Jeremiah 44:18

Authorized King James Version

But since we left off to burn incense to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, we have wanted all things, and have been consumed by the sword and by the famine.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּמִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#2
אָ֡ז
at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore
#3
חָדַ֜לְנוּ
But since we left off
properly, to be flabby, i.e., (by implication) desist; (figuratively) be lacking or idle
#4
לְקַטֵּ֨ר
to burn incense
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
#5
לִמְלֶ֧כֶת
to the queen
a queen
#6
הַשָּׁמַ֛יִם
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
#7
וְהַסֵּֽךְ
and to pour out
to pour out, especially a libation, or to cast (metal); by analogy, to anoint a king
#8
לָ֥הּ
H0
#9
נְסָכִ֖ים
drink offerings
a libation; also a cast idol
#10
חָסַ֣רְנוּ
unto her we have wanted
to lack; by implication, to fail, want, lessen
#11
כֹ֑ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#12
וּבַחֶ֥רֶב
by the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#13
וּבָרָעָ֖ב
and by the famine
hunger (more or less extensive)
#14
תָּֽמְנוּ׃
all things and have been consumed
to complete, in a good or a bad sense, literal, or figurative, transitive or intransitive

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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