Jeremiah 5:7

Authorized King James Version

How shall I pardon thee for this? thy children have forsaken me, and sworn by them that are no gods: when I had fed them to the full, they then committed adultery, and assembled themselves by troops in the harlots' houses.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֵ֤י
How
where? hence how?
#2
לָזֹאת֙
thee for this
this (often used adverb)
#3
לָ֔ךְ
shall I pardon
to forgive
#4
לָ֔ךְ
shall I pardon
to forgive
#5
בָּנַ֣יִךְ
thy children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#6
עֲזָב֔וּנִי
have forsaken
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
#7
וָאַשְׂבִּ֤עַ
me and sworn
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
#8
בְּלֹ֣א
by them that are no
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
gods
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
#10
וָאַשְׂבִּ֤עַ
me and sworn
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
#11
אוֹתָם֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
וַיִּנְאָ֔פוּ
they then committed adultery
to commit adultery; figuratively, to apostatize
#13
וּבֵ֥ית
' houses
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#14
זוֹנָ֖ה
in the harlots
to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (
#15
יִתְגּוֹדָֽדוּ׃
and assembled themselves by troops
to crowd; also to gash (as if by pressing into)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Jeremiah.

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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