Jeremiah 6:21

Authorized King James Version

Therefore thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will lay stumblingblocks before this people, and the fathers and the sons together shall fall upon them; the neighbour and his friend shall perish.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לָכֵ֗ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#2
כֹּ֚ה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#3
אָמַ֣ר
Therefore thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
הִנְנִ֥י
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#6
נֹתֵ֛ן
Behold I will lay
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#7
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
הָעָ֥ם
before this people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#9
הַזֶּ֖ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#10
מִכְשֹׁלִ֑ים
stumblingblocks
a stumbling-block, literally or figuratively (obstacle, enticement (specifically an idol), scruple)
#11
וְכָ֣שְׁלוּ
shall fall
to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall
#12
בָ֠ם
H0
#13
אָב֨וֹת
H1
and the fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#14
וּבָנִ֥ים
and the sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#15
יַחְדָּ֛ו
together
properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly
#16
שָׁכֵ֥ן
upon them the neighbour
a resident; by extension, a fellow-citizen
#17
וְרֵע֖וֹ
and his friend
an associate (more or less close)
#18
יְאָבָֽדוּ׃
H6
shall perish
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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