Jeremiah 9:15

Authorized King James Version

Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will feed them, even this people, with wormwood, and give them water of gall to drink.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לָכֵ֗ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#2
כֹּֽה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#3
אָמַ֞ר
Therefore thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
יְהוָ֤ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
צְבָאוֹת֙
of hosts
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#6
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
the God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#7
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#8
הִנְנִ֧י
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#9
מַאֲכִילָ֛ם
Behold I will feed
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#10
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
הָעָ֥ם
them even this people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#12
הַזֶּ֖ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#13
לַֽעֲנָ֑ה
with wormwood
wormwood (regarded as poisonous, and therefore accursed)
#14
וְהִשְׁקִיתִ֖ים
to drink
to quaff, i.e., (causatively) to irrigate or furnish a potion to
#15
מֵי
and give them water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#16
רֹֽאשׁ׃
of gall
a poisonous plant, probably the poppy (from its conspicuous head); generally poison (even of serpents)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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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