Jeremiah 4:28

Authorized King James Version

For this shall the earth mourn, and the heavens above be black: because I have spoken it, I have purposed it, and will not repent, neither will I turn back from it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#2
זֹאת֙
this (often used adverb)
#3
תֶּאֱבַ֣ל
H56
mourn
to bewail
#4
הָאָ֔רֶץ
For this shall the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#5
וְקָדְר֥וּ
be black
to be ashy, i.e., dark-colored; by implication, to mourn (in sackcloth or sordid garments)
#6
הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם
and the heavens
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
#7
מִמָּ֑עַל
above
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
#8
עַ֤ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
כִּי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#10
דִבַּ֙רְתִּי֙
because I have spoken
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#11
זַמֹּ֔תִי
it I have purposed
to plan, usually in a bad sense
#12
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
נִחַ֖מְתִּי
it and will not repent
properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo
#14
וְלֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#15
אָשׁ֥וּב
neither will I turn back
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#16
מִמֶּֽנָּה׃
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

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

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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