Jeremiah 32:2

Authorized King James Version

For then the king of Babylon's army besieged Jerusalem: and Jeremiah the prophet was shut up in the court of the prison, which was in the king of Judah's house.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאָ֗ז
at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore
#2
חֵ֚יל
army
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
#3
מֶ֥לֶךְ
For then the king
a king
#4
בָּבֶ֔ל
of Babylon's
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
#5
צָרִ֖ים
besieged
to cramp, i.e., confine (in many applications, literally and figuratively, formative or hostile)
#6
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#8
וְיִרְמְיָ֣הוּ
and Jeremiah
jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites
#9
הַנָּבִ֗יא
the prophet
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#10
הָיָ֤ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#11
כָלוּא֙
was shut up
to restrict, by act (hold back or in) or word (prohibit)
#12
בַּחֲצַ֣ר
in the court
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
#13
הַמַּטָּרָ֔ה
of the prison
a jail (as a guard-house); also an aim (as being closely watched)
#14
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#15
בֵּֽית
house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#16
מֶ֥לֶךְ
For then the king
a king
#17
יְהוּדָֽה׃
of Judah's
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, 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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