Jeremiah 38:15

Authorized King James Version

Then Jeremiah said unto Zedekiah, If I declare it unto thee, wilt thou not surely put me to death? and if I give thee counsel, wilt thou not hearken unto me?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
יִרְמְיָ֙הוּ֙
Then Jeremiah
jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
צִדְקִיָּ֔הוּ
unto Zedekiah
tsidkijah, the name of six israelites
#5
כִּ֚י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#6
אַגִּ֣יד
If I declare
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#7
לְךָ֔
H0
#8
הֲל֖וֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
תְּמִיתֵ֑נִי
it unto thee wilt thou not surely
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#10
תְּמִיתֵ֑נִי
it unto thee wilt thou not surely
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#11
וְכִי֙
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#12
אִיעָ֣צְךָ֔
and if I give thee counsel
to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve
#13
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
תִשְׁמַ֖ע
wilt thou not hearken
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#15
אֵלָֽי׃
near, with or among; often in general, to

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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