Jeremiah 9:11

Authorized King James Version

And I will make Jerusalem heaps, and a den of dragons; and I will make the cities of Judah desolate, without an inhabitant.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֶתֵּ֥ן

H5414

And I will make

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְרוּשָׁלִַ֛ם

H3389

Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

לְגַלִּ֖ים

H1530

heaps

something rolled, i.e., a heap of stone or dung (plural ruins), by analogy, a spring of water (plural waves)

מְע֣וֹן

H4583

and a den

an abode, of god (the tabernacle or the temple), men (their home) or animals (their lair); hence, a retreat (asylum)

תַּנִּ֑ים

H8577

of dragons

a marine or land monster, i.e., sea-serpent or jackal

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עָרֵ֧י

H5892

the cities

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

יְהוּדָ֛ה

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

#10

אֶתֵּ֥ן

H5414

And I will make

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#11

שְׁמָמָ֖ה

H8077

desolate

devastation; figuratively, astonishment

#12

מִבְּלִ֖י

H1097

properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc

#13

יוֹשֵֽׁב׃

H3427

without an inhabitant

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

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 divine revelation 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

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 9 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Jeremiah