Jeremiah 38:9

Authorized King James Version

My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have cast into the dungeon; and he is like to die for hunger in the place where he is: for there is no more bread in the city.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֲדֹנִ֣י

H113

My lord

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ

H4428

the king

a king

הֵרֵ֜עוּ

H7489

have done evil

properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)

הָאֲנָשִׁ֤ים

H376

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)

הָאֵ֙לֶּה֙

H428

these or those

אֵ֣ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשׂוּ֙

H6213

in all that they have done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#10

לְיִרְמְיָ֣הוּ

H3414

to Jeremiah

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

#11

הַנָּבִ֔יא

H5030

the prophet

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

#12

אֵ֥ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#13

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#14

הִשְׁלִ֖יכוּ

H7993

whom they have cast

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

#15

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#16

הַבּ֑וֹר

H953

into the dungeon

a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)

#17

וַיָּ֤מָת

H4191

and he is like to die

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

#18

תַּחְתָּיו֙

H8478

in the place

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

#19

מִפְּנֵ֣י

H6440

for

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#20

הָֽרָעָ֔ב

H7458

hunger

hunger (more or less extensive)

#21

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

#22

אֵ֥ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#23

הַלֶּ֛חֶם

H3899

where he is for there is no more bread

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

#24

ע֖וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

#25

בָּעִֽיר׃

H5892

in the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

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

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

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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