Jeremiah 44:17

Authorized King James Version

But we will certainly do whatsoever thing goeth forth out of our own mouth, to burn incense unto the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, as we have done, we, and our fathers, our kings, and our princes, in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem: for then had we plenty of victuals, and were well, and saw no evil.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּי֩

H3588

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

עָשִׂ֜ינוּ

H6213

But we will certainly

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

עָשִׂ֜ינוּ

H6213

But we will certainly

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

אֶֽת

H853

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

כָּל

H3605

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

הַדָּבָ֣ר׀

H1697

whatsoever thing

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

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

יָצָ֣א

H3318

goeth forth

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

מִפִּ֗ינוּ

H6310

out of our own mouth

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

#10

לְקַטֵּ֞ר

H6999

to burn incense

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

#11

לִמְלֶ֣כֶת

H4446

unto the queen

a queen

#12

הַשָּׁמַיִם֮

H8064

of heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

#13

וְהַסֵּֽיךְ

H5258

and to pour out

to pour out, especially a libation, or to cast (metal); by analogy, to anoint a king

#14

לָ֣הּ

#15

נְסָכִים֒

H5262

drink offerings

a libation; also a cast idol

#16

כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

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

#17

עָשִׂ֜ינוּ

H6213

But we will certainly

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

#18

אֲנַ֤חְנוּ

H587

#19

וַאֲבֹתֵ֙ינוּ֙

we and our fathers

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#20

מְלָכֵ֣ינוּ

H4428

our kings

a king

#21

וְשָׂרֵ֔ינוּ

H8269

and our princes

a head person (of any rank or class)

#22

בְּעָרֵ֣י

H5892

in the cities

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#23

יְהוּדָ֔ה

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

#24

וּבְחֻצ֖וֹת

H2351

and in the streets

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

#25

יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם

H3389

of Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

#26

וַנִּֽשְׂבַּֽע

H7646

for then had we plenty

to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)

#27

לֶ֙חֶם֙

H3899

of victuals

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

#28

וַנִּֽהְיֶ֣ה

H1961

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

#29

טוֹבִ֔ים

H2896

and were well

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

#30

וְרָעָ֖ה

H7451

no evil

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

#31

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

#32

רָאִֽינוּ׃

H7200

and saw

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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 the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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