Jeremiah 50:3

Authorized King James Version

For out of the north there cometh up a nation against her, which shall make her land desolate, and none shall dwell therein: they shall remove, they shall depart, both man and beast.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
עָלָה֩
there cometh up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#3
עָלֶ֨יהָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
גּ֜וֹי
a nation
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#5
מִצָּפ֗וֹן
For out of the north
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
#6
הֽוּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#7
יָשִׁ֤ית
against her which shall make
to place (in a very wide application)
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
אַרְצָהּ֙
her land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#10
לְשַׁמָּ֔ה
desolate
ruin; by implication, consternation
#11
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#12
יִהְיֶ֥ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#13
יוֹשֵׁ֖ב
and none shall dwell
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#14
בָּ֑הּ
H0
#15
מֵאָדָ֥ם
both man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#16
וְעַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#17
בְּהֵמָ֖ה
and beast
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
#18
נָ֥דוּ
therein they shall remove
to nod, i.e., waver; figuratively, to wander, flee, disappear; also (from shaking the head in sympathy), to console, deplore, or (from tossing the hea
#19
הָלָֽכוּ׃
they shall depart
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of covenant community 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

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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