Jeremiah 3:13

Authorized King James Version

Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַ֚ךְ
a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only
#2
דְּעִ֣י
Only acknowledge
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#3
עֲוֹנֵ֔ךְ
thine iniquity
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil
#4
כִּ֛י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#5
יְהוָֹֽה׃
against the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
אֱלֹהַ֖יִךְ
thy God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#7
פָּשָׁ֑עַתְּ
that thou hast transgressed
to break away (from just authority), i.e., trespass, apostatize, quarrel
#8
וַתְּפַזְּרִ֨י
and hast scattered
to scatter, whether in enmity or bounty
#9
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
דְּרָכַ֜יִךְ
thy ways
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#11
לַזָּרִ֗ים
to the strangers
to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery
#12
תַּ֚חַת
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#13
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#14
עֵ֣ץ
tree
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#15
רַעֲנָ֔ן
under every green
verdant; by analogy, new; figuratively, prosperous
#16
וּבְקוֹלִ֥י
my voice
a voice or sound
#17
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#18
שְׁמַעְתֶּ֖ם
and ye have not obeyed
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#19
נְאֻם
saith
an oracle
#20
יְהוָֹֽה׃
against the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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

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