Jeremiah 5:22

Authorized King James Version

Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it?

Word-by-Word Analysis

הַאוֹתִ֨י

H853

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

לֹא

H3808

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

תִירָ֜אוּ

H3372

Fear

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

נְאֻם

H5002

ye not me saith

an oracle

יְהוָֹ֗ה

H3068

the LORD

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

אִ֤ם

H518

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

מִפָּנַי֙

H6440

at my presence

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

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

תָחִ֔ילוּ

H2342

will ye not tremble

properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e., (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; fi

#10

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#11

שַׂ֤מְתִּי

H7760

which have placed

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

#12

חוֹל֙

H2344

the sand

sand (as round or whirling particles)

#13

גְּב֣וּל

H1366

for the bound

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

#14

לַיָּ֔ם

H3220

of the sea

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

#15

חָק

H2706

decree

an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

#16

עוֹלָ֖ם

H5769

by a perpetual

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

#17

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

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

#18

יַעַבְרֻֽנְהוּ׃

H5674

that it cannot pass

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

#19

וַיִּֽתְגָּעֲשׁוּ֙

H1607

thereof toss

to agitate violently

#20

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

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

#21

יוּכָ֔לוּ

H3201

themselves yet can they not prevail

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

#22

וְהָמ֥וּ

H1993

though they roar

to make a loud sound (like english 'hum'); by implication, to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor

#23

גַלָּ֖יו

H1530

it and though the waves

something rolled, i.e., a heap of stone or dung (plural ruins), by analogy, a spring of water (plural waves)

#24

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

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

#25

יַעַבְרֻֽנְהוּ׃

H5674

that it cannot pass

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?

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