Jeremiah 43:12

Authorized King James Version

And I will kindle a fire in the houses of the gods of Egypt; and he shall burn them, and carry them away captives: and he shall array himself with the land of Egypt, as a shepherd putteth on his garment; and he shall go forth from thence in peace.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהִצַּ֣תִּי

H3341

And I will kindle

to burn or set on fire; figuratively, to desolate

אֵ֗שׁ

H784

a fire

fire (literally or figuratively)

בְּבָתֵּי֙

H1004

in the houses

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֱלֹהֵ֣י

H430

of the gods

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

מִצְרַ֜יִם

H4714

of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וּשְׂרָפָ֖ם

H8313

and he shall burn

to be (causatively, set) on fire

וְשָׁבָ֑ם

H7617

them and carry them away captives

to transport into captivity

יַעְטֶ֤ה

H5844

and he shall array

to wrap, i.e., cover, veil, clothe, or roll

אֶת

H854

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

#10

אֶ֨רֶץ

H776

himself with the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#11

מִצְרַ֜יִם

H4714

of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

#12

כַּאֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#13

יַעְטֶ֤ה

H5844

and he shall array

to wrap, i.e., cover, veil, clothe, or roll

#14

הָֽרֹעֶה֙

H7462

as a shepherd

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

#15

אֶת

H853

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

#16

בִּגְד֔וֹ

H899

his garment

a covering, i.e., clothing

#17

וְיָצָ֥א

H3318

and he shall go forth

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

#18

מִשָּׁ֖ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#19

בְּשָׁלֽוֹם׃

H7965

from thence in peace

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of peace connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about peace, 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 43 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of peace differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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