Jeremiah 48:34

Authorized King James Version

From the cry of Heshbon even unto Elealeh, and even unto Jahaz, have they uttered their voice, from Zoar even unto Horonaim, as an heifer of three years old: for the waters also of Nimrim shall be desolate.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מִזַּעֲקַ֨ת
From the cry
a shriek or outcry
#2
חֶשְׁבּ֜וֹן
of Heshbon
cheshbon, a place east of the jordan
#3
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#4
אֶלְעָלֵ֗ה
even unto Elealeh
elale or elaleh, a place east of the jordan
#5
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#6
יַ֙הַץ֙
and even unto Jahaz
jahats or jahtsah, a place east of the jordan
#7
נָתְנ֣וּ
have they uttered
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#8
קוֹלָ֔ם
their voice
a voice or sound
#9
מִצֹּ֙עַר֙
from Zoar
tsoar, a place east of the jordan
#10
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#11
חֹ֣רֹנַ֔יִם
even unto Horonaim
choronajim, a place in moab
#12
עֶגְלַ֖ת
as an heifer
a (female) calf, especially one nearly grown (i.e., a heifer)
#13
שְׁלִֽשִׁיָּ֑ה
of three years old
third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)
#14
כִּ֚י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#15
גַּם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#16
מֵ֣י
for the waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#17
נִמְרִ֔ים
also of Nimrim
nimrim, a place east of the jordan
#18
לִמְשַׁמּ֖וֹת
shall be desolate
a waste or amazement
#19
יִהְיֽוּ׃
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

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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