Jeremiah 37:13

Authorized King James Version

And when he was in the gate of Benjamin, a captain of the ward was there, whose name was Irijah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Hananiah; and he took Jeremiah the prophet, saying, Thou fallest away to the Chaldeans.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִי
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
ה֞וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#3
בְּשַׁ֣עַר
And when he was in the gate
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#4
בִּנְיָמִ֗ן
of Benjamin
binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#5
וְשָׁם֙
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#6
בַּ֣עַל
a captain
a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
#7
פְּקִדֻ֔ת
of the ward
supervision
#8
וּשְׁמוֹ֙
was there whose name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#9
יִרְאִיָּ֔יה
was Irijah
jirijah, an israelite
#10
בֶּן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#11
שֶֽׁלֶמְיָ֖ה
of Shelemiah
shelemjah, the name of nine israelites
#12
בֶּן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#13
חֲנַנְיָ֑ה
of Hananiah
chananjah, the name of thirteen israelites
#14
וַיִּתְפֹּ֞שׂ
and he took
to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably
#15
אֶֽת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
יִרְמְיָ֤הוּ
Jeremiah
jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites
#17
הַנָּבִיא֙
the prophet
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#18
לֵאמֹ֔ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#19
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#20
הַכַּשְׂדִּ֖ים
to the Chaldeans
a kasdite, or descendant of kesed; by implication, a chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people
#21
אַתָּ֥ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#22
נֹפֵֽל׃
Thou fallest away
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

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

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