Jeremiah 8:14

Authorized King James Version

Why do we sit still? assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the defenced cities, and let us be silent there: for the LORD our God hath put us to silence, and given us water of gall to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#2
מָה֙
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#3
אֲנַ֣חְנוּ
we
#4
יֹֽשְׁבִ֔ים
Why do we sit still
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#5
הֵֽאָסְפ֗וּ
assemble
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
#6
וְנָב֛וֹא
yourselves and let us enter
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#7
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
עָרֵ֥י
cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#9
הַמִּבְצָ֖ר
into the defenced
a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender
#10
הֲדִמָּ֙נוּ֙
and let us be silent
to be dumb; by implication, to be astonished, to stop; also to perish
#11
שָּׁ֑ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#12
כִּי֩
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#13
לַיהוָֽה׃
against the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#14
אֱלֹהֵ֤ינוּ
our 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
#15
הֲדִמָּ֙נוּ֙
and let us be silent
to be dumb; by implication, to be astonished, to stop; also to perish
#16
וַיַּשְׁקֵ֣נוּ
to drink
to quaff, i.e., (causatively) to irrigate or furnish a potion to
#17
מֵי
and given us water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#18
רֹ֔אשׁ
of gall
a poisonous plant, probably the poppy (from its conspicuous head); generally poison (even of serpents)
#19
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#20
חָטָ֖אנוּ
because we have sinned
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
#21
לַיהוָֽה׃
against the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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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