Jeremiah 4:29

Authorized King James Version

The whole city shall flee for the noise of the horsemen and bowmen; they shall go into thickets, and climb up upon the rocks: every city shall be forsaken, and not a man dwell therein.

Word-by-Word Analysis

מִקּ֨וֹל

H6963

for the noise

a voice or sound

פָּרָ֜שׁ

H6571

of the horsemen

a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by implication) a driver (in a chariot), i.e., (collectively) cavalry

וְרֹ֣מֵה

H7411

to hurl; specifically, to shoot; figuratively, to delude or betray (as if causing to fall)

קֶ֗שֶׁת

H7198

and bowmen

a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris

בֹּרַ֙חַת֙

H1272

shall flee

to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָעִ֣יר

H5892

The whole city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

בָּ֚אוּ

H935

they shall go

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בֶּעָבִ֔ים

H5645

into thickets

properly, an envelope, i.e., darkness (or density, 2 chronicles 4:17); specifically, a (scud) cloud; also a copse

#10

וּבַכֵּפִ֖ים

H3710

upon the rocks

a hollow rock

#11

עָל֑וּ

H5927

and climb up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

#12

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#13

הָעִ֣יר

H5892

The whole city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#14

עֲזוּבָ֔ה

H5800

shall be forsaken

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

#15

וְאֵין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#16

יוֹשֵׁ֥ב

H3427

dwell

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#17

בָּהֵ֖ן

H2004

therein

they (only used when emphatic)

#18

אִֽישׁ׃

H376

and not a man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
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?

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