Jeremiah 33:21

Authorized King James Version

Then may also my covenant be broken with David my servant, that he should not have a son to reign upon his throne; and with the Levites the priests, my ministers.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
גַּם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#2
בְּרִיתִ֤י
Then may also my covenant
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
#3
תֻפַר֙
be broken
to break up (usually figuratively), i.e., to violate, frustrate
#4
אֶת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#5
דָּוִ֣ד
with David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#6
עַבְדִּ֔י
my servant
a servant
#7
מִהְיֽוֹת
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#8
ל֥וֹ
H0
#9
בֵ֖ן
that he should not have a 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
#10
מֹלֵ֣ךְ
to reign
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
#11
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
כִּסְא֑וֹ
upon his throne
properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)
#13
וְאֶת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#14
הַלְוִיִּ֥ם
and with the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#15
הַכֹּהֲנִ֖ים
the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#16
מְשָׁרְתָֽי׃
my ministers
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

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 Historical documents from this period show treaty language and adoption practices from the ancient world, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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