Jeremiah 51:43

Authorized King James Version

Her cities are a desolation, a dry land, and a wilderness, a land wherein no man dwelleth, neither doth any son of man pass thereby.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הָי֤וּ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עָרֶ֙יהָ֙

H5892

Her cities

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

לְשַׁמָּ֔ה

H8047

are a desolation

ruin; by implication, consternation

אֶ֗רֶץ

H776

a land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

צִיָּ֣ה

H6723

a dry

aridity; concretely, a desert

וַעֲרָבָ֑ה

H6160

and a wilderness

a desert; especially (with the article prefix) the (generally) sterile valley of the jordan and its continuation to the red sea

אֶ֗רֶץ

H776

a land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לֹֽא

H3808

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

יֵשֵׁ֤ב

H3427

dwelleth

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#10

בָּהֵ֖ן

H2004

thereby

they (only used when emphatic)

#11

כָּל

H3605

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

#12

אִ֔ישׁ

H376

wherein no man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#13

וְלֹֽא

H3808

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

#14

יַעֲבֹ֥ר

H5674

pass

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

#15

בָּהֵ֖ן

H2004

thereby

they (only used when emphatic)

#16

בֶּן

H1121

neither doth any son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#17

אָדָֽם׃

H120

of man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

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

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

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?

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