Jeremiah 51:19

Authorized King James Version

The portion of Jacob is not like them; for he is the former of all things: and Israel is the rod of his inheritance: the LORD of hosts is his name.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

כְאֵ֜לֶּה

H428

these or those

חֵ֣לֶק

H2506

The portion

properly, smoothness (of the tongue)

יַעֲק֗וֹב

H3290

of Jacob

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יוֹצֵ֤ר

H3335

is not like them for he is the former

to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)

הַכֹּל֙

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

ה֔וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וְשֵׁ֖בֶט

H7626

of all things and Israel is the rod

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

#10

נַחֲלָת֑וֹ

H5159

of his inheritance

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

#11

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#12

צְבָא֖וֹת

H6635

of hosts

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

#13

שְׁמֽוֹ׃

H8034

is his name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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