Jeremiah 6:23

Authorized King James Version

They shall lay hold on bow and spear; they are cruel, and have no mercy; their voice roareth like the sea; and they ride upon horses, set in array as men for war against thee, O daughter of Zion.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
קֶ֣שֶׁת
on bow
a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris
#2
וְכִיד֞וֹן
and spear
properly, something to strike with, i.e., a dart
#3
יַחֲזִ֗יקוּ
They shall lay hold
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#4
אַכְזָרִ֥י
they are cruel
terrible
#5
הוּא֙
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#6
וְלֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
יְרַחֵ֔מוּ
and have no mercy
to fondle; by implication, to love, especially to compassionate
#8
קוֹלָם֙
their voice
a voice or sound
#9
כַּיָּ֣ם
like the sea
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
#10
יֶהֱמֶ֔ה
roareth
to make a loud sound (like english 'hum'); by implication, to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor
#11
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
סוּסִ֖ים
upon horses
a horse (as leaping)
#13
יִרְכָּ֑בוּ
and they ride
to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
#14
עָר֗וּךְ
set in array
to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)
#15
כְּאִישׁ֙
as men
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)
#16
לַמִּלְחָמָ֔ה
for war
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
#17
עָלַ֖יִךְ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#18
בַּת
against thee O daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#19
צִיּֽוֹן׃
of Zion
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of mercy connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about mercy, 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 mercy. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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