Jeremiah 41:18

Authorized King James Version

Because of the Chaldeans: for they were afraid of them, because Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had slain Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon made governor in the land.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מִפְּנֵיהֶ֑ם
Because
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#2
הַכַּשְׂדִּ֔ים
of 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
#3
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#4
יָרְא֖וּ
for they were afraid
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#5
מִפְּנֵיהֶ֑ם
Because
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#6
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#7
הִכָּ֞ה
had slain
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#8
יִשְׁמָעֵ֣אל
of them because Ishmael
jishmael, the name of abraham's oldest son, and of five israelites
#9
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
#10
נְתַנְיָ֗ה
of Nethaniah
nethanjah, the name of four israelites
#11
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
גְּדַלְיָ֙הוּ֙
Gedaliah
gedaljah, the name of five israelites
#13
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
#14
אֲחִיקָ֔ם
of Ahikam
achikam, an israelite
#15
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#16
הִפְקִ֥יד
made governor
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#17
מֶֽלֶךְ
whom the king
a king
#18
בָּבֶ֖ל
of Babylon
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
#19
בָּאָֽרֶץ׃
in the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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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