Jeremiah 48:9

Authorized King James Version

Give wings unto Moab, that it may flee and get away: for the cities thereof shall be desolate, without any to dwell therein.

Word-by-Word Analysis

תְּנוּ

H5414

Give

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

צִ֣יץ

H6731

wings

properly, glistening, i.e., a burnished plate; a wing (as gleaming in the air)

לְמוֹאָ֔ב

H4124

unto Moab

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נָצֹ֖א

H5323

that it may flee

to go away

תֵּצֵ֑א

H3318

and get away

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

וְעָרֶ֙יהָ֙

H5892

for the cities

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

לְשַׁמָּ֣ה

H8047

thereof shall be desolate

ruin; by implication, consternation

תִֽהְיֶ֔ינָה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#10

מֵאֵ֥ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#11

יוֹשֵׁ֖ב

H3427

without any to dwell

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#12

בָּהֵֽן׃

H2004

therein

they (only used when emphatic)

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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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