Jeremiah 36:1-8, 21-23, 27-28 & 31:31-34
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36:1 IIn the fourthII yearIII of KingIV JehoiakimV
Notes on verse 36:1a
I {untranslated} = hayah. This is to be or become, to happen.
II “fourth” = rebii. From the same as arba (four); perhaps from raba (to make something square). This is fourth or square-shaped.
III “year” = shanah. From shana (to change, alter). This is a year, age, old. It can also mean yearly.
IV “King” = melek. From malak (to be or become king or queen, to rise to the throne, to be crowned; by implication, to take counsel). This is king or royal.
V “Jehoiakim” = Yehoyaqim. Related to {untranslated} in v36:1. From YHVH (proper name of the God of Israel; God, Lord; the self-existent or eternal one); {from havah (to become) or hayah (see note I above)} + qum (to arise, stand, accomplish, establish, abide; rising against, getting up after being sick or asleep, arising from one state to another, becoming powerful, or rising for action; standing in a figurative sense). This is Jehoiakim, which means “the Lord raises up” or “the Lord will set up.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Jehoiakim.html
sonVI of JosiahVII of Judah,VIII
Notes on verse 36:1b
VI “son” = ben. From banah (to build or obtain children). This is son, age, child. It is son in a literal or figurative sense.
VII “Josiah” = Yoshiyyah. Related to {untranslated} and “Jehoiakim” in v36:1. From Yah (the shortened form of the name of the God of Israel; God, Lord); {from YHVH (see note V above) + asheyah (buttress, pillar) OR ashuyah (foundation); {related to asheyah (see above)} + Yah (see above) OR from yaash (to be desperate, be of no use, be hopeless) + Yah (see above) OR from ashah (to support) + Yah (see above) OR from ishshah (woman, wife, female); {from ish (man); perhaps from enosh (human, humankind, mortal); from anash (to be weak, sick, or frail)} + Yah (see above) OR from ishsheh (offering by fire, burnt offering; can be any sacrifice); {from eshshah (a fire); from esh (fire, burning, flaming, hot; fire in a literal or figurative sense)} + Yah (see above). This is Josiah, meaning “the Lord supports;” “despair of the Lord,” “support of the Lord,” “woman of the Lord,” “fire offering of the Lord,” “given of the Lord,” “the Lord heals,” “the one who the Lord heals,” or “fire made by the Lord.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Josiah.html
VIII “Judah” = Yehudah. Probably from yadah (to throw one’s hands into the air in a gesture of praise); from yad (hand). This is Judah, meaning “praised.”
this wordIX cameX to JeremiahXI from the Lord:XII, XIII
Notes on verse 36:1c
IX “word” = dabar. From dabar (to speak, declare, discuss). This is speech, a word, a matter, an affair, charge, command, message, promise, purpose, report, request. It is a word, which implies things that are spoken of in a wide sense.
X “came” = hayah. Same as {untranslated} in v36:1. See note I above.
XI “Jeremiah” = Yirmeyah. Related to {untranslated} and “Jehoiakim” and “Josiah” in v36:1. From the same as yirmeyah (Jeremiah, “the Lord loosens” or “the Lord will rise”); {from the same as remiyya (slack, idle, lazy, negligent) + Yah (see note VII). This is Jeremiah, meaning “the Lord loosens” or “the Lord will rise.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Jeremiah.html
XII “Lord” = YHVH. Related to {untranslated} and “Jehoiakim” and “Josiah” and “Jeremiah” in v36:1. See note V above.
XIII {untranslated} = amar. This is to speak, say, answer, command, promise, report.
2 TakeXIV a scrollXV and writeXVI on it allXVII the words that I have spokenXVIII to you
Notes on verse 36:2a
XIV “take” = laqach. This is to take, accept, carry away, receive. It can also have the sense of take a wife or take in marriage.
XV “scroll” = megillah + sepher. Megillah is From galal (to roll, roll away, wallow, commit, remove; rolling in a literal or figurative sense). This is scroll or volume. Sepher is perhaps from saphar (to tally or record something; to enumerate, recount, number, celebrate, or declare). This can be writing itself or something that is written like a document, book, letter, evidence, bill, scroll, or register.
