Jeremiah 42:13

But if ye say, We will not dwell in this land, neither obey the voice of the LORD your God,

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

אֹמְרִ֣ים

H559

But if ye say

to say (used with great latitude)

אַתֶּ֔ם

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נֵשֵׁ֖ב

H3427

We will not dwell

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בָּאָ֣רֶץ

H776

in this land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הַזֹּ֑את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

לְבִלְתִּ֣י

H1115

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

שְׁמֹ֔עַ

H8085

neither obey

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#10

בְּק֖וֹל

H6963

the voice

a voice or sound

#11

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#12

אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם׃

H430

your God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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