Jeremiah 37:21

Authorized King James Version

Then Zedekiah the king commanded that they should commit Jeremiah into the court of the prison, and that they should give him daily a piece of bread out of the bakers' street, until all the bread in the city were spent. Thus Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְצַוֶּ֞ה

H6680

commanded

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ

H4428

the king

a king

צִדְקִיָּ֗הוּ

H6667

Then Zedekiah

tsidkijah, the name of six israelites

וַיַּפְקִ֣דוּ

H6485

that they should commit

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

אֶֽת

H853

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

יִרְמְיָ֔הוּ

H3414

Jeremiah

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

בַּחֲצַ֖ר

H2691

in the court

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

הַמַּטָּרָֽה׃

H4307

of the prison

a jail (as a guard-house); also an aim (as being closely watched)

וְנָתֹן֩

H5414

and that they should give

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#10

ל֨וֹ

#11

כִכַּר

H3603

a piece

a circle, i.e., (by implication) a circumjacent tract or region, especially the ghor or valley of the jordan; also a (round) loaf; also a talent (or l

#12

הַלֶּ֖חֶם

H3899

of bread

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

#13

לַיּוֹם֙

H3117

him daily

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

#14

מִח֣וּץ

H2351

' street

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

#15

הָאֹפִ֔ים

H644

out of the bakers

to cook, especially to bake

#16

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#17

תֹּ֥ם

H8552

were spent

to complete, in a good or a bad sense, literal, or figurative, transitive or intransitive

#18

כָּל

H3605

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

#19

הַלֶּ֖חֶם

H3899

of bread

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

#20

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#21

הָעִ֑יר

H5892

in the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#22

וַיֵּ֣שֶׁב

H3427

remained

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

#23

יִרְמְיָ֔הוּ

H3414

Jeremiah

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

#24

בַּחֲצַ֖ר

H2691

in the court

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

#25

הַמַּטָּרָֽה׃

H4307

of the prison

a jail (as a guard-house); also an aim (as being closely watched)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 37 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

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

People

Jeremiah