Jeremiah 31:30

Authorized King James Version

But every one shall die for his own iniquity: every man that eateth the sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֛י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#3
אִ֥ישׁ
But every one
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#4
בַּעֲוֺנ֖וֹ
for his own iniquity
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil
#5
יָמ֑וּת
shall die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#6
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
הָֽאָדָ֛ם
every man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#8
הָאֹכֵ֥ל
that eateth
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#9
הַבֹּ֖סֶר
the sour grape
sour grape
#10
תִּקְהֶ֥ינָה
shall be set on edge
to be dull
#11
שִׁנָּֽיו׃
his teeth
a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff

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 divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

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