Jeremiah 5:4

Authorized King James Version

Therefore I said, Surely these are poor; they are foolish: for they know not the way of the LORD, nor the judgment of their God.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַאֲנִ֣י
i
#2
אָמַ֔רְתִּי
Therefore I said
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
אַךְ
a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only
#4
דַּלִּ֖ים
Surely these are poor
properly, dangling, i.e., (by implication) weak or thin
#5
הֵ֑ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#6
נוֹאֲל֕וּ
they are foolish
properly, to be slack, i.e., (figuratively) to be foolish
#7
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
לֹ֤א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
יָדְעוּ֙
for they know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#10
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
not the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#11
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#12
מִשְׁפַּ֖ט
nor the judgment
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#13
אֱלֹהֵיהֶֽם׃
of their God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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