Jeremiah 5:21

Authorized King James Version

Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not:

Word-by-Word Analysis

יִשְׁמָֽעוּ׃

H8085

Hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

נָ֣א

H4994

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

זֹ֔את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

עַ֥ם

H5971

people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

סָכָ֖ל

H5530

now this O foolish

silly

וְאֵ֣ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

לֵ֑ב

H3820

and without understanding

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

עֵינַ֤יִם

H5869

which have eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

לָהֶם֙

#10

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

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

#11

יִרְא֔וּ

H7200

and see

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

#12

אָזְנַ֥יִם

H241

not which have ears

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

#13

לָהֶ֖ם

#14

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

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

#15

יִשְׁמָֽעוּ׃

H8085

Hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, 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 covenant community 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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 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?
In what ways does understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 5 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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