XVI “write” = kathab. This is to inscribe, write, record, or decree.
XVII “all” = kol. From kalal (to complete). This is all or every.
XVIII “spoken” = dabar. Related to “word” in v36:1. See note IX above.
against IsraelXIX and Judah and all the nations,XX from the dayXXI I spoke to you, from the days of Josiah until today.XXII
Notes on verse 36:2b
XIX “Israel” = Yisrael. From sarah (to persist, exert oneself, contend, persevere, wrestle, prevail) + El (God or god). This is Israel, meaning God strives or one who strives with God; new name for Jacob and for his offspring. This refers to the people and to the land.
XX “nations” = goy. From the same root as gevah (the back, person, or body); related to gev (among); related to gaah (to rise up). This is nation or people. Often used to refer to Gentiles or foreign nations. It can also be used figuratively for a group of animals. This is where the Yiddish “goy” comes from.
XXI “day” = yom. Root may mean being hot. This is the day in a literal or figurative sense. It can also mean birth, age, daylight, continually or other references to time.
XXII “today” = yom + zeh. Literally, “this day.” Yom is the same as “day” in v36:2. See note XXI above.
3 It may beXXIII that, XXUV when the houseXXV of Judah hearsXXVI
Notes on verse 36:3a
XXIII “may be” = ulay. Perhaps from o (or). This is perhaps, if, or suppose.
XXIV “that” = maan. From anah (to answer, respond, announce, sing, shout, or testify; to pay attention, which implies responding and, by extension, starting to talk; singing, shouting, testifying, etc.). This is because of, occurring because of a motive or purpose.
XXV “house” = bayit. Related to “son” in v36:1. Probably from banah (see note VI above). This is house, court, family, palace, temple.
XXVI “hears” = shama. This is to hear, call, consent, or consider. It implies listening intelligently, giving attention, and, because of these two factors, obedience and action are often implied.
of all the disastersXXVII that I intendXXVIII to doXXIX to them,
Notes on verse 36:3b
XXVII “disasters” = ra’. From ra’a’ (to be evil, bad, afflict; properly, to spoil – to destroy by breaking into pieces; figuratively, to cause something to be worthless; this is bad in a physical, social, or moral sense; that which displeases, to do harm or mischief, to punish or vex). This is bad, disagreeable, that which causes pain, misery, something having little or no value, something that is ethically bad, wicked, injury, calamity. This refers to anything that is not what it ought to be – a natural disaster, a disfigurement, an injury, a sin.
XXVIII “intend” = chashab. This is properly to braid or interpenetrate. Literally it is to create or to wear. Figuratively, it can mean plotting – generally in a negative sense. More broadly, this can also mean think, consider, or make account of.
XXIX “do” = asah. This is to make, do, act, appoint, become in many senses.
allXXX of them may turnXXXI from their evilXXXII ways,XXXIII
Notes on verse 36:3c
XXX “all” = ish. Related to “Josiah” in v36:1. See note VII above.
XXXI “turn” = shub. To turn back, return, turn away – literally or figuratively. Doesn’t necessarily imply going back to where you started from. This is also the root verb for the Hebrew word for repentance “teshubah.”
XXXII “evil” = ra’. Same as “disasters” in v36:3. See note XXVII above.
XXXIII “ways” = derek. From darak (to tread, march, to walk. Can also mean affixing a string to a box since one needs to step on it to bend it in the process; so also an archer). This is a road as a thing that is walked on. Can be used figuratively for the path that one’s life takes or how one chooses to live one’s life.
so that I may forgiveXXXIV their iniquityXXXV and their sin.XXXVI
Notes on verse 36:3d
XXXIV “forgive” = salach. This is to forgive, pardon, spare.
XXXV “iniquity” = avon. Perhaps related to avah (to bend, twist, be amiss). This is sin, mischief, guilt, fault, punishment for iniquity, or moral evil.
XXXVI “sin” = chatta’ah. From chata’ (to miss or go wrong and so to sin, bear the blame; it can also include the sense of forfeiting or lacking). This is sin itself as well as punishment for sin. It is sometimes used specifically to refer to sin that is habitual.
