Jeremiah 5:27

Authorized King James Version

As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּכְלוּב֙
As a cage
a bird-trap (as furnished with a clap-stick or treadle to spring it); hence, a basket (as resembling a wicker cage)
#2
מְלֵאִ֣ים
full
full (literally or figuratively) or filling (literally); also (concretely) fulness; adverbially, fully
#3
ע֔וֹף
of birds
a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively
#4
כֵּ֥ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#5
בָּתֵּיהֶ֖ם
so are their houses
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#6
מְלֵאִ֣ים
full
full (literally or figuratively) or filling (literally); also (concretely) fulness; adverbially, fully
#7
מִרְמָ֑ה
of deceit
fraud
#8
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
כֵּ֥ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#10
גָּדְל֖וּ
therefore they are become great
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
#11
וַֽיַּעֲשִֽׁירוּ׃
and waxen rich
properly, to accumulate; chiefly (specifically) to grow (causatively, make) rich

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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