Jeremiah 51:20

Authorized King James Version

Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מַפֵּץ
Thou art my battle axe
a smiter, i.e., a war club
#2
אַתָּ֣ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#3
לִ֔י
H0
#4
כְּלֵ֖י
and weapons
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
#5
מִלְחָמָ֑ה
of war
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
#6
וְנִפַּצְתִּ֤י
for with thee will I break in pieces
to dash to pieces, or scatter
#7
בְךָ֙
H0
#8
גּוֹיִ֔ם
the nations
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#9
וְהִשְׁחַתִּ֥י
and with thee will I destroy
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
#10
בְךָ֖
H0
#11
מַמְלָכֽוֹת׃
kingdoms
dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of kingdom reflects the development of kingdom of God within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 kingdom of God 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 kingdom in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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