Jeremiah 41:8

Authorized King James Version

But ten men were found among them that said unto Ishmael, Slay us not: for we have treasures in the field, of wheat, and of barley, and of oil, and of honey. So he forbare, and slew them not among their brethren.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַעֲשָׂרָ֨ה
But ten
ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)
#2
אֲנָשִׁ֜ים
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)
#3
נִמְצְאוּ
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
#4
בָ֗ם
H0
#5
וַיֹּאמְר֤וּ
among them that said
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
יִשְׁמָעֵאל֙
unto Ishmael
jishmael, the name of abraham's oldest son, and of five israelites
#8
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#9
הֱמִיתָ֖ם
Slay
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#10
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
יֶשׁ
us not for we have
there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
#12
לָ֤נוּ
H0
#13
מַטְמֹנִים֙
treasures
a secret storehouse; hence, a secreted valuable (buried); generally money
#14
בַּשָּׂדֶ֔ה
in the field
a field (as flat)
#15
חִטִּ֥ים
of wheat
wheat, whether the grain or the plant
#16
וּשְׂעֹרִ֖ים
and of barley
barley (as villose)
#17
וְשֶׁ֣מֶן
and of oil
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
#18
וּדְבָ֑שׁ
and of honey
honey (from its stickiness); by analogy, syrup
#19
וַיֶּחְדַּ֕ל
So he forbare
properly, to be flabby, i.e., (by implication) desist; (figuratively) be lacking or idle
#20
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#21
הֱמִיתָ֖ם
Slay
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#22
בְּת֥וֹךְ
them not among
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#23
אֲחֵיהֶֽם׃
their brethren
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

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

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