Jeremiah 29:31

Authorized King James Version

Send to all them of the captivity, saying, Thus saith the LORD concerning Shemaiah the Nehelamite; Because that Shemaiah hath prophesied unto you, and I sent him not, and he caused you to trust in a lie:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שְׁלַחְתִּ֔יו
Send
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#2
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
הַגּוֹלָה֙
to all them of the captivity
exile; concretely and collectively exiles
#5
אָמַ֣ר
Thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
כֹּ֚ה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#7
אָמַ֣ר
Thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#9
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
שְׁמַעְיָ֗ה
Because that Shemaiah
shemajah, the name of twenty-five israelites
#11
הַנֶּחֱלָמִ֑י
the Nehelamite
a nechelamite, or descendant of nechlam
#12
יַ֡עַן
properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause
#13
אֲשֶׁר֩
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#14
נִבָּ֨א
hath prophesied
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
#15
לָכֶ֜ם
H0
#16
שְׁמַעְיָ֗ה
Because that Shemaiah
shemajah, the name of twenty-five israelites
#17
וַֽאֲנִי֙
i
#18
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#19
שְׁלַחְתִּ֔יו
Send
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#20
וַיַּבְטַ֥ח
him not and he caused you to trust
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
#21
אֶתְכֶ֖ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#22
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#23
שָֽׁקֶר׃
in a lie
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)

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 sovereignty 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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People