Jeremiah 50:14

Authorized King James Version

Put yourselves in array against Babylon round about: all ye that bend the bow, shoot at her, spare no arrows: for she hath sinned against the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

עִרְכ֨וּ

H6186

Put yourselves in array

to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בָּבֶ֤ל׀

H894

against Babylon

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

סָבִיב֙

H5439

round about

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

דֹּ֣רְכֵי

H1869

all ye that bend

to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)

קֶ֔שֶׁת

H7198

the bow

a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris

יְד֣וּ

H3034

shoot

physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha

אֵלֶ֔יהָ

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#10

אַֽל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

#11

תַּחְמְל֖וּ

H2550

at her spare

to commiserate; by implication, to spare

#12

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#13

חֵ֑ץ

H2671

no arrows

properly, a piercer, i.e., an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of god) thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear

#14

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#15

לַֽיהוָ֖ה

H3068

against the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#16

חָטָֽאָה׃

H2398

for she hath sinned

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 50 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Jeremiah