Jeremiah 41:9

Authorized King James Version

Now the pit wherein Ishmael had cast all the dead bodies of the men, whom he had slain because of Gedaliah, was it which Asa the king had made for fear of Baasha king of Israel: and Ishmael the son of Nethaniah filled it with them that were slain.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהַבּ֗וֹר

H953

Now the pit

a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)

אֲשֶׁר֩

H834

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

הִשְׁלִ֨יךְ

H7993

had cast

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

שָׁ֤ם

H8033

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

יִשְׁמָעֵ֥אל

H3458

and Ishmael

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

אֵ֣ת׀

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)

פִּגְרֵ֣י

H6297

all the dead bodies

a carcase (as limp), whether of man or beast; figuratively, an idolatrous image

הָאֲנָשִׁ֗ים

H376

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)

#10

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

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

#11

הִכָּה֙

H5221

whom he had slain

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

#12

בְּיַד

H3027

because

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#13

גְּדַלְיָ֔הוּ

H1436

of Gedaliah

gedaljah, the name of five israelites

#14

ה֗וּא

H1931

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

#15

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

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

#16

עָשָׂה֙

H6213

had made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#17

מֶֽלֶךְ

H4428

king

a king

#18

אָסָ֔א

H609

was it which Asa

asa, the name of a king and of a levite

#19

מִפְּנֵ֖י

H6440

for fear

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#20

בַּעְשָׁ֣א

H1201

of Baasha

basha, a king of israel

#21

מֶֽלֶךְ

H4428

king

a king

#22

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#23

אֹת֗וֹ

H853

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

#24

מִלֵּ֛א

H4390

filled

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

#25

יִשְׁמָעֵ֥אל

H3458

and Ishmael

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

#26

בֶּן

H1121

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

#27

נְתַנְיָ֖הוּ

H5418

of Nethaniah

nethanjah, the name of four israelites

#28

חֲלָלִֽים׃

H2491

it with them that were slain

pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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

How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 41 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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