Jeremiah 4:17

Authorized King James Version

As keepers of a field, are they against her round about; because she hath been rebellious against me, saith the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כְּשֹׁמְרֵ֣י
As keepers
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#2
שָׂדַ֔י
of a field
a field (as flat)
#3
הָי֥וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#4
עָלֶ֖יהָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
מִסָּבִ֑יב
are they against her round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
#6
כִּי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#7
אֹתִ֥י
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
מָרָ֖תָה
because she hath been rebellious
to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist; causatively, to provoke)
#9
נְאֻם
against me saith
an oracle
#10
יְהוָֽה׃
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

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