Jeremiah 49:37

Authorized King James Version

For I will cause Elam to be dismayed before their enemies, and before them that seek their life: and I will bring evil upon them, even my fierce anger, saith the LORD; and I will send the sword after them, till I have consumed them:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהַחְתַּתִּ֣י

H2865

to be dismayed

properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עֵ֠ילָם

H5867

For I will cause Elam

elam, a son of shem and his descendants, with their country; also of six israelites

וְלִפְנֵ֣י׀

H6440

and before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אֹיְבֵיהֶ֜ם

H341

their enemies

hating; an adversary

וְלִפְנֵ֣י׀

H6440

and before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

מְבַקְשֵׁ֣י

H1245

them that seek

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

נַפְשָׁ֗ם

H5315

their life

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

וְהֵבֵאתִ֨י

H935

and I will bring

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

#10

עֲלֵיהֶ֧ם׀

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#11

רָעָ֛ה

H7451

evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

#12

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#13

חֲר֥וֹן

H2740

upon them even my fierce

a burning of anger

#14

אַפִּ֖י

H639

anger

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

#15

נְאֻם

H5002

saith

an oracle

#16

יְהוָ֑ה

H3068

the LORD

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

#17

וְשִׁלַּחְתִּ֤י

H7971

and I will send

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

#18

אַֽחֲרֵיהֶם֙

H310

after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

#19

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#20

הַחֶ֔רֶב

H2719

the sword

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

#21

עַ֥ד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#22

כַּלּוֹתִ֖י

H3615

them till I have consumed

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

#23

אוֹתָֽם׃

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

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 life 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 life in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?

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