Jeremiah 31:18

Authorized King James Version

I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the LORD my God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

שָׁמַ֗עְתִּי

H8085

I have surely

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

שָׁמַ֗עְתִּי

H8085

I have surely

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶפְרַ֙יִם֙

H669

Ephraim

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

מִתְנוֹדֵ֔ד

H5110

bemoaning

to nod, i.e., waver; figuratively, to wander, flee, disappear; also (from shaking the head in sympathy), to console, deplore, or (from tossing the hea

וָֽאִוָּסֵ֔ר

H3256

himself thus Thou hast chastised

to chastise, literally (with blows) or figuratively (with words); hence, to instruct

וָֽאִוָּסֵ֔ר

H3256

himself thus Thou hast chastised

to chastise, literally (with blows) or figuratively (with words); hence, to instruct

כְּעֵ֖גֶל

H5695

as a bullock

a (male) calf (as frisking round), especially one nearly grown (i.e., a steer)

לֹ֣א

H3808

unaccustomed

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

לֻמָּ֑ד

H3925

properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)

#10

וְאָשׁ֔וּבָה

H7725

thou me and I shall be turned

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

#11

וְאָשׁ֔וּבָה

H7725

thou me and I shall be turned

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

#12

כִּ֥י

H3588

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

#13

אַתָּ֖ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#14

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

for thou art the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#15

אֱלֹהָֽי׃

H430

my God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

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

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 sovereignty 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 might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?

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Jeremiah