Jeremiah 49:13

Authorized King James Version

For I have sworn by myself, saith the LORD, that Bozrah shall become a desolation, a reproach, a waste, and a curse; and all the cities thereof shall be perpetual wastes.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
בִ֤י
H0
#3
נִשְׁבַּ֙עְתִּי֙
For I have sworn
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
#4
נְאֻם
by myself saith
an oracle
#5
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#7
לְשַׁמָּ֧ה
shall become a desolation
ruin; by implication, consternation
#8
לְחֶרְפָּ֛ה
a reproach
contumely, disgrace, the pudenda
#9
לְחֹ֥רֶב
a waste
drought or desolation
#10
וְלִקְלָלָ֖ה
and a curse
vilification
#11
תִּֽהְיֶ֣ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#12
בָצְרָ֑ה
that Bozrah
botsrah, a place in edom
#13
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#14
עָרֶ֥יהָ
and all the cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#15
תִהְיֶ֖ינָה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#16
לְחָרְב֥וֹת
wastes
properly, drought, i.e., (by implication) a desolation
#17
עוֹלָֽם׃
thereof shall be perpetual
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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