Jeremiah 4:8

For this gird you with sackcloth, lament and howl: for the fierce anger of the LORD is not turned back from us.

Word-by-Word Analysis

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

זֹ֛את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

חִגְר֥וּ

H2296

For this gird

to gird on (as a belt, armor, etc.)

שַׂקִּ֖ים

H8242

you with sackcloth

properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e., coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in mourning and for bagging); hence, a bag (for grai

סִפְד֣וּ

H5594

lament

properly, to tear the hair and beat the breasts (as middle easterners do in grief); generally to lament; by implication, to wail

וְהֵילִ֑ילוּ

H3213

and howl

to howl (with a wailing tone) or yell (with a boisterous one)

כִּ֥י

H3588

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

לֹא

H3808

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

שָׁ֛ב

H7725

is not turned back

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#10

חֲר֥וֹן

H2740

for the fierce

a burning of anger

#11

אַף

H639

anger

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

#12

יְהוָֹ֖ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#13

מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

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 sovereignty 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?

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