Jeremiah 4:10

Authorized King James Version

Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! surely thou hast greatly deceived this people and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall have peace; whereas the sword reacheth unto the soul.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לֵאמֹ֔ר
Then said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֲהָ֣הּ׀
I Ah
oh!
#3
אֲדֹנָ֣י
Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#4
יְהוִ֗ה
GOD
god
#5
אָכֵן֩
surely
firmly; figuratively, surely; also (adversative) but
#6
הִשֵּׁ֜אתָ
deceived
to lead astray, i.e., (mentally) to delude, or (morally) to seduce
#7
הִשֵּׁ֜אתָ
deceived
to lead astray, i.e., (mentally) to delude, or (morally) to seduce
#8
לָעָ֤ם
this people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#9
הַזֶּה֙
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#10
וְלִירוּשָׁלִַ֣ם
and Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#11
לֵאמֹ֔ר
Then said
to say (used with great latitude)
#12
שָׁל֖וֹם
Ye shall have peace
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
#13
יִהְיֶ֣ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#14
לָכֶ֑ם
H0
#15
וְנָגְעָ֥ה
reacheth
properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
#16
חֶ֖רֶב
whereas the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#17
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#18
הַנָּֽפֶשׁ׃
unto the soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of peace connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about peace, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Jeremiah.

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

Questions for Reflection

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