Jeremiah 3:16

Authorized King James Version

And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith the LORD, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of the LORD: neither shall it come to mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit it; neither shall that be done any more.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָיָ֡ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

תִרְבּוּ֩

H7235

And it shall come to pass when ye be multiplied

to increase (in whatever respect)

וּפְרִיתֶ֨ם

H6509

and increased

to bear fruit (literally or figuratively)

בָּאָ֜רֶץ

H776

in the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

בַּיָּמִ֤ים

H3117

in those days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הָהֵ֙מָּה֙

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

נְאֻם

H5002

saith

an oracle

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

#10

לֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#11

יֹ֣אמְרוּ

H559

they shall say

to say (used with great latitude)

#12

ע֗וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

#13

אֲרוֹן֙

H727

no more The ark

a box

#14

בְּרִית

H1285

of the covenant

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

#15

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

#16

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#17

יַעֲלֶ֖ה

H5927

neither shall it come

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

#18

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#19

לֵ֑ב

H3820

to mind

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

#20

וְלֹ֤א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#21

יִזְכְּרוּ

H2142

neither shall they remember

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

#22

בוֹ֙

#23

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#24

יִפְקֹ֔דוּ

H6485

it neither shall they visit

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

#25

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#26

יֵעָשֶׂ֖ה

H6213

it neither shall that be done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#27

עֽוֹד׃

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

Analysis

The covenant theme here intersects with God's relationship with His people from Abraham through the new covenant. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of evolution from creation covenant through Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, to new covenant. The phrase emphasizing covenant contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's relational commitment from Noah to the new covenant.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood covenant. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding covenant in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about covenant?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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