Jeremiah 30:14

Authorized King James Version

All thy lovers have forgotten thee; they seek thee not; for I have wounded thee with the wound of an enemy, with the chastisement of a cruel one, for the multitude of thine iniquity; because thy sins were increased.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כָּל

H3605

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

מְאַהֲבַ֣יִךְ

H157

All thy lovers

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

שְׁכֵח֔וּךְ

H7911

have forgotten

to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

אוֹתָ֖ךְ

H853

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

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

יִדְרֹ֑שׁוּ

H1875

thee they seek

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

כִּי֩

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מַכַּ֨ת

H4347

thee with the wound

a blow (in 2 chronicles 2:10, of the flail); by implication, a wound; figuratively, carnage, also pestilence

אוֹיֵ֤ב

H341

of an enemy

hating; an adversary

#10

הִכִּיתִיךְ֙

H5221

thee not for I have wounded

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

#11

מוּסַ֣ר

H4148

with the chastisement

properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint

#12

אַכְזָרִ֔י

H394

of a cruel one

terrible

#13

עַ֚ל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#14

רֹ֣ב

H7230

for the multitude

abundance (in any respect)

#15

עֲוֹנֵ֔ךְ

H5771

of thine iniquity

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

#16

עָצְמ֖וּ

H6105

were increased

to bind fast, i.e., close (the eyes); intransitively, to be (causatively, make) powerful or numerous; to crunch the bones

#17

חַטֹּאתָֽיִךְ׃

H2403

because thy sins

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing love fundamental to theology proper, revealing God's essential nature and character and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 patron-client relationships and family loyalty concepts, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 30 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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 might the original audience's understanding of love differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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