Jeremiah 29:1

Authorized King James Version

Now these are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem unto the residue of the elders which were carried away captives, and to the priests, and to the prophets, and to all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֵ֙לֶּה֙
these or those
#2
דִּבְרֵ֣י
Now these are the words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#3
הַסֵּ֔פֶר
of the letter
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
#4
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
שָׁלַ֛ח
sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#6
יִרְמְיָ֥ה
that Jeremiah
jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites
#7
הַנְּבִיאִים֙
and to the prophets
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#8
מִירוּשָׁלִַ֖ם
from Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#9
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
יֶ֜תֶר
unto the residue
properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)
#11
זִקְנֵ֣י
of the elders
old
#12
הַגּוֹלָ֗ה
which were carried away captives
exile; concretely and collectively exiles
#13
וְאֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#14
הַכֹּהֲנִ֤ים
and to the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#15
וְאֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#16
הַנְּבִיאִים֙
and to the prophets
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#17
וְאֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#18
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#19
הָעָ֔ם
and to 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
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#21
הֶגְלָ֧ה
had carried away captive
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
#22
נְבֽוּכַדְנֶאצַּ֛ר
whom Nebuchadnezzar
nebukadnetstsar (or nebukadretsts(-ar, or)), king of babylon
#23
מִירוּשָׁלִַ֖ם
from Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#24
בָּבֶֽלָה׃
to Babylon
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of covenant community 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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