Jeremiah 50:2

Authorized King James Version

Declare ye among the nations, and publish, and set up a standard; publish, and conceal not: say, Babylon is taken, Bel is confounded, Merodach is broken in pieces; her idols are confounded, her images are broken in pieces.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הַגִּ֨ידוּ
Declare
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#2
בַגּוֹיִ֤ם
ye among the nations
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#3
הַשְׁמִ֖יעוּ
and publish
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#4
וּֽשְׂאוּ
and set up
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#5
נֵ֔ס
a standard
a flag; also a sail; by implication, a flagstaff; generally a signal; figuratively, a token
#6
הַשְׁמִ֖יעוּ
and publish
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#7
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#8
תְּכַחֵ֑דוּ
and conceal
to secrete, by act or word; hence (intensively) to destroy
#9
אִמְרוּ֩
not say
to say (used with great latitude)
#10
נִלְכְּדָ֨ה
is taken
to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere
#11
בָבֶ֜ל
Babylon
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
#12
הֹבִ֣ישׁוּ
are confounded
to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)
#13
בֵּל֙
Bel
bel, the baal of the babylonians
#14
חַ֖תּוּ
are broken in pieces
properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear
#15
מְרֹדָ֔ךְ
Merodach
merodak, a babylonian idol
#16
הֹבִ֣ישׁוּ
are confounded
to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)
#17
עֲצַבֶּ֔יהָ
her idols
an (idolatrous) image
#18
חַ֖תּוּ
are broken in pieces
properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear
#19
גִּלּוּלֶֽיהָ׃
her images
properly, a log (as round); by implication, an idol

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

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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