Jeremiah 42:6

Authorized King James Version

Whether it be good, or whether it be evil, we will obey the voice of the LORD our God, to whom we send thee; that it may be well with us, when we obey the voice of the LORD our God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אִם

H518

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

ט֣וֹב

H2896

Whether it be good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

וְאִם

H518

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

רָ֔ע

H7451

or whether it be evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

בְּק֖וֹל

H6963

the voice

a voice or sound

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃

H430

our 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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

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

אֲנַ֜וּ

H580

to whom we

#10

שֹׁלְחִ֥ים

H7971

send

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

#11

אֹתְךָ֛

H853

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

#12

אֵלָ֖יו

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#13

נִשְׁמַ֔ע

H8085

we will obey

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

#14

לְמַ֙עַן֙

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

#15

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#16

יִֽיטַב

H3190

thee that it may be well

to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)

#17

לָ֔נוּ

#18

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

#19

נִשְׁמַ֔ע

H8085

we will obey

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

#20

בְּק֖וֹל

H6963

the voice

a voice or sound

#21

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

#22

אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃

H430

our 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

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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 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 does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?
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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