Jeremiah 38:25

Authorized King James Version

But if the princes hear that I have talked with thee, and they come unto thee, and say unto thee, Declare unto us now what thou hast said unto the king, hide it not from us, and we will not put thee to death; also what the king said unto thee:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְכִֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יִשְׁמְע֣וּ

H8085

hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

הַשָּׂרִים֮

H8269

But if the princes

a head person (of any rank or class)

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

דִּבֶּ֥ר

H1696

said

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אִתָּךְ֒

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

וּבָ֣אוּ

H935

with thee and they come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֵלֶ֣יךָ

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְֽאָמְר֪וּ

H559

unto thee and say

to say (used with great latitude)

#10

אֵלֶ֟יךָ

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#11

הַגִּֽידָה

H5046

unto thee Declare

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

#12

נָּ֨א

H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

#13

לָ֜נוּ

#14

מַה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#15

דִּבֶּ֥ר

H1696

said

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

#16

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#17

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃

H4428

also what the king

a king

#18

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

#19

תְּכַחֵ֥ד

H3582

hide

to secrete, by act or word; hence (intensively) to destroy

#20

מִמֶּ֖נּוּ

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#21

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

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

#22

נְמִיתֶ֑ךָ

H4191

it not from us and we will not put thee to death

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

#23

וּמַה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#24

דִּבֶּ֥ר

H1696

said

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

#25

אֵלֶ֖יךָ

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#26

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃

H4428

also what the king

a king

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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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Jeremiah