Jeremiah 5:12

Authorized King James Version

They have belied the LORD, and said, It is not he; neither shall evil come upon us; neither shall we see sword nor famine:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּֽחֲשׁוּ֙
They have belied
to be untrue, in word (to lie, feign, disown) or deed (to disappoint, fail, cringe)
#2
בַּיהוָ֔ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
וַיֹּאמְר֖וּ
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
לוֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
ה֑וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#6
וְלֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
תָב֤וֹא
come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#8
עָלֵ֙ינוּ֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
רָעָ֔ה
It is not he neither shall evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#10
וְחֶ֥רֶב
sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#11
וְרָעָ֖ב
nor famine
hunger (more or less extensive)
#12
ל֥וֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
נִרְאֶֽה׃
upon us neither shall we see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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