Jeremiah 51:14

Authorized King James Version

The LORD of hosts hath sworn by himself, saying, Surely I will fill thee with men, as with caterpillers; and they shall lift up a shout against thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
נִשְׁבַּ֛ע
hath sworn
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
#2
יְהוָ֥ה
The LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
צְבָא֖וֹת
of hosts
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#4
בְּנַפְשׁ֑וֹ
by himself
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#5
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#6
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#7
מִלֵּאתִ֤יךְ
saying Surely I will fill
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
#8
אָדָם֙
thee with men
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#9
כַּיֶּ֔לֶק
as with caterpillers
a devourer; specifically, the young locust
#10
וְעָנ֥וּ
and they shall lift up
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
#11
עָלַ֖יִךְ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
הֵידָֽד׃
a shout
acclamation

Analysis

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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