Jeremiah 4:19

Authorized King James Version

My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war.

Word-by-Word Analysis

מֵעַ֨י׀

H4578

My bowels

used only in plural the intestines, or (collectively) the abdomen, figuratively, sympathy; by implication, a vest; by extension the stomach, the uteru

מֵעַ֨י׀

H4578

My bowels

used only in plural the intestines, or (collectively) the abdomen, figuratively, sympathy; by implication, a vest; by extension the stomach, the uteru

אֹחִ֜ולָה

H2342

I am pained

properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e., (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; fi

קִיר֥וֹת

H7023

at my very

a wall (as built in a trench)

לִבִּ֖י

H3820

heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

הֹֽמֶה

H1993

maketh a noise

to make a loud sound (like english 'hum'); by implication, to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor

לִּ֥י

לִבִּ֖י

H3820

heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

#10

אַחֲרִ֑שׁ

H2790

in me I cannot hold my peace

to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad

#11

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#12

ק֤וֹל

H6963

the sound

a voice or sound

#13

שׁוֹפָר֙

H7782

of the trumpet

a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn

#14

שָׁמַ֣עַתְּי

H8085

because thou hast heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#15

נַפְשִׁ֔י

H5315

O my soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#16

תְּרוּעַ֖ת

H8643

the alarm

clamor, i.e., acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangor of trumpets, as an alarum

#17

מִלְחָמָֽה׃

H4421

of war

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

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 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 peace in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 4 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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 this verse's emphasis on peace address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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