Jeremiah 41:4

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass the second day after he had slain Gedaliah, and no man knew it,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֛י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בַּיּ֥וֹם
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
הַשֵּׁנִ֖י
And it came to pass the second
properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again
#4
לְהָמִ֣ית
after he had slain
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#5
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
גְּדַלְיָ֑הוּ
Gedaliah
gedaljah, the name of five israelites
#7
וְאִ֖ישׁ
and no man
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)
#8
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
יָדָֽע׃
knew
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

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