Jeremiah 34:22

Authorized King James Version

Behold, I will command, saith the LORD, and cause them to return to this city; and they shall fight against it, and take it, and burn it with fire: and I will make the cities of Judah a desolation without an inhabitant.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הִנְנִ֨י

H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

מְצַוֶּ֜ה

H6680

Behold I will command

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

נְאֻם

H5002

saith

an oracle

יְהוָ֗ה

H3068

the LORD

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

וַהֲשִׁ֨בֹתִ֜ים

H7725

and cause them to return

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עָרֵ֧י

H5892

the cities

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַזֹּאת֙

H2063

this (often used adverb)

וְנִלְחֲמ֣וּ

H3898

and they shall fight

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

#10

עָלֶ֔יהָ

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#11

וּלְכָד֖וּהָ

H3920

against it and take

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

#12

וּשְׂרָפֻ֣הָ

H8313

it and burn

to be (causatively, set) on fire

#13

בָאֵ֑שׁ

H784

it with fire

fire (literally or figuratively)

#14

וְאֶת

H853

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

#15

עָרֵ֧י

H5892

the cities

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#16

יְהוּדָ֛ה

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

#17

אֶתֵּ֥ן

H5414

and I will make

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

#18

שְׁמָמָ֖ה

H8077

a desolation

devastation; figuratively, astonishment

#19

מֵאֵ֥ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#20

יֹשֵֽׁב׃

H3427

without an inhabitant

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 salvation 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 34 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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