Jeremiah 5:3

Authorized King James Version

O LORD, are not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יְהוָֹ֗ה
O LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#2
עֵינֶיךָ֮
are not thine eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#3
הֲל֣וֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
לֶאֱמוּנָה֒
upon the truth
literally firmness; figuratively security; morally fidelity
#5
הִכִּ֤יתָה
thou hast stricken
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#6
אֹתָם֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
וְֽלֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
חָ֔לוּ
them but they have not grieved
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
#9
כִּלִּיתָ֕ם
thou hast consumed
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
#10
מֵאֲנ֖וּ
them but they have refused
to refuse
#11
קַ֣חַת
to receive
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#12
מוּסָ֑ר
correction
properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint
#13
חִזְּק֤וּ
harder
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#14
פְנֵיהֶם֙
they have made their faces
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#15
מִסֶּ֔לַע
than a rock
a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)
#16
מֵאֲנ֖וּ
them but they have refused
to refuse
#17
לָשֽׁוּב׃
to return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of truth 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

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