Jeremiah 39:16

Authorized King James Version

Go and speak to Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring my words upon this city for evil, and not for good; and they shall be accomplished in that day before thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הָל֣וֹךְ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אָמַ֞ר

H559

Thus saith

to say (used with great latitude)

לְעֶבֶד

מֶ֨לֶךְ

H5663

to Ebedmelech

ebed-melek, a eunuch of zedekeah

הַכּוּשִׁ֜י

H3569

the Ethiopian

a cushite, or descendant of cush

אָמַ֞ר

H559

Thus saith

to say (used with great latitude)

כֹּֽה

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֞ר

H559

Thus saith

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֤ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#10

צְבָאוֹת֙

H6635

of hosts

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

#11

אֱלֹהֵ֣י

H430

the God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#12

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#13

הִנְנִי֩

H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

#14

מֵבִ֨י

H935

Behold I will bring

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

#15

אֶת

H853

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

#16

דְּבָרַ֜י

H1697

my words

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#17

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#18

הָעִ֥יר

H5892

upon this city

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

#19

הַזֹּ֛את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

#20

לְרָעָ֖ה

H7451

for evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

#21

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

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

#22

לְטוֹבָ֑ה

H2896

and not for good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

#23

וְהָי֥וּ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#24

לְפָנֶ֖יךָ

H6440

before

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

#25

בַּיּ֥וֹם

H3117

and they shall be accomplished in that day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#26

הַהֽוּא׃

H1931

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

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 divine sovereignty 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Jeremiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
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?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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