Jeremiah 34:14

Authorized King James Version

At the end of seven years let ye go every man his brother an Hebrew, which hath been sold unto thee; and when he hath served thee six years, thou shalt let him go free from thee: but your fathers hearkened not unto me, neither inclined their ear.

Word-by-Word Analysis

מִקֵּ֣ץ

H7093

At the end

an extremity; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after

שֶׁ֣בַע

H7651

of seven

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

שָׁנִ֔ים

H8141

years

a year (as a revolution of time)

וְשִׁלַּחְתּ֥וֹ

H7971

let ye go

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

אִישׁ֩

H376

every 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)

אֶת

H853

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

אָחִ֨יו

H251

his brother

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

הָעִבְרִ֜י

H5680

an Hebrew

an eberite (i.e., hebrew) or descendant of eber

אֲשֶֽׁר

H834

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

#10

יִמָּכֵ֣ר

H4376

which hath been sold

to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)

#11

לְךָ֗

#12

וַעֲבָֽדְךָ֙

H5647

unto thee and when he hath served

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

#13

שֵׁ֣שׁ

H8337

thee six

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

#14

שָׁנִ֔ים

H8141

years

a year (as a revolution of time)

#15

וְשִׁלַּחְתּ֥וֹ

H7971

let ye go

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

#16

חָפְשִׁ֖י

H2670

free

exempt (from bondage, tax or care)

#17

מֵֽעִמָּ֑ךְ

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#18

וְלֹֽא

H3808

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

#19

שָׁמְע֤וּ

H8085

hearkened

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

#20

אֲבֽוֹתֵיכֶם֙

from thee but your fathers

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#21

אֵלַ֔י

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#22

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

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

#23

הִטּ֖וּ

H5186

not unto me neither inclined

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

#24

אֶת

H853

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

#25

אָזְנָֽם׃

H241

their ear

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 34 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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