Jeremiah 5:6

Authorized King James Version

Wherefore a lion out of the forest shall slay them, and a wolf of the evenings shall spoil them, a leopard shall watch over their cities: every one that goeth out thence shall be torn in pieces: because their transgressions are many, and their backslidings are increased.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#2
כֵּן֩
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#3
הִכָּ֨ם
shall slay
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#4
אַרְיֵ֜ה
Wherefore a lion
a lion
#5
מִיַּ֗עַר
out of the forest
a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)
#6
זְאֵ֤ב
them and a wolf
a wolf
#7
עֲרָבוֹת֙
of the evenings
a desert; especially (with the article prefix) the (generally) sterile valley of the jordan and its continuation to the red sea
#8
יְשָׁדְדֵ֔ם
shall spoil
properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage
#9
נָמֵ֤ר
them a leopard
a leopard (from its stripes)
#10
שֹׁקֵד֙
shall watch
to be alert, i.e., sleepless; hence to be on the lookout (whether for good or ill)
#11
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
עָ֣רֵיהֶ֔ם
over their cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#13
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#14
הַיּוֹצֵ֥א
every one that goeth out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#15
מֵהֵ֖נָּה
thence shall
themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)
#16
יִטָּרֵ֑ף
be torn in pieces
to pluck off or pull to pieces; causatively to supply with food (as in morsels)
#17
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#18
רַבּוּ֙
are many
properly, to cast together , i.e., increase, especially in number; to multiply by the myriad
#19
פִּשְׁעֵיהֶ֔ם
because their transgressions
a revolt (national, moral or religious)
#20
עָצְמ֖וּ
are increased
to bind fast, i.e., close (the eyes); intransitively, to be (causatively, make) powerful or numerous; to crunch the bones
#21
מְשֻׁבוֹתֵיהֶֽם׃
and their backslidings
apostasy

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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