Jeremiah 48:39

Authorized King James Version

They shall howl, saying, How is it broken down! how hath Moab turned the back with shame! so shall Moab be a derision and a dismaying to all them about him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֵ֥יךְ
how? or how!; also where
#2
חַ֙תָּה֙
saying How is it broken down
properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear
#3
הֵילִ֔ילוּ
They shall howl
to howl (with a wailing tone) or yell (with a boisterous one)
#4
אֵ֛יךְ
how? or how!; also where
#5
הִפְנָה
turned
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
#6
עֹ֥רֶף
the back
the nape or back of the neck (as declining); hence, the back generally (whether literal or figurative)
#7
מוֹאָ֛ב
how hath Moab
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
#8
בּ֑וֹשׁ
with shame
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
#9
וְהָיָ֥ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#10
מוֹאָ֛ב
how hath Moab
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
#11
לִשְׂחֹ֥ק
be a derision
laughter (in merriment or defiance)
#12
וְלִמְחִתָּ֖ה
and a dismaying
properly, a dissolution; concretely, a ruin, or (abstractly) consternation
#13
לְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#14
סְבִיבָֽיו׃
to all them about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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