Jeremiah 35:7

Authorized King James Version

Neither shall ye build house, nor sow seed, nor plant vineyard, nor have any: but all your days ye shall dwell in tents; that ye may live many days in the land where ye be strangers.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּבַ֣יִת

H1004

house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

לֹֽא

H3808

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

תִבְנ֗וּ

H1129

Neither shall ye build

to build (literally and figuratively)

וְזֶ֤רַע

H2233

seed

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

לֹֽא

H3808

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

תִזְרָ֙עוּ֙

H2232

nor sow

to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify

וְכֶ֣רֶם

H3754

vineyard

a garden or vineyard

לֹֽא

H3808

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

תִטָּ֔עוּ

H5193

nor plant

properly, to strike in, i.e., fix; specifically, to plant (literally or figuratively)

#10

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

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

#11

יִֽהְיֶ֖ה

H1961

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

#12

לָכֶ֑ם

#13

כִּ֠י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#14

בָּאֳהָלִ֤ים

H168

in tents

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

#15

תֵּֽשְׁבוּ֙

H3427

ye shall dwell

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

#16

כָּל

H3605

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

#17

יָמִ֤ים

H3117

days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#18

לְמַ֨עַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

#19

תִּֽחְי֜וּ

H2421

that ye may live

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

#20

יָמִ֤ים

H3117

days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#21

רַבִּים֙

H7227

many

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

#22

עַל

H5921

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

#23

פְּנֵ֣י

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#24

הָאֲדָמָ֔ה

H127

the land

soil (from its general redness)

#25

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#26

אַתֶּ֖ם

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#27

גָּרִ֥ים

H1481

where ye be strangers

properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);

#28

שָֽׁם׃

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

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?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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