

H4191

Thou shalt surely

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

#22

תָּמֽוּת׃

H4191

Thou shalt surely

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

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

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 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?
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?
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?

Related Resources

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