Jeremiah 42:16

Authorized King James Version

Then it shall come to pass, that the sword, which ye feared, shall overtake you there in the land of Egypt, and the famine, whereof ye were afraid, shall follow close after you there in Egypt; and there ye shall die.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָיְתָ֣ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
הַחֶ֗רֶב
Then it shall come to pass that the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#3
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#4
אַתֶּם֙
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#5
יְרֵאִ֣ים
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#6
מִמֶּ֔נָּה
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#7
שָׁ֛ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#8
תַּשִּׂ֥יג
shall overtake
to reach (literally or figuratively)
#9
אֶתְכֶ֖ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
בְּאֶ֣רֶץ
you there in the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#11
מִצְרַ֖יִם
of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#12
וְהָרָעָ֞ב
and the famine
hunger (more or less extensive)
#13
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#14
אַתֶּ֣ם׀
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#15
דֹּאֲגִ֣ים
whereof ye were afraid
be anxious
#16
מִמֶּ֗נּוּ
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#17
שָׁ֣ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#18
יִדְבַּ֧ק
shall follow close
properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit
#19
אַחֲרֵיכֶ֛ם
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#20
מִצְרַ֖יִם
of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#21
וְשָׁ֥ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#22
תָּמֻֽתוּ׃
and there ye shall die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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