Jeremiah 40:9

Authorized King James Version

And Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan sware unto them and to their men, saying, Fear not to serve the Chaldeans: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּשָּׁבַ֨ע
sware
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
#2
לָהֶ֜ם
H0
#3
גְּדַלְיָ֨הוּ
And Gedaliah
gedaljah, the name of five israelites
#4
בֶּן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#5
אֲחִיקָ֤ם
of Ahikam
achikam, an israelite
#6
בֶּן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#7
שָׁפָן֙
of Shaphan
a species of rock-rabbit (from its hiding), i.e., probably the hyrax
#8
וּלְאַנְשֵׁיהֶ֣ם
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)
#9
לֵאמֹ֔ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#10
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#11
תִּֽירְא֖וּ
Fear
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#12
וְעִבְד֛וּ
and serve
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#13
הַכַּשְׂדִּ֑ים
the Chaldeans
a kasdite, or descendant of kesed; by implication, a chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people
#14
שְׁב֣וּ
dwell in
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#15
בָאָ֗רֶץ
the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#16
וְעִבְד֛וּ
and serve
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#17
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#18
מֶ֥לֶךְ
the king
a king
#19
בָּבֶ֖ל
of Babylon
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
#20
וְיִיטַ֥ב
and it shall be well
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
#21
לָכֶֽם׃
H0

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 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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People