Jeremiah 31:35

Authorized King James Version

Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כֹּ֣ה׀
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#2
אָמַ֣ר
Thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
יְהוָ֥ה
The LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
נֹתֵ֥ן
which giveth
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#5
שֶׁ֙מֶשׁ֙
the sun
the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement
#6
לְא֣וֹר
for a light
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
#7
יוֹמָ֔ם
by day
daily
#8
חֻקֹּ֛ת
and the ordinances
a statute
#9
יָרֵ֥חַ
of the moon
the moon
#10
וְכוֹכָבִ֖ים
and of the stars
a star (as round or as shining); figuratively, a prince
#11
לְא֣וֹר
for a light
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
#12
לָ֑יְלָה
by night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#13
רֹגַ֤ע
which divideth
properly, to toss violently and suddenly (the sea with waves, the skin with boils); figuratively (in a favorable manner) to settle, i.e., quiet; speci
#14
הַיָּם֙
the sea
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
#15
וַיֶּהֱמ֣וּ
thereof roar
to make a loud sound (like english 'hum'); by implication, to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor
#16
גַלָּ֔יו
when the waves
something rolled, i.e., a heap of stone or dung (plural ruins), by analogy, a spring of water (plural waves)
#17
יְהוָ֥ה
The LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#18
צְבָא֖וֹת
of hosts
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#19
שְׁמֽוֹ׃
is his name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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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