Jeremiah 6:10

Authorized King James Version

To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the LORD is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#2
מִ֨י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#3
אֲדַבְּרָ֤ה
To whom shall I speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#4
וְאָעִ֙ידָה֙
and give warning
to duplicate or repeat; by implication, to protest, testify (as by reiteration); intensively, to encompass, restore (as a sort of reduplication)
#5
וְיִשְׁמָ֔עוּ
that they may hear
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#6
הִנֵּה֙
lo!
#7
עֲרֵלָ֣ה
is uncircumcised
properly, exposed, i.e., projecting loose (as to the prepuce); used only technically, uncircumcised (i.e., still having the prepuce uncurtailed)
#8
אָזְנָ֔ם
behold their ear
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
#9
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
יוּכְל֖וּ
and they cannot
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#11
לְהַקְשִׁ֑יב
hearken
to prick up the ears, i.e., hearken
#12
הִנֵּ֣ה
lo!
#13
דְבַר
behold the word
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#14
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#15
הָיָ֥ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#16
לָהֶ֛ם
H0
#17
לְחֶרְפָּ֖ה
is unto them a reproach
contumely, disgrace, the pudenda
#18
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#19
יַחְפְּצוּ
they have no delight
properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire
#20
בֽוֹ׃
H0

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

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