Jeremiah 48:38

Authorized King James Version

There shall be lamentation generally upon all the housetops of Moab, and in the streets thereof: for I have broken Moab like a vessel wherein is no pleasure, saith the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַ֣ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#2
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
גַּגּ֥וֹת
generally upon all the housetops
a roof; by analogy, the top of an altar
#4
מוֹאָ֗ב
Moab
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
#5
וּבִרְחֹבֹתֶ֖יהָ
and in the streets
a width, i.e., (concretely) avenue or area
#6
כֻּלֹּ֣ה
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
מִסְפֵּ֑ד
There shall be lamentation
a lamentation
#8
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
שָׁבַ֣רְתִּי
thereof for I have broken
to burst (literally or figuratively)
#10
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
מוֹאָ֗ב
Moab
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
#12
כִּכְלִ֛י
like a vessel
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
#13
אֵֽין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#14
חֵ֥פֶץ
wherein is no pleasure
pleasure; hence (abstractly) desire; concretely, a valuable thing; hence (by extension) a matter (as something in mind)
#15
בּ֖וֹ
H0
#16
נְאֻם
saith
an oracle
#17
יְהוָֽה׃
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

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

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