Jeremiah 31:40

Authorized King James Version

And the whole valley of the dead bodies, and of the ashes, and all the fields unto the brook of Kidron, unto the corner of the horse gate toward the east, shall be holy unto the LORD; it shall not be plucked up, nor thrown down any more for ever.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְכָל

H3605

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

הָעֵ֣מֶק

H6010

And the whole valley

a vale (i.e., broad depression)

הַפְּגָרִ֣ים׀

H6297

of the dead bodies

a carcase (as limp), whether of man or beast; figuratively, an idolatrous image

וְהַדֶּ֡שֶׁן

H1880

and of the ashes

the fat; abstractly fatness, i.e., (figuratively) abundance; specifically the (fatty) ashes of sacrifices

וְכָֽל

H3605

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

הַשְּׁרֵמוֹת֩

H8309

a common

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

נַ֨חַל

H5158

unto the brook

a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)

קִדְר֜וֹן

H6939

of Kidron

kidron, a brook near jerusalem

#10

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#11

פִּנַּ֨ת

H6438

unto the corner

an angle; by implication, a pinnacle; figuratively, a chieftain

#12

שַׁ֤עַר

H8179

gate

an opening, i.e., door or gate

#13

הַסּוּסִים֙

H5483

of the horse

a horse (as leaping)

#14

מִזְרָ֔חָה

H4217

toward the east

sunrise, i.e., the east

#15

קֹ֖דֶשׁ

H6944

shall be holy

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

#16

לַֽיהוָ֑ה

H3068

unto the LORD

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

#17

לֹֽא

H3808

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

#18

יִנָּתֵ֧שׁ

H5428

it shall not be plucked up

to tear away

#19

וְֽלֹא

H3808

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

#20

יֵהָרֵ֛ס

H2040

nor thrown down

to pull down or in pieces, break, destroy

#21

ע֖וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

#22

לְעוֹלָֽם׃

H5769

any more for ever

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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?
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?

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