Jeremiah 48:17

Authorized King James Version

All ye that are about him, bemoan him; and all ye that know his name, say, How is the strong staff broken, and the beautiful rod!

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
נֻ֤דוּ
him bemoan
to nod, i.e., waver; figuratively, to wander, flee, disappear; also (from shaking the head in sympathy), to console, deplore, or (from tossing the hea
#2
לוֹ֙
H0
#3
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
סְבִיבָ֔יו
All ye that are about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
#5
וְכֹ֖ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
יֹדְעֵ֣י
him and all ye that know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#7
שְׁמ֑וֹ
his name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#8
אִמְר֗וּ
say
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
אֵיכָ֤ה
how? or how!; also where
#10
נִשְׁבַּר֙
broken
to burst (literally or figuratively)
#11
מַטֵּה
staff
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#12
עֹ֔ז
How is the strong
strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)
#13
מַקֵּ֖ל
rod
a shoot, i.e., stick (with leaves on, or for walking, striking, guiding, divining)
#14
תִּפְאָרָֽה׃
and the beautiful
ornament (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively)

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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