Jeremiah 33:20

Authorized King James Version

Thus saith the LORD; If ye can break my covenant of the day, and my covenant of the night, and that there should not be day and night in their season;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כֹּ֚ה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#2
אָמַ֣ר
Thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#5
תָּפֵ֙רוּ֙
If ye can break
to break up (usually figuratively), i.e., to violate, frustrate
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
בְּרִיתִ֖י
and my covenant
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
#8
הַיּ֔וֹם
of the day
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
#9
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
בְּרִיתִ֖י
and my covenant
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
#11
וָלַ֖יְלָה
and night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#12
וּלְבִלְתִּ֛י
properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
#13
הֱי֥וֹת
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#14
יֽוֹמָם
and that there should not be day
daily
#15
וָלַ֖יְלָה
and night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#16
בְּעִתָּֽם׃
in their season
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

Analysis

The covenant theme here intersects with God's relationship with His people from Abraham through the new covenant. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of evolution from creation covenant through Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, to new covenant. The phrase emphasizing covenant contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's relational commitment from Noah to the new covenant.

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 covenant particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show treaty language and adoption practices from the ancient world, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People