Jeremiah 48:8

Authorized King James Version

And the spoiler shall come upon every city, and no city shall escape: the valley also shall perish, and the plain shall be destroyed, as the LORD hath spoken.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְיָבֹ֨א

H935

shall come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

שֹׁדֵ֜ד

H7703

And the spoiler

properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

וְעִיר֙

H5892

and no city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וְעִיר֙

H5892

and no city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִמָּלֵ֔ט

H4422

shall escape

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

וְאָבַ֥ד

also shall perish

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

#10

הָעֵ֖מֶק

H6010

the valley

a vale (i.e., broad depression)

#11

וְנִשְׁמַ֣ד

H8045

shall be destroyed

to desolate

#12

הַמִּישֹׁ֑ר

H4334

and the plain

a level, i.e., a plain (often used (with the article prefix) as a proper name of certain districts); figuratively, concord; also straightness, i.e., (

#13

אֲשֶׁ֖ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#14

אָמַ֥ר

H559

hath spoken

to say (used with great latitude)

#15

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

as 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Jeremiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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