Jeremiah 9:3

Authorized King James Version

And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽיַּדְרְכ֤וּ
And they bend
to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
לְשׁוֹנָם֙
their tongues
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
#4
קַשְׁתָּ֣ם
like their bow
a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris
#5
שֶׁ֔קֶר
for lies
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
#6
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
לֶאֱמוּנָ֖ה
for the truth
literally firmness; figuratively security; morally fidelity
#8
גָּבְר֣וּ
but they are not valiant
to be strong; by implication, to prevail, act insolently
#9
בָאָ֑רֶץ
upon the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#10
כִּי֩
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
רָעָ֧ה׀
from evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#12
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#13
רָעָ֧ה׀
from evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#14
יָצָ֛אוּ
for they proceed
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#15
וְאֹתִ֥י
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#17
יָדָ֖עוּ
and they know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#18
נְאֻם
not me saith
an oracle
#19
יְהוָֽה׃
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 truth 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

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