Jeremiah 50:37

Authorized King James Version

A sword is upon their horses, and upon their chariots, and upon all the mingled people that are in the midst of her; and they shall become as women: a sword is upon her treasures; and they shall be robbed.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
חֶ֥רֶב
A sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#2
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
סוּסָ֣יו
is upon their horses
a horse (as leaping)
#4
וְאֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
רִכְבּ֗וֹ
and upon their chariots
a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone
#6
וְאֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#8
הָעֶ֛רֶב
the web (or transverse threads of cloth); also a mixture, (or mongrel race)
#9
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
בְּתוֹכָ֖הּ
that are in the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#11
וְהָי֣וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#12
לְנָשִׁ֑ים
of her and they shall become as women
a woman
#13
חֶ֥רֶב
A sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#14
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#15
אוֹצְרֹתֶ֖יהָ
is upon her treasures
a depository
#16
וּבֻזָּֽזוּ׃
and they shall be robbed
to plunder

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing covenant community contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

Related Resources

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

People