Jeremiah 4:18

Authorized King James Version

Thy way and thy doings have procured these things unto thee; this is thy wickedness, because it is bitter, because it reacheth unto thine heart.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
דַּרְכֵּךְ֙
Thy way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#2
וּמַ֣עֲלָלַ֔יִךְ
and thy doings
an act (good or bad)
#3
עָשׂ֥וֹ
have procured
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#4
אֵ֖לֶּה
these or those
#5
לָ֑ךְ
H0
#6
זֹ֤את
this (often used adverb)
#7
רָעָתֵךְ֙
these things unto thee this is thy wickedness
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#8
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
מָ֔ר
because it is bitter
bitter (literally or figuratively); also (as noun) bitterness, or (adverbially) bitterly
#10
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
נָגַ֖ע
because it 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
#12
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#13
לִבֵּֽךְ׃
unto thine heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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