Jeremiah 50:5

Authorized King James Version

They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, saying, Come, and let us join ourselves to the LORD in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
צִיּ֣וֹן
to Zion
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem
#2
יִשְׁאָ֔לוּ
They shall ask
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
#3
דֶּ֖רֶךְ
the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#4
הֵ֣נָּה
thitherward
hither or thither (but used both of place and time)
#5
פְנֵיהֶ֑ם
with their faces
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#6
בֹּ֚אוּ
saying Come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#7
וְנִלְו֣וּ
and let us join
properly, to twine; also to borrow (as a form of obligation) or (causative) to lend
#8
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
יְהוָ֔ה
ourselves to the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#10
בְּרִ֥ית
covenant
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
#11
עוֹלָ֖ם
in a perpetual
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
#12
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
תִשָּׁכֵֽחַ׃
that shall not be forgotten
to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights covenant through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant, 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 covenant 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 covenant in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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