Jeremiah 42:4

Authorized King James Version

Then Jeremiah the prophet said unto them, I have heard you; behold, I will pray unto the LORD your God according to your words; and it shall come to pass, that whatsoever thing the LORD shall answer you, I will declare it unto you; I will keep nothing back from you.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵיהֶ֜ם

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יִרְמְיָ֤הוּ

H3414

Then Jeremiah

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

הַנָּבִיא֙

H5030

the prophet

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

שָׁמַ֔עְתִּי

H8085

unto them I have heard

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

הִנְנִ֧י

H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

מִתְפַּלֵּ֛ל

H6419

you behold I will pray

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

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָ֤ה

H3068

the LORD

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

#10

אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֖ם

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

#11

דָּבָֽר׃

H1697

according to your words

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#12

וְֽהָיָ֡ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#13

כָּֽל

H3605

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

#14

דָּבָֽר׃

H1697

according to your words

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#15

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#16

יַעֲנֶ֨ה

H6030

shall answer

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

#17

יְהוָ֤ה

H3068

the LORD

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

#18

אֶתְכֶם֙

H853

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

#19

אַגִּ֣יד

H5046

you I will declare

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

#20

לָכֶ֔ם

#21

לֹֽא

H3808

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

#22

אֶמְנַ֥ע

H4513

back

to debar (negatively or positively) from benefit or injury

#23

מִכֶּ֖ם

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#24

דָּבָֽר׃

H1697

according to your words

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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?
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?

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