Jeremiah 3:5

Authorized King James Version

Will he reserve his anger for ever? will he keep it to the end? Behold, thou hast spoken and done evil things as thou couldest.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֲיִנְטֹ֣ר
Will he reserve
to guard; figuratively, to cherish (anger)
#2
לְעוֹלָ֔ם
his anger for ever
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
#3
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#4
יִשְׁמֹ֖ר
will he keep
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#5
לָנֶ֑צַח
it to the end
properly, a goal, i.e., the bright object at a distance travelled towards; hence (figuratively), splendor, or (subjectively) truthfulness, or (objecti
#6
הִנֵּ֥ה
lo!
#7
דִבַּ֛רְתְּ
Behold thou hast spoken
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#8
וַתַּעֲשִׂ֥י
and done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#9
הָרָע֖וֹת
evil things
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#10
וַתּוּכָֽל׃
as thou couldest
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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

People