Jeremiah 9:22

Authorized King James Version

Speak, Thus saith the LORD, Even the carcases of men shall fall as dung upon the open field, and as the handful after the harvestman, and none shall gather them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
דַּבֵּ֗ר
Speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#2
כֹּ֚ה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#3
נְאֻם
Thus saith
an oracle
#4
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
וְנָֽפְלָה֙
shall fall
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#6
נִבְלַ֣ת
Even the carcases
a flabby thing, i.e., a carcase or carrion (human or bestial, often collectively); figuratively, an idol
#7
הָֽאָדָ֔ם
of men
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#8
כְּדֹ֖מֶן
as dung
manure
#9
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
פְּנֵ֣י
upon the open
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#11
הַשָּׂדֶ֑ה
field
a field (as flat)
#12
וּכְעָמִ֛יר
and as the handful
a bunch of grain
#13
מֵאַחֲרֵ֥י
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#14
הַקֹּצֵ֖ר
the harvestman
to dock off, i.e., curtail (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative); especially to harvest (grass or grain)
#15
וְאֵ֥ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#16
מְאַסֵּֽף׃
and none shall gather
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

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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