Jeremiah 50:16

Authorized King James Version

Cut off the sower from Babylon, and him that handleth the sickle in the time of harvest: for fear of the oppressing sword they shall turn every one to his people, and they shall flee every one to his own land.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּרְת֤וּ
Cut off
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
#2
זוֹרֵ֙עַ֙
the sower
to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify
#3
מִבָּבֶ֔ל
from Babylon
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
#4
וְתֹפֵ֥שׂ
and him that handleth
to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably
#5
מַגָּ֖ל
the sickle
a sickle
#6
בְּעֵ֣ת
in the time
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
#7
קָצִ֑יר
of harvest
severed, a limb (of a tree, or simply foliage)
#8
מִפְּנֵי֙
for fear
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#9
חֶ֣רֶב
sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#10
הַיּוֹנָ֔ה
of the oppressing
to rage or be violent; by implication, to suppress, to maltreat
#11
וְאִ֥ישׁ
every one
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#12
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#13
עַמּוֹ֙
to his people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#14
יִפְנ֔וּ
they shall turn
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
#15
וְאִ֥ישׁ
every one
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#16
לְאַרְצ֖וֹ
to his own land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#17
יָנֻֽסוּ׃
and they shall flee
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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