Jeremiah 38:4

Authorized King James Version

Therefore the princes said unto the king, We beseech thee, let this man be put to death: for thus he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words unto them: for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּאמְר֨וּ
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
הַשָּׂרִ֜ים
Therefore the princes
a head person (of any rank or class)
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ
unto the king
a king
#5
י֣וּמַת
be put to death
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#6
נָא֮
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
הָאִ֣ישׁ
We beseech thee let this man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#9
הַזֶּה֒
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#10
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
כֵּ֡ן
for thus
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#13
הֽוּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#14
מְרַפֵּ֡א
he weakeneth
to slacken (in many applications, literal or figurative)
#15
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
יְדֵ֣י
and the hands
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
#17
הָאִ֣ישׁ
We beseech thee let this man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#18
הַמִּלְחָמָ֜ה
of war
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
#19
הַֽנִּשְׁאָרִ֣ים׀
that remain
properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant
#20
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)
#21
הַזֹּ֗את
this (often used adverb)
#22
וְאֵת֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#23
יְדֵ֣י
and the hands
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
#24
כָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#25
לָעָ֥ם
of all the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#26
לְדַבֵּ֣ר
in speaking
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#27
אֲלֵיהֶ֔ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#28
כַּדְּבָרִ֖ים
such words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#29
הָאֵ֑לֶּה
these or those
#30
כִּ֣י׀
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#31
הָאִ֣ישׁ
We beseech thee let this man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#32
הַזֶּ֗ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#33
אֵינֶ֨נּוּ
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#34
דֹרֵ֧שׁ
seeketh
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
#35
לְשָׁל֛וֹם
not the welfare
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
#36
לָעָ֥ם
of all the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#37
הַזֶּ֖ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#38
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#39
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#40
לְרָעָֽה׃
but the hurt
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing covenant community contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

Questions for Reflection

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