Jeremiah 48:19

Authorized King James Version

O inhabitant of Aroer, stand by the way, and espy; ask him that fleeth, and her that escapeth, and say, What is done?

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דֶּ֛רֶךְ

H1870

by the way

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

עִמְדִ֥י

H5975

stand

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

וְצַפִּ֖י

H6822

and espy

properly, to lean forward, i.e., to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await

יוֹשֶׁ֣בֶת

H3427

O inhabitant

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

עֲרוֹעֵ֑ר

H6177

of Aroer

aror, the name of three places in or near palestine

שַׁאֲלִי

H7592

ask

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

נָ֣ס

H5127

him that fleeth

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

וְנִמְלָ֔טָה

H4422

and her that escapeth

properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn

#10

אִמְרִ֖י

H559

and say

to say (used with great latitude)

#11

מַה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#12

נִּֽהְיָֽתָה׃

H1961

What is done

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

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

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?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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