4 Then Jeremiah calledXXXVII BaruchXXXVIII son of Neriah,XXXIX
Notes on verse 36:4a
XXXVII “called” = qara. This is to call or call out – to call someone by name. Also used more broadly for calling forth.
XXXVIII “Baruch” = Baruk. From barak (to kneel, bless; blessing God as part of worship and adoration; blessing humans to help them; can be used as a euphemism to say curse God). This is Baruk or Baruch, meaning “blessed.”
XXXIX “Neriah” = Neriyyah. Related to {untranslated} and “Jehoiakim” and “Josiah” and “Jeremiah” and “Lord” in v36:1. 10x in OT. From ner (properly, to glisten; a lamp, light, burner, candle; light literal or figurative) + Yah (see note VII above). This is Neriah, Neriyyah, or Neriyyahu, which means “lamp of the Lord” or “light of the Lord” or “the Lord is a lamp.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Neriah.html
and Baruch wrote on a scroll at Jeremiah’s dictationXL allXLI the words that the Lord had spoken to him. 5 And Jeremiah orderedXLII Baruch, saying,XLIII “I am preventedXLIV from enteringXLV the house of the Lord,
Notes on verses 36:4b-5
XL “dictation” = peh. This is mouth in a literal or figurative sense. So, more literally, it can be beak or jaws. More figuratively, it refers to speech, commands, or promises.
XLI “all” = kol. Same as “all” in v36:2. See note XVII above.
XLII “ordered” = tsavah. This is to charge, command, order, appoint, or enjoin. This is the root that the Hebrew word for “commandment” comes from (mitsvah).
XLIII “saying” = amar. Same as {untranslated} in v36:1. See note XIII above.
XLIV “prevented” = atsar + lo + yakol. Literally, “not able to keep.” Atsar is to inclose, restrain, keep, hold back, or prevail. It can also mean to maintain, rule, or gather together. Yakol is to be able, endure, overcome, prevail.
XLV “entering” = bo. This is to enter, come in, advance, fulfill, bring offerings, enter to worship, attack. It can also have a sexual connotation.
6 so you go,XLVI and on a fastXLVII day in the hearingXLVIII of the peopleXLIX in the Lord’s house you shall readL the words of the Lord
Notes on verse 36:6a
XLVI “go” = bo. Same as “entering” in v36:5. See note XLV above.
XLVII “fast” = tsom. From tsum (properly, covering one’s mouth; by extension, abstaining from food). This is fasting or a fast.
XLVIII “hearing” = ozen. This is ear, hearing, audience, show. Properly, it is broadness – applied to its ear in reference to its shape.
XLIX “people” = am. From amam (to darken, hide, associate; creating shadows by huddling together). This is people or nation. It can be used specifically for a tribe, collectively of troops or armies, or figuratively to refer to a flock of animals.
L “read” = qara. Same as “called” in v36:4. See note XXXVII above.
from the scrollLI that you have written at my dictation. You shall read them alsoLII in the hearing of allLIII the people of Judah who come upLIV from their towns.LV
Notes on verse 36:6b
LI “scroll” = megillah. Same as “scroll” in v36:2. See note XV above.
LII “also” = gam. This is also, moreover, again.
LIII “all” = kol. Same as “all” in v36:2. See note XVII above.
LIV “come up” = bo. Same as “entering” in v36:5. See note XLV above.
LV “towns” = iyr. From uwr (to awaken or wake oneself up). This can mean excitement in the sense of wakefulness or city. Properly, this is a place that is guarded. Guards kept schedules according to watches. This sense of the word would include cities as well as encampments or posts that were guarded.
7 It may be that their pleaLVI will comeLVII beforeLVIII the LordLIX
Notes on verse 36:7a
LVI “plea” = techinnah. From chanan (beseech, show favor, be gracious; properly, to bend in kindness to someone with less status). This is grace, favor, entreaty, mercy.
LVII “come” = naphal. This is to fall, whether by accident, to fall prostrate, or to fall in violent death. Figuratively, it can refer to personal ruin or calamity, a city falling, an attack or a falling away. It can also be a deep sleep or wasting away.
