Jeremiah 46:5

Authorized King James Version

Wherefore have I seen them dismayed and turned away back? and their mighty ones are beaten down, and are fled apace, and look not back: for fear was round about, saith the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מַדּ֣וּעַ
what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?
#2
רָאִ֗יתִי
Wherefore have I seen
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#3
הֵ֣מָּה
they (only used when emphatic)
#4
חַתִּים֮
them dismayed
concretely, crushed; also afraid; abstractly, terror
#5
נְסֹגִ֣ים
and turned
properly, to flinch, i.e., (by implication) to go back, literally (to retreat) or figuratively (to apostatize)
#6
אָחוֹר֒
away back
the hinder part; hence (adverb) behind, backward; also (as facing north) the west
#7
וְגִבּוֹרֵיהֶ֣ם
and their mighty ones
powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant
#8
יֻכַּ֔תּוּ
are beaten down
to bruise or violently strike
#9
וּמָנ֥וֹס
apace
a retreat (literally or figuratively); abstractly, a fleeing
#10
נָ֖סוּ
and are fled
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
#11
וְלֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#12
הִפְנ֑וּ
and look not back
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
#13
מָג֥וֹר
for fear
a fright (objective or subjective)
#14
מִסָּבִ֖יב
was round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
#15
נְאֻם
saith
an oracle
#16
יְהוָֽה׃
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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