Jeremiah 50:38

Authorized King James Version

A drought is upon her waters; and they shall be dried up: for it is the land of graven images, and they are mad upon their idols.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
חֹ֥רֶב
A drought
drought or desolation
#2
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
מֵימֶ֖יהָ
is upon her waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#4
וְיָבֵ֑שׁוּ
and they shall be dried up
to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)
#5
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#6
אֶ֤רֶץ
for it is the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#7
פְּסִלִים֙
of graven images
an idol
#8
הִ֔יא
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
#9
וּבָאֵימִ֖ים
upon their idols
fright; concrete, an idol (as a bugbear)
#10
יִתְהֹלָֽלוּ׃
and they are mad
to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

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 divine revelation 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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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