Jeremiah 51:25

Authorized King James Version

Behold, I am against thee, O destroying mountain, saith the LORD, which destroyest all the earth: and I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and roll thee down from the rocks, and will make thee a burnt mountain.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הִנְנִ֨י
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#2
אֵלֶ֜יךָ
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
לְהַ֥ר
mountain
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#4
הַמַּשְׁחִית֙
Behold I am against thee O destroying
destructive, i.e., (as noun) destruction, literally (specifically a snare) or figuratively (corruption)
#5
נְאֻם
saith
an oracle
#6
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
הַמַּשְׁחִ֖ית
which destroyest
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#10
הָאָ֑רֶץ
all the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#11
וְנָטִ֨יתִי
and I will stretch out
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
#12
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
יָדִ֜י
mine hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#14
עָלֶ֗יךָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
וְגִלְגַּלְתִּ֙יךָ֙
upon thee and roll thee down
to roll (literally or figuratively)
#16
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#17
הַסְּלָעִ֔ים
from the rocks
a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)
#18
וּנְתַתִּ֖יךָ
and will make
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#19
לְהַ֥ר
mountain
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#20
שְׂרֵפָֽה׃
thee a burnt
cremation

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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