Jeremiah 42:5

Authorized King James Version

Then they said to Jeremiah, The LORD be a true and faithful witness between us, if we do not even according to all things for the which the LORD thy God shall send thee to us.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהֵ֙מָּה֙

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

אָמְר֣וּ

H559

Then they said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶֽל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יִרְמְיָ֔הוּ

H3414

to Jeremiah

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

יְהִ֤י

H1961

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

יְהוָ֧ה

H3068

The LORD

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

בָּ֔נוּ

לְעֵ֖ד

H5707

witness

concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince

אֱמֶ֣ת

H571

be a true

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

#10

וְנֶאֱמָ֑ן

H539

and faithful

properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen

#11

אִם

H518

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

#12

לֹ֡א

H3808

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

#13

כְּֽכָל

H3605

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

#14

הַ֠דָּבָר

H1697

not even according to all things

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

#15

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

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

#16

יִֽשְׁלָחֲךָ֜

H7971

shall send

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

#17

יְהוָ֧ה

H3068

The LORD

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

#18

אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ

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

#19

אֵלֵ֖ינוּ

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#20

כֵּ֥ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

#21

נַעֲשֶֽׂה׃

H6213

between us if we do

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

Analysis

This verse develops the covenant theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of faith reflects the development of covenant 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

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 covenant 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 might the original audience's understanding of faith differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the covenant theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on faith address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?

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