Jeremiah 7:18

Authorized King James Version

The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto other gods, that they may provoke me to anger.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הַבָּנִ֞ים
The children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#2
מְלַקְּטִ֣ים
gather
properly, to pick up, i.e., (generally) to gather; specifically, to glean
#3
עֵצִ֗ים
wood
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#4
וְהָֽאָבוֹת֙
H1
and the fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#5
מְבַעֲרִ֣ים
kindle
to be(-come) brutish
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
הָאֵ֔שׁ
the fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#8
וְהַנָּשִׁ֖ים
and the women
a woman
#9
לָשׁ֣וֹת
knead
to knead
#10
בָּצֵ֑ק
their dough
dough (as swelling by fermentation)
#11
לַעֲשׂ֨וֹת
to make
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#12
כַּוָּנִ֜ים
cakes
something prepared, i.e., a sacrificial wafer
#13
לִמְלֶ֣כֶת
to the queen
a queen
#14
הַשָּׁמַ֗יִם
of heaven
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
#15
וְהַסֵּ֤ךְ
and to pour out
to pour out, especially a libation, or to cast (metal); by analogy, to anoint a king
#16
נְסָכִים֙
drink offerings
a libation; also a cast idol
#17
לֵאלֹהִ֣ים
gods
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#18
אֲחֵרִ֔ים
unto other
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc
#19
לְמַ֖עַן
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
#20
הַכְעִסֵֽנִי׃
that they may provoke me to anger
to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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