Jeremiah 46:6

Authorized King James Version

Let not the swift flee away, nor the mighty man escape; they shall stumble, and fall toward the north by the river Euphrates.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#2
יָנ֣וּס
flee away
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
#3
הַקַּ֔ל
Let not the swift
light; (by implication) rapid (also adverbial)
#4
וְאַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#5
יִמָּלֵ֖ט
escape
properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn
#6
הַגִּבּ֑וֹר
nor the mighty man
powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant
#7
צָפ֙וֹנָה֙
toward the north
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
#8
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
יַ֣ד
by
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#10
נְהַר
the river
a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity
#11
פְּרָ֔ת
Euphrates
perath (i.e., euphrates), a river of the east
#12
כָּשְׁל֖וּ
they shall stumble
to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall
#13
וְנָפָֽלוּ׃
and fall
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

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

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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