Jeremiah 32:35

Authorized King James Version

And they built the high places of Baal, which are in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire unto Molech; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my mind, that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּבְנוּ֩

H1129

And they built

to build (literally and figuratively)

אֶת

H853

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

בָּמ֨וֹת

H1116

the high places

an elevation

הַבַּ֜עַל

H1168

of Baal

baal, a phoenician deity

אֲשֶׁ֣ר׀

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בְּגֵ֣יא

H1516

which are in the valley

a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent)

בְּנֵיהֶ֣ם

H1121

of the son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

הִנֹּ֗ם

H2011

of Hinnom

hinnom, apparently a jebusite

לְ֠הַעֲבִיר

H5674

to pass

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

#10

אֶת

H853

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

#11

בְּנֵיהֶ֣ם

H1121

of the son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#12

וְאֶת

H853

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

#13

בְּנוֹתֵיהֶם֮

H1323

and their daughters

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

#14

לַמֹּלֶךְ֒

H4432

through the fire unto Molech

molek (i.e., king), the chief deity of the ammonites

#15

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#16

לֹֽא

H3808

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

#17

צִוִּיתִ֗ים

H6680

which I commanded

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

#18

וְלֹ֤א

H3808

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

#19

עָֽלְתָה֙

H5927

them not neither came

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

#20

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#21

לִבִּ֔י

H3820

it into my mind

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

#22

לַעֲשׂ֖וֹת

H6213

that they should do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#23

הַתּוֹעֵבָ֣ה

H8441

this abomination

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

#24

הַזֹּ֑את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

#25

לְמַ֖עַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

#26

הַחֲטִ֥י

H2398

to sin

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

#27

אֶת

H853

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

#28

יְהוּדָֽה׃

H3063

to cause Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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

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

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 verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 32 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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