Jeremiah 33:25

Authorized King James Version

Thus saith the LORD; If my covenant be not with day and night, and if I have not appointed the ordinances of heaven and earth;

Word-by-Word Analysis

כֹּ֚ה

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר

H559

Thus saith

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

בְרִיתִ֖י

H1285

If my covenant

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

יוֹמָ֣ם

H3119

be not with day

daily

וָלָ֑יְלָה

H3915

and night

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

חֻקּ֛וֹת

H2708

the ordinances

a statute

#10

שָׁמַ֥יִם

H8064

of heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

#11

וָאָ֖רֶץ

H776

and earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#12

לֹא

H3808

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

#13

שָֽׂמְתִּי׃

H7760

and if I have not appointed

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights covenant through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

In what ways does understanding covenant in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about covenant?
How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 33 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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