Jeremiah 3:7

Authorized King James Version

And I said after she had done all these things, Turn thou unto me. But she returned not. And her treacherous sister Judah saw it.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וָאֹמַ֗ר

H559

And I said

to say (used with great latitude)

אַחֲרֵ֨י

H310

after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

עֲשׂוֹתָ֧הּ

H6213

she had done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֶת

H853

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

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֵ֛לֶּה

H428

these or those

אֵלַ֥י

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שָׁ֑בָה

H7725

all these things Turn

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

וְלֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#10

שָׁ֑בָה

H7725

all these things Turn

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#11

וַתֵּ֛רֶאה

H7200

saw

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#12

בָּגוֹדָ֥ה

H901

not And her treacherous

treacherous

#13

אֲחוֹתָ֖הּ

H269

sister

a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)

#14

יְהוּדָֽה׃

H3063

Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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