Jeremiah 5:1

Authorized King James Version

Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be any that executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth; and I will pardon it.

Word-by-Word Analysis

שׁוֹטְט֞וּ

H7751

Run ye to and fro

properly, to push forth; (but used only figuratively) to lash, i.e., (the sea with oars) to row; by implication, to travel

בְּחוּצ֣וֹת

H2351

through the streets

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

יְרוּשָׁלִַ֗ם

H3389

of Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וּרְאוּ

H7200

and see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

נָ֤א

H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

וּדְעוּ֙

H3045

now and know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

מְבַקֵּ֣שׁ

H1245

and seek

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

בִרְחוֹבוֹתֶ֔יהָ

H7339

in the broad places

a width, i.e., (concretely) avenue or area

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#10

תִּמְצְא֣וּ

H4672

thereof if ye can find

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

#11

אִ֔ישׁ

H376

a 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)

#12

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#13

יֵ֛שׁ

H3426

if there be

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

#14

עֹשֶׂ֥ה

H6213

any that executeth

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#15

מִשְׁפָּ֖ט

H4941

judgment

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

#16

מְבַקֵּ֣שׁ

H1245

and seek

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

#17

אֱמוּנָ֑ה

H530

the truth

literally firmness; figuratively security; morally fidelity

#18

וְאֶסְלַ֖ח

H5545

and I will pardon

to forgive

#19

לָֽהּ׃

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 truth 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

How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 5 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of truth differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?

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