Jeremiah 42:8

Authorized King James Version

Then called he Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces which were with him, and all the people from the least even to the greatest,

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּקְרָ֗א

H7121

Then called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יֽוֹחָנָן֙

H3110

he Johanan

jochanan, the name of nine israelites

בֶּן

H1121

the son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

קָרֵ֔חַ

H7143

of Kareah

kareach, an israelite

וְאֶ֛ל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל

H3605

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

שָׂרֵ֥י

H8269

and all the captains

a head person (of any rank or class)

הַחֲיָלִ֖ים

H2428

of the forces

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

#10

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#11

אִתּ֑וֹ

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#12

וּלְכָ֨ל

H3605

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

#13

הָעָ֔ם

H5971

which were with him and all the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#14

לְמִקָּטֹ֥ן

H6996

from the least

abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)

#15

וְעַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#16

גָּדֽוֹל׃

H1419

even to the greatest

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of covenant community reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, 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 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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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