Jeremiah 9:1

Authorized King James Version

Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מִֽי
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#2
יִתֵּ֤ן
Oh that
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#3
רֹאשִׁי֙
my head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#4
מַ֔יִם
were waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#5
וְעֵינִ֖י
and mine eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#6
מְק֣וֹר
a fountain
properly, something dug, i.e., a (general) source (of water, even when naturally flowing; also of tears, blood (by euphemism, of the female pudenda);
#7
דִּמְעָ֑ה
of tears
weeping
#8
וְאֶבְכֶּה֙
that I might weep
to weep; generally to bemoan
#9
יוֹמָ֣ם
day
daily
#10
וָלַ֔יְלָה
and night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#11
אֵ֖ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
חַֽלְלֵ֥י
for the slain
pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted
#13
בַת
of the daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#14
עַמִּֽי׃
of my people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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