Jeremiah 3:22

Authorized King James Version

Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the LORD our God.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שׁ֚וּבוּ
Return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#2
בָּנִ֣ים
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
#3
שׁוֹבָבִ֔ים
ye backsliding
apostate, i.e., idolatrous
#4
אֶרְפָּ֖ה
and I will heal
properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure
#5
מְשׁוּבֹֽתֵיכֶ֑ם
your backslidings
apostasy
#6
הִנְנוּ֙
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#7
אָתָ֣נוּ
Behold we come
to arrive
#8
לָ֔ךְ
H0
#9
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#10
אַתָּ֖ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#11
יְהוָֹ֥ה
unto thee for thou art the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#12
אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃
our 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

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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