Jeremiah 50:43

Authorized King James Version

The king of Babylon hath heard the report of them, and his hands waxed feeble: anguish took hold of him, and pangs as of a woman in travail.

Word-by-Word Analysis

שָׁמַ֧ע

H8085

hath heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

מֶֽלֶךְ

H4428

The king

a king

בָּבֶ֛ל

H894

of Babylon

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שִׁמְעָ֖ם

H8088

the report

something heard, i.e., a sound, rumor, announcement; abstractly, audience

וְרָפ֣וּ

H7503

waxed feeble

to slacken (in many applications, literal or figurative)

יָדָ֑יו

H3027

of them and his hands

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

צָרָה֙

H6869

anguish

transitively, a female rival

הֶחֱזִיקַ֔תְהוּ

H2388

took hold

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

#10

חִ֖יל

H2427

of him and pangs

a throe (expectant of childbirth)

#11

כַּיּוֹלֵדָֽה׃

H3205

as of a woman in travail

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

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

How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 50 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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