Jeremiah 48:37

Authorized King James Version

For every head shall be bald, and every beard clipped: upon all the hands shall be cuttings, and upon the loins sackcloth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
כָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
רֹאשׁ֙
For every head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#4
קָרְחָ֔ה
shall be bald
baldness
#5
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
זָקָ֖ן
and every beard
the beard (as indicating age)
#7
גְּרֻעָ֑ה
clipped
to scrape off; by implication, to shave, remove, lessen, withhold
#8
עַ֤ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#10
יָדַ֙יִם֙
upon all the hands
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#11
גְּדֻדֹ֔ת
shall be cuttings
a furrow (as cut)
#12
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
מָתְנַ֖יִם
and upon the loins
properly, the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins
#14
שָֽׂק׃
sackcloth
properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e., coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in mourning and for bagging); hence, a bag (for grai

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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