Jeremiah 4:31

Authorized King James Version

For I have heard a voice as of a woman in travail, and the anguish as of her that bringeth forth her first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion, that bewaileth herself, that spreadeth her hands, saying, Woe is me now! for my soul is wearied because of murderers.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּי֩
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
ק֧וֹל
a voice
a voice or sound
#3
כְּחוֹלָ֜ה
as of a woman in travail
properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat
#4
שָׁמַ֗עְתִּי
For I have heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#5
צָרָה֙
and the anguish
transitively, a female rival
#6
כְּמַבְכִּירָ֔ה
as of her that bringeth forth her first child
to give the birthright
#7
ק֧וֹל
a voice
a voice or sound
#8
בַּת
of the daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#9
צִיּ֛וֹן
of Zion
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem
#10
תִּתְיַפֵּ֖חַ
that bewaileth
properly, to breathe hard, i.e., (by implication) to sigh
#11
תְּפָרֵ֣שׂ
herself that spreadeth
to break apart, disperse, etc
#12
כַּפֶּ֑יהָ
her hands
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
#13
אֽוֹי
saying Woe
lamentation; also interjectionally oh!
#14
נָ֣א
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#15
לִ֔י
H0
#16
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#17
עָיְפָ֥ה
is wearied
to languish
#18
נַפְשִׁ֖י
is me now! for 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
#19
לְהֹרְגִֽים׃
because of murderers
to smite with deadly intent

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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