Jeremiah 50:14 kjv
Put yourselves in array against Babylon round about: all ye that bend the bow, shoot at her, spare no arrows: for she hath sinned against the LORD.
Jeremiah 50:14 nkjv
"Put yourselves in array against Babylon all around, All you who bend the bow; Shoot at her, spare no arrows, For she has sinned against the LORD.
Jeremiah 50:14 niv
"Take up your positions around Babylon, all you who draw the bow. Shoot at her! Spare no arrows, for she has sinned against the LORD.
Jeremiah 50:14 esv
Set yourselves in array against Babylon all around, all you who bend the bow; shoot at her, spare no arrows, for she has sinned against the LORD.
Jeremiah 50:14 nlt
"Yes, prepare to attack Babylon,
all you surrounding nations.
Let your archers shoot at her; spare no arrows.
For she has sinned against the LORD.
Jeremiah 50 14 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Jer 50:14 | "Behave yourselves in array against Babylon round about: all ye that bend the bow, shoot at her, spare no arrows: for she hath sinned against the LORD." | Jeremiah 50:14 (The LORD's command) |
| Isa 13:3-5 | "I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones for mine anger, even them that rejoice in my highness. The noise of a multitude in the mountains, like as of a great people; a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together: the LORD of hosts mustereth the host of the battle. They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, even the LORD, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land." | Isaiah 13:3-5 (Judgment on Babylon) |
| Jer 51:3 | "Against him that bendeth let the archer bend his bow, and against him that is lifted up in his armour: and spare ye not her young men; destroy ye utterly all her host." | Jeremiah 51:3 (Similar command) |
| Rev 18:6 | "Render unto her as she hath rendered unto you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double." | Revelation 18:6 (Divine retribution) |
| Ps 137:8 | "O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us." | Psalm 137:8 (Cry for vengeance) |
| Nah 3:1 | "Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city!" | Nahum 3:1 (Woes against oppressors) |
| Zech 1:15 | "And I am very sore displeased with the heathen that are at ease: for I was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction." | Zechariah 1:15 (God's displeasure) |
| Gen 12:3 | "And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed." | Genesis 12:3 (Covenant promise) |
| Eze 25:12 | "Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because Edom hath dealt against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and hath greatly offended, and revenged himself upon them;" | Ezekiel 25:12 (Judgment on Edom) |
| Obad 1:15 | "For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head." | Obadiah 1:15 (Day of the Lord) |
| Ps 94:1-2 | "O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself. Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud." | Psalm 94:1-2 (God's vengeance) |
| Jer 50:17 | "Israel is a scattered sheep; the lions have driven him away: first the king of Assyria hath devoured him, and last this Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon hath broken his bones." | Jeremiah 50:17 (Israel's suffering) |
| Rom 12:19 | "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." | Romans 12:19 (No self-revenge) |
| Heb 10:30 | "For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people." | Hebrews 10:30 (God's judgment) |
| Jer 27:7 | "And all nations shall serve him, and his son, and his son's son, until the time of his own land come: and then many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of him." | Jeremiah 27:7 (Nations serve Babylon) |
| Ps 37:2 | "For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb." | Psalm 37:2 (Transience of wicked) |
| Rev 17:4 | "And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, and had a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:" | Revelation 17:4 (Imagery of Babylon) |
| Jer 51:1 | "Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will raise up against Babylon, and against them that dwell in the midst of them that rise up against me, a destroying wind;" | Jeremiah 51:1 (God raises destroyer) |
| Joel 3:4 | "Yea, and what have ye to do with me, O Tyre, and Sidon, and all the coasts of Palestine? will ye render me a recompence? and if ye recompense me, swiftly and speedily will I return your recompence upon your own head;" | Joel 3:4 (Recompense) |
| Eze 35:15 | "As thou didst rejoice at the inheritance of the house of Israel, because it was desolate, so will I do unto thee; thou shalt be desolate, O mount Seir, and all Idumea, even all of it: and they shall know that I am the LORD." | Ezekiel 35:15 (Joy in desolation) |
Jeremiah 50 verses
Jeremiah 50 14 Meaning
This verse declares that a punishment awaits those who oppress Israel, and recompense will be made to them for their actions. God will repay those who have wronged His people.
