Jeremiah 9:2

Authorized King James Version

Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them! for they be all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men.

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
יִתְּנֵ֣נִי
Oh that
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#3
בַמִּדְבָּ֗ר
I had in the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#4
מְלוֹן֙
a lodging place
a lodgment, i.e., caravanserai or encampment
#5
אֹֽרְחִ֔ים
of wayfaring men
to travel
#6
וְאֶֽעֶזְבָה֙
that I might leave
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
עַמִּ֔י
my people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#9
וְאֵלְכָ֖ה
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#10
מֵֽאִתָּ֑ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#12
כֻלָּם֙
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#13
מְנָ֣אֲפִ֔ים
from them! for they be all adulterers
to commit adultery; figuratively, to apostatize
#14
עֲצֶ֖רֶת
an assembly
an assembly, especially on a festival or holiday
#15
בֹּגְדִֽים׃
of treacherous men
to cover (with a garment); figuratively, to act covertly; by implication, to pillage

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of covenant community reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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