Jeremiah 8:10

Authorized King James Version

Therefore will I give their wives unto others, and their fields to them that shall inherit them: for every one from the least even unto the greatest is given to covetousness, from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לָכֵן֩
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#2
אֶתֵּ֨ן
Therefore will I give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
נְשֵׁיהֶ֜ם
their wives
a woman
#5
לַאֲחֵרִ֗ים
unto others
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc
#6
שְׂדֽוֹתֵיהֶם֙
and their fields
a field (as flat)
#7
לְי֣וֹרְשִׁ֔ים
to them that shall inherit
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
#8
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
מִקָּטֹן֙
them for every one from the least
abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)
#10
וְעַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#11
גָּד֔וֹל
even unto the greatest
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#12
כֻּלֹּ֖ה
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#13
בֹּצֵ֣עַ
is given
to break off, i.e., (usually) plunder; figuratively, to finish, or (intransitively) stop
#14
בָּ֑צַע
to covetousness
plunder; by extension, gain (usually unjust)
#15
מִנָּבִיא֙
from the prophet
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#16
וְעַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#17
כֹּהֵ֔ן
even unto the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#18
כֻּלֹּ֖ה
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#19
עֹ֥שֶׂה
every one dealeth
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#20
שָּֽׁקֶר׃
falsely
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

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