Jeremiah 8:6

Authorized King James Version

I hearkened and heard, but they spake not aright: no man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? every one turned to his course, as the horse rusheth into the battle.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הִקְשַׁ֤בְתִּי

H7181

I hearkened

to prick up the ears, i.e., hearken

וָֽאֶשְׁמָע֙

H8085

and heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

לוֹא

H3808

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

כֵ֣ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

יְדַבֵּ֔רוּ

H1696

but they spake not aright

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֵ֣ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

אִ֗ישׁ

H376

no man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

נִחָם֙

H5162

repented

properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo

עַל

H5921

him of

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

#10

רָ֣עָת֔וֹ

H7451

his wickedness

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

#11

לֵאמֹ֖ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

#12

מֶ֣ה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#13

עָשִׂ֑יתִי

H6213

What have I done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#14

כֻּלֹּ֗ה

H3605

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

#15

שָׁ֚ב

H7725

every one turned

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#16

בִּמְר֣צּוָתָ֔ם

H4794

to his course

a race (the act), whether the manner or the progress

#17

כְּס֥וּס

H5483

as the horse

a horse (as leaping)

#18

שׁוֹטֵ֖ף

H7857

rusheth

to gush; by implication, to inundate, cleanse; by analogy, to gallop, conquer

#19

בַּמִּלְחָמָֽה׃

H4421

into the battle

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

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

How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 8 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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