Jeremiah 41:7

Authorized King James Version

And it was so, when they came into the midst of the city, that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah slew them, and cast them into the midst of the pit, he, and the men that were with him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֕י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
כְּבוֹאָ֖ם
And it was so when they came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
תּ֣וֹךְ
into the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#5
הָעִ֑יר
of the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#6
וַיִּשְׁחָטֵ֞ם
slew
to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)
#7
יִשְׁמָעֵ֤אל
that Ishmael
jishmael, the name of abraham's oldest son, and of five israelites
#8
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
#9
נְתַנְיָה֙
of Nethaniah
nethanjah, the name of four israelites
#10
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#11
תּ֣וֹךְ
into the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#12
הַבּ֔וֹר
of the pit
a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)
#13
ה֖וּא
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
#14
וְהָאֲנָשִׁ֥ים
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)
#15
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#16
אִתּֽוֹ׃
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

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

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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