Jeremiah 34:17

Authorized King James Version

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Ye have not hearkened unto me, in proclaiming liberty, every one to his brother, and every man to his neighbour: behold, I proclaim a liberty for you, saith the LORD, to the sword, to the pestilence, and to the famine; and I will make you to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לָכֵן֮

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

כֹּה

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

Therefore thus saith

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֗ה

H3068

the LORD

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

אַתֶּם֙

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

לֹֽא

H3808

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

שְׁמַעְתֶּ֣ם

H8085

Ye have not hearkened

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

אֵלַ֔י

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

קֹרֵא֩

H7121

behold I proclaim

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

#10

דְּר֜וֹר

H1865

a liberty

freedom; hence, spontaneity of outflow, and so clear

#11

וְאִ֣ישׁ

H376

and 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)

#12

לְאָחִ֖יו

H251

to his brother

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

#13

וְאִ֣ישׁ

H376

and 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)

#14

לְרֵעֵ֑הוּ

H7453

to his neighbour

an associate (more or less close)

#15

הִנְנִ֣י

H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

#16

קֹרֵא֩

H7121

behold I proclaim

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

#17

לָכֶ֨ם

#18

דְּר֜וֹר

H1865

a liberty

freedom; hence, spontaneity of outflow, and so clear

#19

נְאֻם

H5002

for you saith

an oracle

#20

יְהוָ֗ה

H3068

the LORD

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

#21

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#22

הַחֶ֙רֶב֙

H2719

to the sword

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

#23

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#24

הַדֶּ֣בֶר

H1698

to the pestilence

a pestilence

#25

וְאֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#26

הָרָעָ֔ב

H7458

and to the famine

hunger (more or less extensive)

#27

וְנָתַתִּ֤י

H5414

and I will make

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#28

אֶתְכֶם֙

H853

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

#29

לְזַוָ֔עֲה

H2113

agitation, fear

#30

לְכֹ֖ל

H3605

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

#31

מַמְלְכ֥וֹת

H4467

into all the kingdoms

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

#32

הָאָֽרֶץ׃

H776

of the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of kingdom reflects the development of kingdom of God within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 kingdom of God 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 kingdom in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?
What practical applications emerge from understanding kingdom of God as presented in this verse, particularly in light of providing hope in times of political and social upheaval?
How might the original audience's understanding of kingdom differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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