Jeremiah 33:18

Authorized King James Version

Neither shall the priests the Levites want a man before me to offer burnt offerings, and to kindle meat offerings, and to do sacrifice continually.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְלַכֹּהֲנִים֙

H3548

Neither shall the priests

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

הַלְוִיִּ֔ם

H3881

the Levites

a levite or descendant of levi

לֹֽא

H3808

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

יִכָּרֵ֥ת

H3772

want

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

אִ֖ישׁ

H376

a man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מִלְּפָנָ֑י

H6440

before

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

מַעֲלֶ֨ה

H5927

me to offer

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

עוֹלָ֜ה

H5930

burnt offerings

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

וּמַקְטִ֥יר

H6999

and to kindle

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

#10

מִנְחָ֛ה

H4503

meat offerings

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

#11

וְעֹ֥שֶׂה

H6213

and to do

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

#12

זֶּ֖בַח

H2077

sacrifice

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

#13

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#14

הַיָּמִֽים׃

H3117

continually

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

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?
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 verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 33 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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