Jeremiah 4:9

Authorized King James Version

And it shall come to pass at that day, saith the LORD, that the heart of the king shall perish, and the heart of the princes; and the priests shall be astonished, and the prophets shall wonder.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָיָ֤ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בַיּוֹם
And it shall come to pass at that day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#3
הַהוּא֙
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#4
נְאֻם
saith
an oracle
#5
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
יֹאבַ֥ד
H6
shall perish
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
#7
וְלֵ֣ב
and the heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#8
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ
of the king
a king
#9
וְלֵ֣ב
and the heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#10
הַשָּׂרִ֑ים
of the princes
a head person (of any rank or class)
#11
וְנָשַׁ֙מּוּ֙
shall be astonished
to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)
#12
הַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים
and the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#13
וְהַנְּבִאִ֖ים
and the prophets
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#14
יִתְמָֽהוּ׃
shall wonder
to be in consternation

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

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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