Jeremiah 41:3

Authorized King James Version

Ishmael also slew all the Jews that were with him, even with Gedaliah, at Mizpah, and the Chaldeans that were found there, and the men of war.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאֵ֣ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַיְּהוּדִ֗ים

H3064

all the Jews

a jehudite (i.e., judaite or jew), or descendant of jehudah (i.e., judah)

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הָי֨וּ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אִתּ֤וֹ

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

אֶת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

גְּדַלְיָ֙הוּ֙

H1436

that were with him even with Gedaliah

gedaljah, the name of five israelites

בַּמִּצְפָּ֔ה

H4709

at Mizpah

mitspah, the name of two places in palestine

#10

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

הַכַּשְׂדִּ֖ים

H3778

and 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

#12

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#13

נִמְצְאוּ

H4672

that were found

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

#14

שָׁ֑ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#15

אֵ֚ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#16

אַנְשֵׁ֣י

H582

there and the men

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

#17

הַמִּלְחָמָ֔ה

H4421

of war

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

#18

הִכָּ֖ה

H5221

also slew

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

#19

יִשְׁמָעֵֽאל׃

H3458

Ishmael

jishmael, the name of abraham's oldest son, and of five israelites

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 revelation 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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 41 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

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

People

Jeremiah