Jeremiah 49:24

Authorized King James Version

Damascus is waxed feeble, and turneth herself to flee, and fear hath seized on her: anguish and sorrows have taken her, as a woman in travail.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
רָפְתָ֥ה
is waxed feeble
to slacken (in many applications, literal or figurative)
#2
דַמֶּ֛שֶׂק
Damascus
damascus, a city of syria
#3
הִפְנְתָ֥ה
and turneth
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
#4
לָנ֖וּס
herself to flee
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
#5
וְרֶ֣טֶט׀
and fear
terror
#6
הֶחֱזִ֑יקָה
hath seized
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#7
צָרָ֧ה
on her anguish
transitively, a female rival
#8
וַחֲבָלִ֛ים
and sorrows
ruin
#9
אֲחָזַ֖תָּה
have taken
to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)
#10
כַּיּוֹלֵדָֽה׃
her as a woman in travail
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

Analysis

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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