Jeremiah 38:5

Authorized King James Version

Then Zedekiah the king said, Behold, he is in your hand: for the king is not he that can do any thing against you.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ
for the king
a king
#3
צִדְקִיָּ֔הוּ
Then Zedekiah
tsidkijah, the name of six israelites
#4
הִנֵּה
lo!
#5
ה֖וּא
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
#6
בְּיֶדְכֶ֑ם
Behold he is in your 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
#7
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
אֵ֣ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#9
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ
for the king
a king
#10
יוּכַ֥ל
is not he that can
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#11
אֶתְכֶ֖ם
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#12
דָּבָֽר׃
do any thing
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

Related Resources

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

People