Jeremiah 6:28

Authorized King James Version

They are all grievous revolters, walking with slanders: they are brass and iron; they are all corrupters.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כֻּלָּם֙
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
סָרֵ֣י
They are all grievous
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
#3
סֽוֹרְרִ֔ים
revolters
to turn away, i.e., (morally) be refractory
#4
הֹלְכֵ֥י
walking
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#5
רָכִ֖יל
with slanders
a scandal-monger (as travelling about)
#6
נְחֹ֣שֶׁת
they are brass
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
#7
וּבַרְזֶ֑ל
and iron
iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement
#8
כֻּלָּ֥ם
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
מַשְׁחִיתִ֖ים
they are all corrupters
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
#10
הֵֽמָּה׃
they (only used when emphatic)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

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