Jeremiah 32:33

Authorized King James Version

And they have turned unto me the back, and not the face: though I taught them, rising up early and teaching them, yet they have not hearkened to receive instruction.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּפְנ֥וּ

H6437

And they have turned

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

אֵלַ֛י

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עֹ֖רֶף

H6203

unto me the back

the nape or back of the neck (as declining); hence, the back generally (whether literal or figurative)

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

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

פָנִ֑ים

H6440

and not the face

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וְלַמֵּ֔ד

H3925

and teaching

properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)

אֹתָם֙

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַשְׁכֵּ֣ם

H7925

them rising up early

literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning

וְלַמֵּ֔ד

H3925

and teaching

properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)

#10

וְאֵינָ֥ם

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#11

שֹׁמְעִ֖ים

H8085

them yet they have not hearkened

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#12

לָקַ֥חַת

H3947

to receive

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#13

מוּסָֽר׃

H4148

instruction

properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Jeremiah.

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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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 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?

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