Jeremiah 8:16

Authorized King James Version

The snorting of his horses was heard from Dan: the whole land trembled at the sound of the neighing of his strong ones; for they are come, and have devoured the land, and all that is in it; the city, and those that dwell therein.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מִדָּ֤ן
from Dan
dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them
#2
נִשְׁמַע֙
was heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#3
נַחְרַ֣ת
The snorting
a snorting
#4
סוּסָ֗יו
of his horses
a horse (as leaping)
#5
מִקּוֹל֙
at the sound
a voice or sound
#6
מִצְהֲל֣וֹת
of the neighing
a whinnying (through impatience for battle or lust)
#7
אַבִּירָ֔יו
H47
of his strong ones
a valiant one
#8
רָעֲשָׁ֖ה
trembled
to undulate (as the earth, the sky, etc.; also a field of grain), particularly through fear; specifically, to spring (as a locust)
#9
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#10
אֶ֣רֶץ
the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#11
וַיָּב֗וֹאוּ
for they are come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#12
וַיֹּֽאכְלוּ֙
and have devoured
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#13
אֶ֣רֶץ
the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#14
וּמְלוֹאָ֔הּ
and all
fulness (literally or figuratively)
#15
עִ֖יר
that is in it the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#16
וְיֹ֥שְׁבֵי
and those that dwell
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#17
בָֽהּ׃
H0

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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