Jeremiah 3:14

Authorized King James Version

Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:

Word-by-Word Analysis

שׁ֣וּבוּ

H7725

Turn

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

בָנִ֤ים

H1121

children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

שׁוֹבָבִים֙

H7726

O backsliding

apostate, i.e., idolatrous

נְאֻם

H5002

saith

an oracle

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אָנֹכִ֖י

H595

בָּעַ֣לְתִּי

H1166

for I am married

to be master; hence, to marry

בָכֶ֑ם

#10

וְלָקַחְתִּ֨י

H3947

unto you and I will take

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#11

אֶתְכֶ֜ם

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#12

אֶחָ֣ד

H259

you one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

#13

מֵעִ֗יר

H5892

of a city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#14

וּשְׁנַ֙יִם֙

H8147

and two

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

#15

מִמִּשְׁפָּחָ֔ה

H4940

of a family

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

#16

וְהֵבֵאתִ֥י

H935

and I will bring

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#17

אֶתְכֶ֖ם

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#18

צִיּֽוֹן׃

H6726

you to Zion

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Jeremiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

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

People

Jeremiah