Jeremiah 34:10

Authorized King James Version

Now when all the princes, and all the people, which had entered into the covenant, heard that every one should let his manservant, and every one his maidservant, go free, that none should serve themselves of them any more, then they obeyed, and let them go.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽיִּשְׁמְע֖וּ

H8085

heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

כָל

H3605

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

הַשָּׂרִ֨ים

H8269

Now when all the princes

a head person (of any rank or class)

וְכָל

H3605

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

הָעָ֜ם

H5971

and all the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

בָּ֣אוּ

H935

which had entered

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בַבְּרִ֗ית

H1285

into the covenant

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

וַיְשַׁלֵּֽחוּ׃

H7971

and let them go

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

#10

וְאִ֤ישׁ

H376

and every one

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)

#11

אֶת

H853

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

#12

עַבְדּ֞וֹ

H5650

should let his manservant

a servant

#13

וְאִ֤ישׁ

H376

and every one

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)

#14

אֶת

H853

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

#15

שִׁפְחָתוֹ֙

H8198

his maidservant

a female slave (as a member of the household)

#16

חָפְשִׁ֔ים

H2670

free

exempt (from bondage, tax or care)

#17

לְבִלְתִּ֥י

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

#18

עֲבָד

H5647

that none should serve

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

#19

בָּ֖ם

#20

ע֑וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

#21

וַֽיִּשְׁמְע֖וּ

H8085

heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#22

וַיְשַׁלֵּֽחוּ׃

H7971

and let them go

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights covenant through universal language and absolute statements. 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 34 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding covenant as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?

Related Resources

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

People

Jeremiah