Jeremiah 34:20

Authorized King James Version

I will even give them into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of them that seek their life: and their dead bodies shall be for meat unto the fowls of the heaven, and to the beasts of the earth.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְנָתַתִּ֤י

H5414

I will even give

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

אוֹתָם֙

H853

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

וּבְיַ֖ד

H3027

and into the hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אֹֽיְבֵיהֶ֔ם

H341

of their enemies

hating; an adversary

וּבְיַ֖ד

H3027

and into the hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

מְבַקְשֵׁ֣י

H1245

of them that seek

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

נַפְשָׁ֑ם

H5315

their life

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

וְהָיְתָ֤ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

נִבְלָתָם֙

H5038

and their dead bodies

a flabby thing, i.e., a carcase or carrion (human or bestial, often collectively); figuratively, an idol

#10

לְמַֽאֲכָ֔ל

H3978

shall be for meat

an eatable (including provender, flesh and fruit)

#11

לְע֥וֹף

H5775

unto the fowls

a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively

#12

הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם

H8064

of the 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

#13

וּלְבֶהֱמַ֥ת

H929

and to the beasts

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

#14

הָאָֽרֶץ׃

H776

of the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing life contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood life. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

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 might the original audience's understanding of life differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?

Related Resources

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

People

Jeremiah