Jeremiah 32:34

Authorized King James Version

But they set their abominations in the house, which is called by my name, to defile it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּשִׂ֣ימוּ
But they set
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#2
שִׁקּֽוּצֵיהֶ֗ם
their abominations
disgusting, i.e., filthy; especially idolatrous or (concretely) an idol
#3
בַּבַּ֛יִת
in the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#4
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
נִקְרָֽא
which is called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#6
שְׁמִ֥י
by my name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#7
עָלָ֖יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
לְטַמְּאֽוֹ׃
to defile
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of covenant community 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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