Jeremiah 4:30

Authorized King James Version

And when thou art spoiled, what wilt thou do? Though thou clothest thyself with crimson, though thou deckest thee with ornaments of gold, though thou rentest thy face with painting, in vain shalt thou make thyself fair; thy lovers will despise thee, they will seek thy life.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאַ֨תְּי

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

שָׁד֜וּד

H7703

And when thou art spoiled

properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage

מַֽה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

תַּעֲשִׂ֗י

H6213

what wilt thou do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כִּֽי

H3588

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

תִלְבְּשִׁ֨י

H3847

Though thou clothest

properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively

שָׁנִ֜י

H8144

thyself with crimson

crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it

כִּי

H3588

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

תַעְדִּ֣י

H5710

though thou deckest

to advance, i.e., pass on or continue; causatively, to remove; specifically, to bedeck (i.e., bring an ornament upon)

#10

עֲדִי

H5716

thee with ornaments

finery; generally an outfit; specifically, a headstall

#11

זָהָ֗ב

H2091

of gold

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

#12

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#13

תִקְרְעִ֤י

H7167

though thou rentest

to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)

#14

בַפּוּךְ֙

H6320

with painting

dye (specifically, stibium for the eyes)

#15

עֵינַ֔יִךְ

H5869

thy face

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

#16

לַשָּׁ֖וְא

H7723

in vain

evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, object

#17

תִּתְיַפִּ֑י

H3302

shalt thou make thyself fair

properly, to be bright, i.e., (by implication) beautiful

#18

מָאֲסוּ

H3988

will despise

to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear

#19

בָ֥ךְ

#20

עֹגְבִ֖ים

H5689

thy lovers

to breathe after, i.e., to love (sensually)

#21

נַפְשֵׁ֥ךְ

H5315

thy life

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

#22

יְבַקֵּֽשׁוּ׃

H1245

thee they will seek

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of love connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about love, 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 love in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of love differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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