Jeremiah 7:23

Authorized King James Version

But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִֽם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַדָּבָ֣ר

H1697

But this thing

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַ֠זֶּה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אֲצַוֶּ֣ה

H6680

commanded

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אוֹתָ֤ם

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לֵאמֹר֙

H559

I them saying

to say (used with great latitude)

שִׁמְע֣וּ

H8085

Obey

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#10

בְקוֹלִ֔י

H6963

my voice

a voice or sound

#11

וְהָיִ֤יתִי

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#12

לָכֶם֙

#13

לֵֽאלֹהִ֔ים

H430

and I will be your God

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

#14

וְאַתֶּ֖ם

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#15

תִּֽהְיוּ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#16

לִ֣י

#17

לְעָ֑ם

H5971

and ye shall be my people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#18

וַהֲלַכְתֶּ֗ם

H1980

and walk

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#19

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#20

הַדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙

H1870

ye in all the ways

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

#21

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#22

אֲצַוֶּ֣ה

H6680

commanded

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

#23

אֶתְכֶ֔ם

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#24

לְמַ֖עַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

#25

יִיטַ֥ב

H3190

you that it may be well

to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)

#26

לָכֶֽם׃

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

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

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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