Jeremiah 38:11

Authorized King James Version

So Ebed-melech took the men with him, and went into the house of the king under the treasury, and took thence old cast clouts and old rotten rags, and let them down by cords into the dungeon to Jeremiah.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקַּ֤ח
and took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
עֶֽבֶד
H0
#3
מֶ֨לֶךְ
So Ebedmelech
ebed-melek, a eunuch of zedekeah
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
הָאֲנָשִׁ֜ים
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)
#6
בְּיָד֗וֹ
with him
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
#7
וַיָּבֹ֤א
and went
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#8
בֵית
into the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#9
הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙
of the king
a king
#10
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#11
תַּ֣חַת
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#12
הָאוֹצָ֔ר
under the treasury
a depository
#13
וַיִּקַּ֤ח
and took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#14
מִשָּׁם֙
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#15
וּבְלוֹיֵ֖
and old
(only in plural construction) rags
#16
הסְחָב֔וֹת
cast clouts
a rag
#17
וּבְלוֹיֵ֖
and old
(only in plural construction) rags
#18
מְלָחִ֑ים
rotten rags
a rag or old garment
#19
וַיְשַׁלְּחֵ֧ם
and let them down
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#20
אֶֽל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#21
יִרְמְיָ֛הוּ
to Jeremiah
jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites
#22
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#23
הַבּ֖וֹר
into the dungeon
a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)
#24
בַּחֲבָלִֽים׃
by cords
ruin

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

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