Jeremiah 3:6

Authorized King James Version

The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
יְהוָ֜ה
The LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
אֵלַ֗י
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
בִּימֵי֙
also unto me in the 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
#5
יֹאשִׁיָּ֣הוּ
of Josiah
joshijah, the name of two israelites
#6
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ
the king
a king
#7
הֲֽרָאִ֔יתָ
Hast thou seen
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#8
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
עָשְׂתָ֖ה
hath done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#10
מְשֻׁבָ֣ה
that which backsliding
apostasy
#11
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#12
הֹלְכָ֨ה
she is gone up
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#13
הִ֜יא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#14
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#16
הַ֣ר
mountain
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#17
גָּבֹ֗הַּ
upon every high
elevated (or elated), powerful, arrogant
#18
וְאֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#19
תַּ֛חַת
and under
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#20
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#21
עֵ֥ץ
tree
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#22
רַעֲנָ֖ן
every green
verdant; by analogy, new; figuratively, prosperous
#23
וַתִּזְנִי
and there hath played the harlot
to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (
#24
שָֽׁם׃
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

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

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