Jeremiah 49:18

Authorized King James Version

As in the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbour cities thereof, saith the LORD, no man shall abide there, neither shall a son of man dwell in it.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כְּֽמַהְפֵּכַ֞ת

H4114

As in the overthrow

a destruction

סְדֹ֧ם

H5467

of Sodom

sedom, a place near the dead sea

וַעֲמֹרָ֛ה

H6017

and Gomorrah

amorah, a place in palestine

וּשְׁכֵנֶ֖יהָ

H7934

and the neighbour

a resident; by extension, a fellow-citizen

אָמַ֣ר

H559

cities thereof saith

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֑ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לֹֽא

H3808

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

יֵשֵׁ֥ב

H3427

shall abide

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

שָׁם֙

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#10

אִ֔ישׁ

H376

no man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#11

וְלֹֽא

H3808

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

#12

יָג֥וּר

H1481

dwell

properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);

#13

בָּ֖הּ

#14

בֶּן

H1121

there neither shall a son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#15

אָדָֽם׃

H120

of man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

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

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?
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?
How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 49 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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