LVIII “before” = paneh. From panah (to turn, face, appear). This is face in a literal or figurative sense. It could be face, presence, anger, respect. It can also be used of God to indicate divine favor or presence.
LIX “Lord” = YHVH. Related to {untranslated} and “Jehoiakim” and “Josiah” and “Jeremiah” and “Lord” in v36:1 & “Neriah” in v36:4. See note XII above.
and that allLX of them will turn from their evil ways, for greatLXI is the angerLXII
Notes on verse 36:7b
LX “all” = ish. Same as “all” in v36:3. See note XXX above.
LXI “great” = gadol. From gadal (to grow up, become great, become wealthy – to advance. The root meaning may be to twist in the sense of the process of growing). This is great, high, bigger, noble, old, marvelous. It can also refer to someone who is powerful or distinguished.
LXII “anger” = aph. From anaph (to be angry; properly, breathing hard as a signifier of being enraged). This properly refers to the nose or nostril and by extension the face. It can specifically refer to anger or wrath as one breathes hard and nostrils flare in times of great anger.
and wrathLXIII that the LordLXIV has pronouncedLXV against this people.”
Notes on verse 36:7c
LXIII “wrath” = chemah. From yacham (to be hot, mate; figuratively, to conceive). This is heat – figuratively it can be anger or fury. It can also refer to poison or venom as they can cause fever.
LXIV “Lord” = YHVH. Same as “Lord” in v36:7. See note LIX above.
LXV “pronounced” = dabar. Same as “spoken” in v36:2. See note XVIII above.
8 And Baruch son of Neriah did allLXVI that the prophetLXVII Jeremiah ordered him about reading from the scrollLXVIII the words of the LordLXIX in the Lord’sLXX house.
Notes on verse 36:8
LXVI “all” = kol. Same as “all” in v36:2. See note XVII above.
LXVII “prophet” = nabi. This is prophet, prophecy, speaker, or someone inspired.
LXVIII “scroll” = sepher. Same as “scroll” in v36:2. See note XV above.
LXIX “Lord” = YHVH. Same as “Lord” in v36:1. See note XII above.
LXX “Lord’s” = YHVH. Same as “Lord” in v36:1. See note XII above.
21 Then the king sentLXXI JehudiLXXII to getLXXIII the scroll,LXXIV
Notes on verse 36:21a
LXXI “sent” = shalach. This is to send out, away, send for, forsake. It can also mean to divorce or set a slave free.
LXXII “Jehudi” = Yehudi. Related to “Judah” in v36:1. 4x in OT. From Yehudah (see note VIII above). This is Jew or Jewish – one descended from Judah.
LXXIII “get” = laqach. Same as “take” in v36:2. See note XIV above.
LXXIV “scroll” = megillah. Same as “scroll” in v36:2. See note XV above.
and he took it from the chamberLXXV of ElishamaLXXVI the secretary,LXXVII
Notes on verse 36:21b
LXXV “chamber” = lishkah. Perhaps related to nishkah (chamber, room, cell); from nashak (bite or sting as from a snake; figuratively, lending with interest). This is a room, hall, or cell.
LXXVI “Elishama” = Elishama. Related to “Israel” in v36:2 & to “hears” in v36:3. 17x in OT. From El (see note XIX above) + shama (see note XXVI above). This is Elishama, meaning “God has heard” or “God of hearing.”
LXXVII “secretary” = saphar. Related to “scroll” in v36:2. See note XV above.
and Jehudi read it in the hearing of the king andLXXVIII allLXXIX the officialsLXXX who stoodLXXXI beside the king.
Notes on verse 36:21c
LXXVIII {untranslated} = ozen. Same as “hearing” in v36:6. See note XLVIII above.
LXXIX “all” = kol. Same as “all” in v36:2. See note XVII above.
LXXX “officials” = sar. This is chief, leader, ruler, lord, official, governor, prince, military leader. It refers to someone at the top of a rank or class.
LXXXI “stood” = amad. This is to stand up in a literal or figurative sense. So it can be establish, continue, endure, take a stand, act, be a servant, stand still, remain, stand against an enemy.
