Jeremiah 3:9

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass through the lightness of her whoredom, that she defiled the land, and committed adultery with stones and with stocks.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָיָה֙

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מִקֹּ֣ל

H6963

And it came to pass through the lightness

a voice or sound

זְנוּתָ֔הּ

H2184

of her whoredom

adultery, i.e., (figuratively) infidelity, idolatry

וַתֶּחֱנַ֖ף

H2610

that she defiled

to soil, especially in a moral sense

אֶת

H853

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

הָאָ֑רֶץ

H776

the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וַתִּנְאַ֥ף

H5003

and committed adultery

to commit adultery; figuratively, to apostatize

אֶת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

הָאֶ֖בֶן

H68

with stones

a stone

#10

וְאֶת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#11

הָעֵֽץ׃

H6086

and with stocks

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Jeremiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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