Jeremiah 3:21

Authorized King James Version

A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping and supplications of the children of Israel: for they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the LORD their God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ק֚וֹל

H6963

A voice

a voice or sound

עַל

H5921

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

שְׁפָיִ֣ים

H8205

upon the high places

bareness; concretely, a bare hill or plain

נִשְׁמָ֔ע

H8085

was heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

בְּכִ֥י

H1065

weeping

a weeping; by analogy, a dripping

תַחֲנוּנֵ֖י

H8469

and supplications

earnest prayer

בְּנֵ֣י

H1121

of the 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

כִּ֤י

H3588

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

#10

הֶעֱוּוּ֙

H5753

for they have perverted

to crook, literally or figuratively

#11

אֶת

H853

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

#12

דַּרְכָּ֔ם

H1870

their way

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

#13

שָׁכְח֖וּ

H7911

and they have forgotten

to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

#14

אֶת

H853

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

#15

יְהוָֹ֥ה

H3068

the LORD

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

#16

אֱלֹהֵיהֶֽם׃

H430

their 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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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Jeremiah