Jeremiah 32:18

Authorized King James Version

Thou shewest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them: the Great, the Mighty God, the LORD of hosts, is his name,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עֹ֤שֶׂה
Thou shewest
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
חֶ֙סֶד֙
lovingkindness
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
#3
לַֽאֲלָפִ֔ים
unto thousands
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#4
וּמְשַׁלֵּם֙
and recompensest
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
#5
עֲוֹ֣ן
the iniquity
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil
#6
אָב֔וֹת
H1
of the fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#7
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
חֵ֥יק
into the bosom
the bosom (literally or figuratively)
#9
בְּנֵיהֶ֖ם
of their children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#10
אַחֲרֵיהֶ֑ם
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#11
הָאֵ֤ל
God
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
#12
הַגָּדוֹל֙
them the Great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#13
הַגִּבּ֔וֹר
the Mighty
powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant
#14
יְהוָ֥ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#15
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
#16
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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