Jeremiah 50:41

Authorized King James Version

Behold, a people shall come from the north, and a great nation, and many kings shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הִנֵּ֛ה
lo!
#2
עַ֥ם
Behold a people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#3
בָּ֖א
shall come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#4
מִצָּפ֑וֹן
from the north
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
#5
וְג֤וֹי
nation
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#6
גָּדוֹל֙
and a great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#7
וּמְלָכִ֣ים
kings
a king
#8
רַבִּ֔ים
and many
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#9
יֵעֹ֖רוּ
shall be raised up
to wake (literally or figuratively)
#10
מִיַּרְכְּתֵי
from the coasts
properly, the flank; but used only figuratively, the rear or recess
#11
אָֽרֶץ׃
of the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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