Jeremiah 46:21

Authorized King James Version

Also her hired men are in the midst of her like fatted bullocks; for they also are turned back, and are fled away together: they did not stand, because the day of their calamity was come upon them, and the time of their visitation.

Word-by-Word Analysis

גַּם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

שְׂכִרֶ֤יהָ

H7916

Also her hired men

a man who is hired by the day or year

בְקִרְבָּהּ֙

H7130

are in the midst

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

כְּעֶגְלֵ֣י

H5695

bullocks

a (male) calf (as frisking round), especially one nearly grown (i.e., a steer)

מַרְבֵּ֔ק

H4770

of her like fatted

a stall (for cattle)

כִּֽי

H3588

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

גַם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

הֵ֧מָּה

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

הִפְנ֛וּ

H6437

for they also are turned back

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

#10

נָ֥סוּ

H5127

and are fled away

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

#11

יַחְדָּ֖יו

H3162

together

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

#12

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

#13

עָמָ֑דוּ

H5975

they did not stand

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

#14

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

#15

י֥וֹם

H3117

because the day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#16

אֵידָ֛ם

H343

of their calamity

oppression; by implication misfortune, ruin

#17

בָּ֥א

H935

was come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#18

עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#19

עֵ֥ת

H6256

upon them and the time

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

#20

פְּקֻדָּתָֽם׃

H6486

of their visitation

visitation (in many senses, chiefly official)

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

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?
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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