Jeremiah 36:3

Authorized King James Version

It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the evil which I purpose to do unto them; that they may return every man from his evil way; that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אוּלַ֤י

H194

if not; hence perhaps

יִשְׁמְעוּ֙

H8085

will hear

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

בֵּ֣ית

H1004

It may be that the house

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

יְהוּדָ֔ה

H3063

of Judah

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

אֵ֚ת

H853

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

כָּל

H3605

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

הָרָעָ֔ה

H7451

all the evil

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

אֲשֶׁ֛ר

H834

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

אָנֹכִ֥י

H595

#10

חֹשֵׁ֖ב

H2803

which I purpose

properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou

#11

לַעֲשׂ֣וֹת

H6213

to do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#12

לָהֶ֑ם

#13

לְמַ֣עַן

H4616

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

#14

יָשׁ֗וּבוּ

H7725

unto them that they may return

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

#15

אִ֚ישׁ

H376

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)

#16

מִדַּרְכּ֣וֹ

H1870

way

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

#17

הָרָעָ֔ה

H7451

all the evil

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

#18

וְסָלַחְתִּ֥י

H5545

that I may forgive

to forgive

#19

לַעֲוֺנָ֖ם

H5771

their iniquity

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

#20

וּלְחַטָּאתָֽם׃

H2403

and their sin

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

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

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?
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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

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

People

Jeremiah