Jeremiah 50:45

Authorized King James Version

Therefore hear ye the counsel of the LORD, that he hath taken against Babylon; and his purposes, that he hath purposed against the land of the Chaldeans: Surely the least of the flock shall draw them out: surely he shall make their habitation desolate with them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לָכֵ֞ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#2
שִׁמְע֣וּ
Therefore hear
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#3
עֲצַת
ye the counsel
advice; by implication, plan; also prudence
#4
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
יָעַץ֙
that he hath taken
to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve
#7
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
בָּבֶ֔ל
against Babylon
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
#9
וּמַ֨חְשְׁבוֹתָ֔יו
and his purposes
a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)
#10
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
חָשַׁ֖ב
that he hath purposed
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
#12
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#13
אֶ֣רֶץ
against the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#14
כַּשְׂדִּ֑ים
of the Chaldeans
a kasdite, or descendant of kesed; by implication, a chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people
#15
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#16
לֹ֤א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#17
יִסְחָבוּם֙
shall draw them out
to trail along
#18
צְעִירֵ֣י
Surely the least
little; (in number) few; (in age) young, (in value) ignoble
#19
הַצֹּ֔אן
of the flock
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
#20
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#21
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#22
יַשִּׁ֛ים
desolate
to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)
#23
עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#24
נָוֶֽה׃
surely he shall make their habitation
(adjectively) at home; hence (by implication of satisfaction) lovely; also (noun) a home, of god (temple), men (residence), flocks (pasture), or wild

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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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