Jeremiah 35:17

Authorized King James Version

Therefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon Judah and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem all the evil that I have pronounced against them: because I have spoken unto them, but they have not heard; and I have called unto them, but they have not answered.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לָ֠כֵן

H3651

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

כֹּֽה

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֨ר

H559

Therefore thus saith

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֜ה

H3068

the LORD

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

אֱלֹהֵ֣י

H430

God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

צְבָאוֹת֙

H6635

of hosts

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

אֱלֹהֵ֣י

H430

God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

הִנְנִ֧י

H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

#10

מֵבִ֣יא

H935

Behold I will bring

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#11

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#12

יְהוּדָ֗ה

H3063

upon Judah

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

#13

וְאֶ֤ל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#14

כָּל

H3605

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

#15

יֽוֹשְׁבֵי֙

H3427

and upon all the inhabitants

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

#16

יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם

H3389

of Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

#17

אֵ֚ת

H853

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

#18

כָּל

H3605

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

#19

הָ֣רָעָ֔ה

H7451

all the evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

#20

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#21

דִּבַּ֤רְתִּי

H1696

against them because I have spoken

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

#22

עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם

H5921

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

#23

יַ֣עַן

H3282

properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause

#24

דִּבַּ֤רְתִּי

H1696

against them because I have spoken

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

#25

אֲלֵיהֶם֙

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#26

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

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

#27

שָׁמֵ֔עוּ

H8085

unto them but they have not heard

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

#28

וָאֶקְרָ֥א

H7121

and I have called

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

#29

לָהֶ֖ם

#30

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

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

#31

עָנֽוּ׃

H6030

unto them but they have not answered

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

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