Jeremiah 32:40

Authorized King James Version

And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְכָרַתִּ֤י

H3772

And I will make

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

לָהֶם֙

בְּרִ֣ית

H1285

covenant

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

עוֹלָ֔ם

H5769

an everlasting

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

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

לֹֽא

H3808

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

אָשׁוּב֙

H7725

with them that I will not turn away

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

מֵאַ֣חֲרֵיהֶ֔ם

H310

from them

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

לְהֵיטִיבִ֖י

H3190

to do them good

to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)

#10

אוֹתָ֑ם

H853

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

#11

וְאֶת

H853

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

#12

יִרְאָתִי֙

H3374

my fear

fear (also used as infinitive); morally, reverence

#13

אֶתֵּ֣ן

H5414

but I will put

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#14

בִּלְבָבָ֔ם

H3824

in their hearts

the heart (as the most interior organ)

#15

לְבִלְתִּ֖י

H1115

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

#16

ס֥וּר

H5493

that they shall not depart

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

#17

מֵעָלָֽי׃

H5921

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

Analysis

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

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of covenant, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of theology of covenant and God's relational commitment?
How does the covenant theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?

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