Jeremiah 38:21

Authorized King James Version

But if thou refuse to go forth, this is the word that the LORD hath shewed me:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#2
מָאֵ֥ן
But if thou refuse
unwilling
#3
אַתָּ֖ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#4
לָצֵ֑את
to go forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#5
זֶ֣ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#6
הַדָּבָ֔ר
this is the word
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#7
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
הִרְאַ֖נִי
hath shewed
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#9
יְהוָֽה׃
that the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine sovereignty 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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