Jeremiah 29:23

Authorized King James Version

Because they have committed villany in Israel, and have committed adultery with their neighbours' wives, and have spoken lying words in my name, which I have not commanded them; even I know, and am a witness, saith the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יַ֡עַן
properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause
#2
אֲשֶׁר֩
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
עָשׂ֨וּ
Because they have committed
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#4
נְבָלָ֜ה
villany
foolishness, i.e., (morally) wickedness; concretely, a crime; by extension, punishment
#5
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
in Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#6
וַיְנַֽאֲפוּ֙
adultery
to commit adultery; figuratively, to apostatize
#7
אֶת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#8
נְשֵׁ֣י
wives
a woman
#9
רֵֽעֵיהֶ֔ם
with their neighbours
an associate (more or less close)
#10
וַיְדַבְּר֨וּ
and have spoken
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#11
דָבָ֤ר
words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#12
בִּשְׁמִי֙
in my name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#13
שֶׁ֔קֶר
lying
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
#14
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#15
ל֣וֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#16
צִוִּיתִ֑ם
which I have not commanded
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#17
וְאָנֹכִ֛י
i
#18
הַוּיֹדֵ֥עַ
them even I know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#19
וָעֵ֖ד
and am a witness
concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince
#20
נְאֻם
saith
an oracle
#21
יְהוָֽה׃
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Jeremiah.

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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