Jeremiah 38:18

Authorized King James Version

But if thou wilt not go forth to the king of Babylon's princes, then shall this city be given into the hand of the Chaldeans, and they shall burn it with fire, and thou shalt not escape out of their hand.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאִ֣ם

H518

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

לֹֽא

H3808

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

תֵצֵ֗א

H3318

But if thou wilt not go forth

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

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שָׂרֵי֙

H8269

princes

a head person (of any rank or class)

מֶ֣לֶךְ

H4428

to the king

a king

בָּבֶ֔ל

H894

of Babylon's

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

וְנִתְּנָ֞ה

H5414

be given

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

הָעִ֤יר

H5892

then shall this city

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

#10

הַזֹּאת֙

H2063

this (often used adverb)

#11

מִיָּדָֽם׃

H3027

into the hand

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

#12

הַכַּשְׂדִּ֔ים

H3778

of the Chaldeans

a kasdite, or descendant of kesed; by implication, a chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people

#13

וּשְׂרָפ֖וּהָ

H8313

and they shall burn

to be (causatively, set) on fire

#14

בָּאֵ֑שׁ

H784

it with fire

fire (literally or figuratively)

#15

וְאַתָּ֖ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#16

לֹֽא

H3808

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

#17

תִמָּלֵ֥ט

H4422

and thou shalt not escape out

properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn

#18

מִיָּדָֽם׃

H3027

into the hand

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

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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?

Related Resources

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

People

Jeremiah