Jeremiah 8:15

Authorized King James Version

We looked for peace, but no good came; and for a time of health, and behold trouble!

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
קַוֵּ֥ה
We looked
to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; (figuratively) to expect
#2
לְשָׁל֖וֹם
for peace
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
#3
וְאֵ֣ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#4
ט֑וֹב
but no good
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#5
לְעֵ֥ת
came and for a time
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
#6
מַרְפֵּ֖ה
of health
properly, curative, i.e., literally (concretely) a medicine, or (abstractly) a cure; figuratively (concretely) deliverance, or (abstractly) placidity
#7
וְהִנֵּ֥ה
lo!
#8
בְעָתָֽה׃
and behold trouble
fear

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 peace 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

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 peace. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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