Jeremiah 7:24

Authorized King James Version

But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְלֹ֤א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שָֽׁמְעוּ֙

H8085

But they hearkened

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

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הִטּ֣וּ

H5186

not nor inclined

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

אֶת

H853

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

אָזְנָ֔ם

H241

their ear

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

וַיֵּֽלְכוּ֙

H1980

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

בְּמֹ֣עֵצ֔וֹת

H4156

in the counsels

a purpose

בִּשְׁרִר֖וּת

H8307

and in the imagination

obstinacy

#10

לִבָּ֣ם

H3820

heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

#11

הָרָ֑ע

H7451

of their evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

#12

וַיִּהְי֥וּ

H1961

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

#13

לְאָח֖וֹר

H268

and went backward

the hinder part; hence (adverb) behind, backward; also (as facing north) the west

#14

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#15

לְפָנִֽים׃

H6440

and not forward

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 7 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

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

People

Jeremiah