Jeremiah 5:23

Authorized King James Version

But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלָעָ֤ם
But this people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#2
הַזֶּה֙
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#3
הָיָ֔ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#4
לֵ֖ב
heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#5
סוֹרֵ֣ר
hath a revolting
to turn away, i.e., (morally) be refractory
#6
וּמוֹרֶ֑ה
and a rebellious
to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist; causatively, to provoke)
#7
סָ֖רוּ
they are revolted
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
#8
וַיֵּלֵֽכוּ׃
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

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

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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People