22 Now the king was sittingLXXXII in his winterLXXXIII apartmentLXXXIV
Notes on verse 36:22a
LXXXII “sitting” = yashab. This is to sit and so to remain and so to dwell. It is sitting for any reason – as a judge, in order to ambush, or just sitting quietly. Causatively, this can mean settling or marrying. This can also mean continue, endure, or establish.
LXXXIII “winter” = choreph. 7x in OT. Perhaps from charaph (to expose and so figuratively to reproach, defame, carp at, defy). This is autumn, winter – the time of ripeness or harvest, the prime, youth.
LXXXIV “apartment” = bayit. Same as “house” in v36:3. See note XXV above.
(it was the ninthLXXXV month),LXXXVI and there was a fire burningLXXXVII in the brazierLXXXVIII beforeLXXXIX him.
Notes on verse 36:22b
LXXXV “ninth” = teshii. 18x in OT. From the same as tesha (nine, perhaps as looking to the next number associated with fullness – 10); perhaps from sha’ah (to gaze at, gaze around, regard – to look to, especially for help; to consider or be compassionate; to look at in amazement or while confounded). This is ninth.
LXXXVI “month” = chodesh. From chadash (to renew, repair). This refers to a new moon. It can also mean monthly.
LXXXVII “burning” = baar. This is to burn, consume, heat, remove. It can also be to consume by a fire or through eating, being brutish or wasting.
LXXXVIII “brazier” = ach. 3x in OT – all in Jeremiah 36. This is firepot, brazier, or hearth.
LXXXIX “before” = paneh. Same as ‘before” in v36:7. See note LVIII above.
23 XCAs Jehudi read threeXCI or fourXCII columns,XCIII
Notes on verse 36:23a
XC {untranslated} = hayah. Same as {untranslated} in v36:1. See note I above.
XCI “three” = shalosh. This is three, fork, three times.
XCII “four” = arba. Related to “fourth” in v36:1. See note II above.
XCIII “columns” = delet. From dalah (to draw, lift up; properly, to dangle; draw water; figuratively, to deliver). This is something that swings like a door, gate, leaf, lid, or other opening.
he would cut them offXCIV with a penknifeXCV and throwXCVI them into the fireXCVII in the brazier,
Notes on verse 36:23b
XCIV “cut…off” = qara. This is to tear or cut out in a literal or figurative sense. It can also be to revile or to apply eye make up – as though they are made to look larger.
XCV “penknife” = taar + saphar. Taar is 13x in OT. From arah (to be bare, empty, raze, uncover, discover, demolish). This is a razor, knife, sheath. Saphar is the same as “secretary” in v36:21. See note LXXVII above.
XCVI “throw” = shalak. This is to throw, fling, or hurl. It can also be to throw away in a literal or figurative sense.
XCVII “fire” = esh. Related to “Josiah” in v36:1. See note VII above.
until the entireXCVIII scrollXCIX was consumedC in the fireCI that was in the brazier.
Notes on verse 36:23c
XCVIII “entire” = kol. Same as “all” in v36:2. See note XVII above.
XCIX “scroll” = megillah. Same as “scroll” in v36:2. See note XV above.
C “consumed” = tamam. This is to finish or accomplish. It is to make perfect, demonstrate that you are upright, consume or cease. It is to complete in a literal or figurative sense, positive or negative.
CI “fire” = esh. Same as “fire” in v36:23. See note XCVII above.
27 Now afterCII the king had burnedCIII the scrollCIV with the words that Baruch wrote at Jeremiah’s dictation, the word of the LordCV cameCVI to Jeremiah:CVII
Notes on verse 36:27
CII “after” = achar. From achar (to remain behind, linger, continue, be behind, or delay; can also imply procrastination). This is after or the last part, following.
CIII “burned” = saraph. This is to burn or kindle. This is the root that “seraphim” comes from.
CIV “scroll” = megillah. Same as “scroll” in v36:2. See note XV above.
CV “Lord” = YHVH. Same as “Lord” in v36:1. See note XII above.
