Jeremiah 3:24

Authorized King James Version

For shame hath devoured the labour of our fathers from our youth; their flocks and their herds, their sons and their daughters.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהַבֹּ֗שֶׁת
For shame
shame (the feeling and the condition, as well as its cause); by implication (specifically) an idol
#2
אָֽכְלָ֛ה
hath devoured
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
יְגִ֥יעַ
the labour
toil; hence, a work, produce, property (as the result of labor)
#5
אֲבוֹתֵ֖ינוּ
H1
of our fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#6
מִנְּעוּרֵ֑ינוּ
from our youth
(only in plural collective or emphatic form) youth, the state (juvenility) or the persons (young people)
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
צֹאנָם֙
their flocks
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
#9
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
בְּקָרָ֔ם
and their herds
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
#11
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
בְּנֵיהֶ֖ם
their sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#13
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
בְּנוֹתֵיהֶֽם׃
and their daughters
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

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 revelation 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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