Jeremiah 8:2

Authorized King James Version

And they shall spread them before the sun, and the moon, and all the host of heaven, whom they have loved, and whom they have served, and after whom they have walked, and whom they have sought, and whom they have worshipped: they shall not be gathered, nor be buried; they shall be for dung upon the face of the earth.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּשְׁטָחוּם֩

H7849

And they shall spread

to expand

לַשֶּׁ֨מֶשׁ

H8121

them before the sun

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

וְלַיָּרֵ֜חַ

H3394

and the moon

the moon

וּלְכֹ֣ל׀

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

צְבָ֣א

H6635

and all the host

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

הַשָּׁמַ֗יִם

H8064

of 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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אֲהֵב֜וּם

H157

whom they have loved

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

וַאֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#10

עֲבָדוּם֙

H5647

and whom they have served

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

#11

וַֽאֲשֶׁר֙

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#12

הָלְכ֣וּ

H1980

whom they have walked

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#13

אַֽחֲרֵיהֶ֔ם

H310

and after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

#14

וַאֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#15

דְּרָשׁ֔וּם

H1875

and whom they have sought

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

#16

וַאֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#17

הִֽשְׁתַּחֲו֖וּ

H7812

and whom they have worshipped

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

#18

לָהֶ֑ם

#19

לֹ֤א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#20

יֵאָֽסְפוּ֙

H622

they shall not be gathered

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

#21

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#22

יִקָּבֵ֔רוּ

H6912

nor be buried

to inter

#23

לְדֹ֛מֶן

H1828

they shall be for dung

manure

#24

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#25

פְּנֵ֥י

H6440

upon the face

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#26

הָאֲדָמָ֖ה

H127

of the earth

soil (from its general redness)

#27

יִֽהְיֽוּ׃

H1961

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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of love reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The emotional and relational language employed here is characteristic of biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, emphasizing the personal nature of divine-human relationship. The original language emphasizes agape in Greek contexts or hesed in Hebrew, indicating covenantal loyalty, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 8 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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