CVI “came” = hayah. Same as {untranslated} in v36:1. See note I above.
CVII {untranslated} = amar. Same as {untranslated} in v36:1. See note XIII above.
28 CVIIITake anotherCIX scrollCX and write on it allCXI the formerCXII words
Notes on verse 36:28a
CVIII {untranslated} = shub. Same as “turn” in v36:3. See note XXXI above.
CIX “another” = acher. Related to “after” in v36:27. From achar (see note CII above). This is following, next, strange, other.
CX “scroll” = megillah. Same as “scroll” in v36:2. See note XV above.
CXI “all” = kol. Same as “all” in v36:2. See note XVII above.
CXII “former” = rishon. From rishah (beginning or early time); from rosh (head, captain, or chief; excellent or the forefront; first in position or in statue or in time). This is first, former, ancestor, beginning, ranked first.
that wereCXIII in the firstCXIV scroll,CXV which King Jehoiakim of Judah has burned.CXVI
Notes on verse 36:28b
CXIII “were” = hayah. Same as {untranslated} in v36:1. See note I above.
CXIV “first” = rishon. Same as “former” in v36:28. Se note CXII above.
CXV “scroll” = megillah. Same as “scroll” in v36:2. See note XV above.
CXVI “burned” = saraph. Same as “burned” in v36:27. See note CIII above.
31:31 The days are surelyCXVII coming,CXVIII saysCXIX the Lord,CXX
Notes on verse 31:31a
CXVII “surely” = hinneh. From hen (lo! Behold! If, though; an expression of surprise). This is to draw attention, show suddenness or surprise, or to emphasize the importance of the coming statement. See! Lo! Behold!
CXVIII “coming” = bo. Same as “entering” in v36:5. See note XLV above.
CXIX “says” = neum. From na’am (to speak a prophecy; properly, to whisper, which implies saying an oracle). This is an utterance or speaking an oracle.
CXX “Lord” = YHVH. Same as “Lord” in v36:1. See note XII above.
when I will makeCXXI a newCXXII covenantCXXIII with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestorsCXXIV whenCXXV I tookCXXVI them
Notes on verses 31:31b-32a
CXXI “make” = karat. This is to cut down, cut off, or make a covenant (idiom for making a covenant is “to cut a covenant”). It can also mean to destroy, fail, or consume.
CXXII “new” = chadash. Related to “month” in v36:22. See note LXXXVI above.
CXXIII “covenant” = berit. Perhaps from barah (to eat, choose, make clear); perhaps from bar (grain, wheat); from barar (to select, purify, cleanse, test, brighten, polish). This is a compact, covenant, alliance, treaty, or league.
CXXIV “ancestors” = ab. This is father, chief, or ancestor. It is father in a literal or figurative sense.
CXXV “when” = yom. Literally, “in the day.” Yom is the same as “day” in v36:2. See note XXI above.
CXXVI “took” = chazaq. This is to strengthen, seize, be courageous, repair, bind, heal, conquer, harden.
by the handCXXVII to bringCXXVIII them out of the landCXXIX of EgyptCXXX—
Notes on verse 31:32b
CXXVII “hand” = yad. This is hand, ability, power. Hand in a literal sense, but also what one can do or the means by which one does it.
CXXVIII “bring” = yatsa. This is to go or come out, bring forth, appear. It is to go out in a literal or figurative sense.
CXXIX “land” = erets. Root may mean to be firm. This is earth, ground, field land, or country.
CXXX “Egypt” = Mitsrayim. Perhaps from matsor (besieged or fortified place, bulwark, entrenchment; something hemmed in; a siege or distress or fastness); from tsur (to confine, besiege, to cramp). This is Egypt.
a covenant that they broke,CXXXI though I was their husband,CXXXII saysCXXXIII the Lord.CXXXIV
Notes on verse 31:32c
CXXXI “broke” = parar. This is to break, defeat, frustrate, cast off, clean, cease.
CXXXII “husband” = baal. 15x in OT. From ba’al (to marry, have dominion, be master). This is lord, owner, ally, master, or archer, husband.
CXXXIII “says” = neum. Same as “says” in v31:31. See note CXIX above.
