Jeremiah 4:11

Authorized King James Version

At that time shall it be said to this people and to Jerusalem, A dry wind of the high places in the wilderness toward the daughter of my people, not to fan, nor to cleanse,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בָּעֵ֣ת
At that time
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
#2
הַהִ֗יא
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
#3
יֵאָמֵ֤ר
shall it be said
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
עַמִּ֑י
of my people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#5
הַזֶּה֙
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#6
וְלִיר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
and to Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#7
ר֣וּחַ
wind
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#8
צַ֤ח
A dry
dazzling, i.e., sunny, bright, (figuratively) evident
#9
שְׁפָיִם֙
of the high places
bareness; concretely, a bare hill or plain
#10
בַּמִּדְבָּ֔ר
in the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#11
דֶּ֖רֶךְ
toward
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#12
בַּת
the daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#13
עַמִּ֑י
of my people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#14
ל֥וֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#15
לִזְר֖וֹת
not to fan
to toss about; by implication, to diffuse, winnow
#16
וְל֥וֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#17
לְהָבַֽר׃
nor to cleanse
to clarify (i.e., brighten), examine, select

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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 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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