Jeremiah 9:16

Authorized King James Version

I will scatter them also among the heathen, whom neither they nor their fathers have known: and I will send a sword after them, till I have consumed them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַהֲפִֽצוֹתִים֙
I will scatter
to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)
#2
בַּגּוֹיִ֔ם
them also among the heathen
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#3
אֲשֶׁר֙
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#4
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
יָֽדְע֔וּ
have known
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#6
הֵ֖מָּה
they (only used when emphatic)
#7
וַֽאֲבוֹתָ֑ם
H1
whom neither they nor their fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#8
וְשִׁלַּחְתִּ֤י
and I will send
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#9
אַֽחֲרֵיהֶם֙
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#10
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
הַחֶ֔רֶב
a sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#12
עַ֥ד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#13
כַּלּוֹתִ֖י
them till I have consumed
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
#14
אוֹתָֽם׃
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

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

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

Questions for Reflection

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