Jeremiah 42:2

Authorized King James Version

And said unto Jeremiah the prophet, Let, we beseech thee, our supplication be accepted before thee, and pray for us unto the LORD thy God, even for all this remnant; (for we are left but a few of many, as thine eyes do behold us:)

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּאמְר֞וּ

H559

And said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶֽל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יִרְמְיָ֣הוּ

H3414

unto Jeremiah

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

הַנָּבִ֗יא

H5030

the prophet

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

תִּפָּל

H5307

be accepted

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

נָ֤א

H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

תְחִנָּתֵ֙נוּ֙

H8467

Let we beseech thee our supplication

graciousness; causatively, entreaty

לְפָנֶ֔יךָ

H6440

before

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

וְהִתְפַּלֵּ֤ל

H6419

thee and pray

to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray

#10

בַּעֲדֵ֙נוּ֙

H1157

in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

#11

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#12

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

for us unto the LORD

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

#13

אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ

H430

thy 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

#14

בְּעַ֖ד

H1157

in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

#15

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#16

הַשְּׁאֵרִ֣ית

H7611

even for all this remnant

a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion

#17

הַזֹּ֑את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

#18

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#19

נִשְׁאַ֤רְנוּ

H7604

for we are left

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

#20

מְעַט֙

H4592

but a few

a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)

#21

מֵֽהַרְבֵּ֔ה

H7235

of many

to increase (in whatever respect)

#22

כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#23

עֵינֶ֖יךָ

H5869

as thine eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

#24

רֹא֥וֹת

H7200

do behold

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#25

אֹתָֽנוּ׃

H853

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 42 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?

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