Jeremiah 44:15

Authorized King James Version

Then all the men which knew that their wives had burned incense unto other gods, and all the women that stood by, a great multitude, even all the people that dwelt in the land of Egypt, in Pathros, answered Jeremiah, saying,

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּעֲנ֣וּ

H6030

answered

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,

אֶֽת

H853

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

יִרְמְיָ֗הוּ

H3414

Jeremiah

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

כָּל

H3605

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

הָאֲנָשִׁ֤ים

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

הַיֹּֽדְעִים֙

H3045

which knew

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּֽי

H3588

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

מְקַטְּר֤וֹת

H6999

had burned incense

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

הַנָּשִׁ֥ים

H802

and all the women

a woman

#10

לֵאלֹהִ֣ים

H430

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

#11

אֲחֵרִ֔ים

H312

unto other

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

#12

וְכָל

H3605

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

#13

הַנָּשִׁ֥ים

H802

and all the women

a woman

#14

הָעֹמְד֖וֹת

H5975

that stood by

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

#15

קָהָ֣ל

H6951

multitude

assemblage (usually concretely)

#16

גָּד֑וֹל

H1419

a great

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

#17

וְכָל

H3605

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

#18

הָעָ֛ם

H5971

even all the people

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

#19

הַיֹּשְׁבִ֥ים

H3427

that dwelt

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#20

בְּאֶֽרֶץ

H776

in the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#21

מִצְרַ֖יִם

H4714

of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

#22

בְּפַתְר֥וֹס

H6624

in Pathros

pathros, a part of egypt

#23

לֵאמֹֽר׃

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

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 understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?

Related Resources

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