Jeremiah 51:16

Authorized King James Version

When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens; and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth: he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לְק֨וֹל
his voice
a voice or sound
#2
תִּתּ֜וֹ
When he uttereth
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#3
הֲמ֥וֹן
there is a multitude
a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth
#4
מַ֙יִם֙
of waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#5
בַּשָּׁמַ֔יִם
in the heavens
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
#6
וַיַּ֥עַל
to ascend
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#7
נְשִׂאִ֖ים
and he causeth the vapours
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
#8
מִקְצֵה
from the ends
an extremity
#9
אָ֑רֶץ
of the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#10
בְּרָקִ֤ים
lightnings
lightning; by analogy, a gleam; concretely, a flashing sword
#11
לַמָּטָר֙
with rain
rain
#12
עָשָׂ֔ה
he maketh
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#13
וַיּ֥וֹצֵא
and bringeth forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#14
ר֖וּחַ
the wind
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#15
מֵאֹצְרֹתָֽיו׃
out of his treasures
a depository

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

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