Jeremiah 3:8

Authorized King James Version

And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וָאֵ֗רֶא
And I saw
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#2
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#3
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#5
אֹדוֹת֙
when for all the causes
turnings (i.e., occasions); (adverb) on account of
#6
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
נִֽאֲפָה֙
committed adultery
to commit adultery; figuratively, to apostatize
#8
מְשֻׁבָ֣ה
whereby backsliding
apostasy
#9
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#10
שִׁלַּחְתִּ֕יהָ
I had put her away
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#11
וָאֶתֵּ֛ן
and given
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#12
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
סֵ֥פֶר
her a bill
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
#14
כְּרִיתֻתֶ֖יהָ
of divorce
a cutting (of the matrimonial bond), i.e., divorce
#15
אֵלֶ֑יהָ
near, with or among; often in general, to
#16
וְלֹ֨א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#17
יָֽרְאָ֜ה
feared
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#18
בֹּֽגֵדָ֤ה
yet her treacherous
to cover (with a garment); figuratively, to act covertly; by implication, to pillage
#19
יְהוּדָה֙
Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#20
אֲחוֹתָ֔הּ
sister
a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)
#21
וַתֵּ֖לֶךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#22
וַתִּ֥זֶן
and played the harlot
to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (
#23
גַּם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#24
הִֽיא׃
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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, 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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