Jeremiah 7:33

Authorized King James Version

And the carcases of this people shall be meat for the fowls of the heaven, and for the beasts of the earth; and none shall fray them away.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְֽהָ֨יְתָ֜ה

H1961

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

נִבְלַ֨ת

H5038

And the carcases

a flabby thing, i.e., a carcase or carrion (human or bestial, often collectively); figuratively, an idol

הָעָ֤ם

H5971

of this people

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

הַזֶּה֙

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

לְמַֽאֲכָ֔ל

H3978

shall be meat

an eatable (including provender, flesh and fruit)

לְע֥וֹף

H5775

for the fowls

a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively

הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם

H8064

of the 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

וּלְבֶהֱמַ֣ת

H929

and for the beasts

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

הָאָ֑רֶץ

H776

of the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#10

וְאֵ֖ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#11

מַחֲרִֽיד׃

H2729

and none shall fray them away

to shudder with terror; hence, to fear; also to hasten (with anxiety)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 7 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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