Jeremiah 37:2

Authorized King James Version

But neither he, nor his servants, nor the people of the land, did hearken unto the words of the LORD, which he spake by the prophet Jeremiah.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

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

שָׁמַ֛ע

H8085

did hearken

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

ה֥וּא

H1931

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

וַעֲבָדָ֖יו

H5650

But neither he nor his servants

a servant

וְעַ֣ם

H5971

nor the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הָאָ֑רֶץ

H776

of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דִּבְרֵ֣י

H1697

unto the words

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

#10

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#11

דִּבֶּ֔ר

H1696

which he spake

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

#12

בְּיַ֖ד

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#13

יִרְמְיָ֥הוּ

H3414

Jeremiah

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

#14

הַנָּבִֽיא׃

H5030

the prophet

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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?
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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

Related Resources

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Jeremiah