40 The compound conjunction כִּי אִם (ki ’im) functions to limit the preceding clause: “unless, or …” (e.g., Ruth 3:18; Isa 65:6; Amos 3:7) ( 474 2.a): “Bring us back to yourself … unless you have utterly rejected us” (as in the present translation) or “Bring us back to yourself … Or have you utterly rejected us?” It is Jeremiah’s plea that the Lord be willing to relent of his anger and restore a repentant nation to himself; however, Jeremiah acknowledges that this wished-for restoration might not be possible if the Lord has become so angry with Jerusalem/Judah that he is determined to reject the nation once and for all. Then, Jerusalem/Judah’s restoration would be impossible.
41 Heb “Or have you utterly rejected us?” The construction מָאֹס מְאַסְתָּנוּ (ma’os mé’astanu), Qal infinitive absolute + Qal perfect 2nd person masculine singular from מָאַס (ma’as, “to reject”) is emphatic: the root מָאַס (ma’as) is repeated in these two verbal forms for emphasis.
42 Heb “Are you exceedingly angry with us?” The construction עַד־מְאֹד (’ad-mé’od) means “up to an abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly” (e.g., Gen 27:33, 34; 1 Sam 11:15; 25:36; 2 Sam 2:17; 1 Kgs 1:4; Pss 38:7, 9; 119:8, 43, 51, 107; Isa 64:9, 12; Lam 5:22; Dan 8:8; 11:25). Used in reference to God’s judgment, this phrase denotes total and irrevocable rejection by God and his refusal to forgive the sin and restore the people to a status under his grace and blessings, e.g., “Do not be angry beyond measure (עַד־מְאֹד, ’ad-mé’od), O Lord; do not remember our sins forever” (Isa 64:9) and “Will you keep silent and punish us beyond measure (עַד־מְאֹד, ’ad-mé’od)?” (Isa 64:12). The sentiment is expressed well in , “Or have you rejected us forever? Is there no limit to your anger?” and , “Or do you despise us so much that you don’t want us?”