Jeremiah 6:26

Authorized King James Version

O daughter of my people, gird thee with sackcloth, and wallow thyself in ashes: make thee mourning, as for an only son, most bitter lamentation: for the spoiler shall suddenly come upon us.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בַּת
O daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#2
עַמִּ֤י
of my people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#3
חִגְרִי
gird
to gird on (as a belt, armor, etc.)
#4
שָׂק֙
thee with sackcloth
properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e., coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in mourning and for bagging); hence, a bag (for grai
#5
וְהִתְפַּלְּשִׁ֣י
and wallow
to roll (in dust)
#6
בָאֵ֔פֶר
thyself in ashes
ashes
#7
אֵ֤בֶל
H60
thee mourning
lamentation
#8
יָחִיד֙
as for an only son
properly, united, i.e., sole; by implication, beloved; also lonely; (feminine) the life (as not to be replaced)
#9
עֲשִׂ֣י
make
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#10
לָ֔ךְ
H0
#11
מִסְפַּ֖ד
lamentation
a lamentation
#12
תַּמְרוּרִ֑ים
most bitter
bitterness (plural as collective)
#13
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#14
פִתְאֹ֔ם
shall suddenly
instantly
#15
יָבֹ֥א
come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#16
הַשֹּׁדֵ֖ד
for the spoiler
properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage
#17
עָלֵֽינוּ׃
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing covenant community contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People