Jeremiah 27:14

Authorized King James Version

Therefore hearken not unto the words of the prophets that speak unto you, saying, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon: for they prophesy a lie unto you.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאַֽל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#2
תִּשְׁמְע֞וּ
Therefore hearken
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
דִּבְרֵ֣י
not unto the words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#5
הַנְּבִאִ֗ים
of the prophets
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#6
לֵאמֹ֔ר
that speak
to say (used with great latitude)
#7
אֲלֵיכֶם֙
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
לֵאמֹ֔ר
that speak
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
תַעַבְד֖וּ
Ye shall not serve
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#11
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
מֶ֣לֶךְ
the king
a king
#13
בָּבֶ֑ל
of Babylon
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
#14
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#15
שֶׁ֔קֶר
a lie
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
#16
הֵ֖ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#17
נִבְּאִ֥ים
for they prophesy
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
#18
לָכֶֽם׃
H0

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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