Jeremiah 34:16

Authorized King James Version

But ye turned and polluted my name, and caused every man his servant, and every man his handmaid, whom ye had set at liberty at their pleasure, to return, and brought them into subjection, to be unto you for servants and for handmaids.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתָּשִׁ֗בוּ
H7725
But ye turned
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#2
וַתְּחַלְּל֣וּ
H2490
and polluted
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
#3
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
שְׁמִ֔י
H8034
my name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#5
וַתָּשִׁ֗בוּ
H7725
But ye turned
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#6
וְאִ֣ישׁ
H376
and caused 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)
#7
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
לַעֲבָדִ֖ים
H5650
his servant
a servant
#9
וְאִ֣ישׁ
H376
and caused 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)
#10
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
וְלִשְׁפָחֽוֹת׃
H8198
and for handmaids
a female slave (as a member of the household)
#12
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#13
שִׁלַּחְתֶּ֥ם
H7971
whom ye had set
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#14
חָפְשִׁ֖ים
H2670
at liberty
exempt (from bondage, tax or care)
#15
לְנַפְשָׁ֑ם
H5315
at their pleasure
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#16
וַתִּכְבְּשׁ֣וּ
H3533
and brought them into subjection
to tread down; hence, negatively, to disregard; positively, to conquer, subjugate, violate
#17
אֹתָ֔ם
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#18
לִֽהְי֣וֹת
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#19
לָכֶ֔ם
H0
#20
לַעֲבָדִ֖ים
H5650
his servant
a servant
#21
וְלִשְׁפָחֽוֹת׃
H8198
and for handmaids
a female slave (as a member of the household)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

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

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