Jeremiah 46:8

Authorized King James Version

Egypt riseth up like a flood, and his waters are moved like the rivers; and he saith, I will go up, and will cover the earth; I will destroy the city and the inhabitants thereof.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מִצְרַ֙יִם֙
Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#2
כַּיְאֹ֣ר
like a flood
a channel, e.g., a fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the nile, as the one river of egypt, including its collateral trenches; also the tigris, as the m
#3
אַֽעֲלֶה֙
I will go up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#4
וְכַנְּהָר֖וֹת
like the rivers
a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity
#5
יִתְגֹּ֣עֲשׁוּ
are moved
to agitate violently
#6
מָ֑יִם
and his waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#7
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר
and he saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
אַֽעֲלֶה֙
I will go up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#9
אֲכַסֶּה
and will cover
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
#10
אֶ֔רֶץ
the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#11
אֹבִ֥ידָה
H6
I will destroy
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
#12
עִ֖יר
the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#13
וְיֹ֥שְׁבֵי
and the inhabitants
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#14
בָֽהּ׃
H0

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Jeremiah.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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