Jeremiah 38:17

Authorized King James Version

Then said Jeremiah unto Zedekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of hosts, the God of Israel; If thou wilt assuredly go forth unto the king of Babylon's princes, then thy soul shall live, and this city shall not be burned with fire; and thou shalt live, and thine house:

Word-by-Word Analysis

אָמַ֣ר

H559

Then said

to say (used with great latitude)

יִרְמְיָ֣הוּ

H3414

Jeremiah

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

צִדְקִיָּ֡הוּ

H6667

unto Zedekiah

tsidkijah, the name of six israelites

כֹּֽה

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר

H559

Then said

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֩

H3068

the LORD

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

אֱלֹהֵ֣י

H430

the God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

צְבָא֜וֹת

H6635

of hosts

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

#10

אֱלֹהֵ֣י

H430

the God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#11

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#12

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#13

תֵצֵ֜א

H3318

If thou wilt assuredly

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

#14

תֵצֵ֜א

H3318

If thou wilt assuredly

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

#15

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#16

שָׂרֵ֤י

H8269

princes

a head person (of any rank or class)

#17

מֶֽלֶךְ

H4428

unto the king

a king

#18

בָּבֶל֙

H894

of Babylon's

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

#19

וְחָיִ֖תָה

H2421

and thou shalt live

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

#20

נַפְשֶׁ֔ךָ

H5315

then thy soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#21

וְהָעִ֣יר

H5892

and this city

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

#22

הַזֹּ֔את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

#23

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

#24

תִשָּׂרֵ֖ף

H8313

shall not be burned

to be (causatively, set) on fire

#25

בָּאֵ֑שׁ

H784

with fire

fire (literally or figuratively)

#26

וְחָיִ֖תָה

H2421

and thou shalt live

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

#27

אַתָּ֥ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#28

וּבֵיתֶֽךָ׃

H1004

and thine house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?

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