Jeremiah 44:19

Authorized King James Version

And when we burned incense to the queen of heaven, and poured out drink offerings unto her, did we make her cakes to worship her, and pour out drink offerings unto her, without our men?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְכִֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
אֲנַ֤חְנוּ
we
#3
מְקַטְּרִים֙
And when we burned incense
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
#4
לִמְלֶ֣כֶת
to the queen
a queen
#5
הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם
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
#6
וְהַסֵּ֥ךְ
and poured out
to pour out, especially a libation, or to cast (metal); by analogy, to anoint a king
#7
לָ֖הּ
H0
#8
נְסָכִֽים׃
drink offerings
a libation; also a cast idol
#9
הֲמִֽבַּלְעֲדֵ֣י
unto her without
except, without, besides
#10
אֲנָשֵׁ֗ינוּ
our men
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
#11
עָשִׂ֨ינוּ
unto her did we make
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#12
לָ֤הּ
H0
#13
כַּוָּנִים֙
her cakes
something prepared, i.e., a sacrificial wafer
#14
לְהַ֣עֲצִבָ֔ה
to worship
properly, to carve, i.e., fabricate or fashion
#15
וְהַסֵּ֥ךְ
and poured out
to pour out, especially a libation, or to cast (metal); by analogy, to anoint a king
#16
לָ֖הּ
H0
#17
נְסָכִֽים׃
drink offerings
a libation; also a cast idol

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine revelation 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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