Jeremiah 38:2

Authorized King James Version

Thus saith the LORD, He that remaineth in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth forth to the Chaldeans shall live; for he shall have his life for a prey, and shall live.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כֹּה֮
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#2
אָמַ֣ר
Thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
יְהוָה֒
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
הַיֹּשֵׁב֙
He that remaineth
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#5
בָּעִ֣יר
in this city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#6
הַזֹּ֔את
this (often used adverb)
#7
יָמ֕וּת
shall die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#8
בַּחֶ֖רֶב
by the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#9
בָּרָעָ֣ב
by the famine
hunger (more or less extensive)
#10
וּבַדָּ֑בֶר
and by the pestilence
a pestilence
#11
וְהַיֹּצֵ֤א
but he that goeth forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#12
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#13
הַכַּשְׂדִּים֙
to 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
#14
וָחָֽי׃
and shall live
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
#15
וְהָיְתָה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#16
לּ֥וֹ
H0
#17
נַפְשׁ֛וֹ
for he shall have his life
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#18
לְשָׁלָ֖ל
for a prey
booty
#19
וָחָֽי׃
and shall live
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of life reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 life. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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

People