CXXXIV “Lord” = YHVH. Same as “Lord” in v36:1. See note XII above.
33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saysCXXXV the Lord:CXXXVI I will putCXXXVII my lawCXXXVIII
Notes on verse 31:33a
CXXXV “says” = neum. Same as “says” in v31:31. See note CXIX above.
CXXXVI “Lord” = YHVH. Same as “Lord” in v36:1. See note XII above.
CXXXVII “put” = natan. This is to give, put, set, offer. It is to give literally or figuratively.
CXXXVIII “law” = torah. From yarah (to throw, shoot, be stunned; to flow as water so figuratively to instruct or teach). This is law, instruction, teaching, or statute. It can also refer to the first five books of the Bible – the Torah.
withinCXXXIX them, and I will write it on their hearts,CXL and I will be their God,CXLI and they shall be my people.
Notes on verse 31:33b
CXXXIX “within” = qereb. Perhaps from qarab (to come near or approach). This is among, in the midst, before, the center It is the inward part, whether literal or figurative. It can also be used for the heart, the site of thoughts and feelings. This word is also used as a technical term for the entrails of the animals who are sacrificed.
CXL “hearts” = leb. From the same as lebab (the heart, courage, one’s inner self, the mind, the will; only used in a figurative sense in the Bible); may be related to labab (to encourage; properly, to be encased as with fat; used in a good sense, this means to transport someone with love; used in a bad sense, it can mean to dull one’s senses).. This is inner self, mind, will, feelings, the center.
CXLI “God” = Elohim. Related to “Israel” in v36:2 & “Elishama” in v36:21. See note XIX above.
34 No longerCXLII shall they teachCXLIII oneCXLIV anotherCXLV
Notes on verse 31:34a
CXLII “longer” = od. From ud (to admonish, repeat, duplicate, testify, restore, record, relieve). This is still, yet, again, more.
CXLIII “teach” = lamad. Properly, this refers to goading (using a pointed stick to guide or prod one’s flock). By implication, it means teaching or instructing.
CXLIV “one” = ish. Same as “all” in v36:3. See note XXX above.
CXLV “another” = rea. From raah (to associate with). This is the same as neighbor in Leviticus 19:18 “love your neighbor as yourself.” This is friend, companion, fellow, neighbor. It is someone with whom you associate, whether more or less close.
or sayCXLVI to eachCXLVII other,CXLVIII “KnowCXLIX the Lord,”CL
Notes on verse 31:34b
CXLVI “say” = amar. Same as {untranslated} in v36:1. See note XIII above.
CXLVII “each” = ish. Same as “all” in v36:3. See note XXX above.
CXLVIII “other” = ach. This is brother, kindred, another, other, like. It is literally brother, but it can also be someone who is similar, resembling, or related to.
CXLIX “know” = yada. This is to know, acknowledge, advise, answer, be aware, be acquainted with. Properly, this is to figure something out by seeing. It includes ideas of observation, recognition, and care about something. It can be used causatively for instruction, designation, and punishment.
CL “Lord” = YHVH. Same as “Lord” in v36:1. See note XII above.
for they shall allCLI know me, from the leastCLII of them to the greatest,CLIII saysCLIV the Lord,CLV for I will forgive their iniquity and rememberCLVI their sin no more.CLVII
Notes on verse 31:34c
CLI “all” = kol. Same as “all” in v36:2. See note XVII above.
CLII “least” = qatan. From quwt (grieved, cut off, to detest). This is least, small, young, little one. It is literally smaller whether in amount or size. Figuratively it is smaller in the sense of younger or less important.
CLIII “greatest” = gadol. Same as “great” in v36:7. See note LXI above.
CLIV “says” = neum. Same as “says” in v31:31. See note CXIX above.
CLV “Lord” = YHVH. Same as “Lord” in v36:1. See note XII above.
CLVI “remember” = zakar. This is to remember, to mark something so that it can be recalled, to be mindful of, to mention.
CLVII “more” = od. Same as “longer” in v31:34. See note CXLII above.
Image credit: “The Prophet Baruch” by Gustave Doré from “Doré’s English Bible,” 1866.