Jeremiah 51:29

Authorized King James Version

And the land shall tremble and sorrow: for every purpose of the LORD shall be performed against Babylon, to make the land of Babylon a desolation without an inhabitant.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתִּרְעַ֥שׁ
shall tremble
to undulate (as the earth, the sky, etc.; also a field of grain), particularly through fear; specifically, to spring (as a locust)
#2
אֶ֧רֶץ
And the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#3
וַתָּחֹ֑ל
and sorrow
properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e., (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; fi
#4
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#5
קָ֤מָה
shall be performed
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#6
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
בָּבֶ֛ל
against Babylon
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
#8
מַחְשְׁב֣וֹת
for every purpose
a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)
#9
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#10
לָשׂ֞וּם
to make
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#11
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
אֶ֧רֶץ
And the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#13
בָּבֶ֛ל
against Babylon
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
#14
לְשַׁמָּ֖ה
a desolation
ruin; by implication, consternation
#15
מֵאֵ֥ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#16
יוֹשֵֽׁב׃
without an inhabitant
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

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

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

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