Jeremiah 37:18

Authorized King James Version

Moreover Jeremiah said unto king Zedekiah, What have I offended against thee, or against thy servants, or against this people, that ye have put me in prison?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
יִרְמְיָ֔הוּ
Moreover Jeremiah
jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ
unto king
a king
#5
צִדְקִיָּ֑הוּ
Zedekiah
tsidkijah, the name of six israelites
#6
מֶה֩
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#7
חָטָ֨אתִֽי
What have I offended
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
#8
לְךָ֤
H0
#9
וְלַעֲבָדֶ֙יךָ֙
against thee or against thy servants
a servant
#10
וְלָעָ֣ם
or against this people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#11
הַזֶּ֔ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#12
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#13
נְתַתֶּ֥ם
that ye have put
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#14
אוֹתִ֖י
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#16
בֵּ֥ית
me in prison
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#17
הַכֶּֽלֶא׃
a prison

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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