Jeremiah 47:2

Authorized King James Version

Thus saith the LORD; Behold, waters rise up out of the north, and shall be an overflowing flood, and shall overflow the land, and all that is therein; the city, and them that dwell therein: then the men shall cry, and all the inhabitants of the land shall howl.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כֹּ֣ה׀

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר

H559

Thus saith

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֗ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הִנֵּה

H2009

lo!

מַ֜יִם

H4325

Behold waters

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

עֹלִ֤ים

H5927

rise up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

מִצָּפוֹן֙

H6828

out of the north

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

וְהָיוּ֙

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְנַ֣חַל

H5158

flood

a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)

#10

וְיִשְׁטְפוּ֙

H7857

and shall be an overflowing

to gush; by implication, to inundate, cleanse; by analogy, to gallop, conquer

#11

וְיִשְׁטְפוּ֙

H7857

and shall be an overflowing

to gush; by implication, to inundate, cleanse; by analogy, to gallop, conquer

#12

הָאָֽרֶץ׃

H776

of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#13

וּמְלוֹאָ֔הּ

H4393

and all that is therein

fulness (literally or figuratively)

#14

עִ֖יר

H5892

the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#15

יוֹשֵׁ֥ב

H3427

and all the inhabitants

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#16

בָ֑הּ

#17

וְזָֽעֲקוּ֙

H2199

shall cry

to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly

#18

הָֽאָדָ֔ם

H120

therein then the men

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

#19

וְהֵילִ֕ל

H3213

shall howl

to howl (with a wailing tone) or yell (with a boisterous one)

#20

כֹּ֖ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#21

יוֹשֵׁ֥ב

H3427

and all the inhabitants

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#22

הָאָֽרֶץ׃

H776

of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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