Jeremiah 50 14 Context
Jeremiah 50 is part of a larger prophetic oracle concerning the fall of Babylon. Babylon was a mighty empire that had conquered Jerusalem and exiled many Israelites, acting as an instrument of God's judgment for Israel's sins. However, Babylon itself became arrogant and cruel, oppressing the nations and especially God's people. The prophet Jeremiah delivers messages of judgment not only against Babylon for its own wickedness but also against other nations that afflicted Israel. This particular verse, Jeremiah 50:14, is a direct command from God to the forces who will be instruments of Babylon's destruction, urging them to actively fight against the city. It emphasizes that Babylon has sinned greatly against the Lord and therefore deserves divine retribution. The context sets up the ultimate judgment of God upon those who oppose His will and oppress His chosen people.
Jeremiah 50 14 Word Analysis
- "Behave yourselves in array": This phrase signifies preparing for battle, assembling troops in an organized manner. The Hebrew word used implies preparation and setting oneself in order. It’s a call to disciplined military action.
- "against Babylon round about": This indicates a comprehensive attack, surrounding the city from all sides, leaving no escape. The "round about" emphasizes a complete encirclement, leaving the enemy vulnerable.
- "all ye that bend the bow": This refers to archers, a primary fighting force in ancient warfare. It highlights the specific types of military units that God is mobilizing. The bow was a significant weapon, and bending it signifies readiness to shoot.
- "shoot at her": A direct command to unleash their projectiles, their arrows, towards the city. It's an action of attack and aggression.
- "spare no arrows": This emphasizes a relentless and complete attack. There should be no holding back; every available resource of weaponry should be utilized until the enemy is vanquished. It signifies a full commitment to the task of destruction.
- "for she hath sinned against the LORD": This is the crucial justification for the attack. Babylon's downfall is not arbitrary but a direct consequence of its sinfulness, particularly its transgressions against the Lord God. This connects the military action to divine justice. The Hebrew word for "sinned" here denotes missing the mark or rebelling against God's will.
Word Group Analysis:
- "bend the bow, shoot at her, spare no arrows": This group of phrases collectively describes the totality and ferocity of the planned military assault. It moves from the act of preparation (bending the bow) to the execution of the attack (shoot at her) and the intensity of the assault (spare no arrows). This vivid imagery paints a picture of a complete and overwhelming offensive.
- "she hath sinned against the LORD": This phrase serves as the foundational reason and divine mandate for the preceding military directives. It frames the conflict not merely as a human war but as an act of divine judgment enacted through human agents.
Jeremiah 50 14 Bonus Section
The reference to archers ("all ye that bend the bow") is significant. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, archers were crucial, and proficiency with the bow was highly valued. The image of "bending the bow" and shooting arrows without restraint portrays an unstoppable and complete military action. This verse also stands in parallel with similar pronouncements against other nations that oppressed Israel, such as Edom (Ezekiel 35:15, Obadiah 1:15) and Tyre and Sidon (Joel 3:4). The concept of God raising up nations to enact judgment, even using "wind" (Jeremiah 51:1) or calling specific peoples like the Medes, is a recurring theme. The retribution promised to Babylon echoes the judgment faced by other great imperial powers that oppressed God's people throughout history and serves as a universal principle of divine accountability. The "sin" against the Lord refers to their idolatry, their pride, and their cruelty towards His people, highlighting that their actions were not just political or military but spiritual transgressions against God Himself.
Jeremiah 50 14 Commentary
Jeremiah 50:14 is a potent declaration of divine justice. God commands His chosen instruments – specifically the Medes and Persians in historical context, but representatively all who would act against oppressive powers – to wage total war against Babylon. The directive is unequivocal: "spare no arrows." This isn't just about victory; it's about the thorough execution of God's judgment against a nation that has not only inflicted suffering on His people but has fundamentally rebelled against Him. The verse highlights that national pride and military might are no defense when the perpetrator has defied the Creator. It serves as a solemn reminder that all actions have eternal consequences, and the Lord of hosts is the ultimate arbiter of justice, ensuring that wickedness will ultimately be judged and recompensed.
- Practical Usage: When facing overwhelming opposition or injustice, remembering that God is the ultimate judge and will bring recompense can provide solace and strength. It encourages reliance on His justice rather than personal vengeance.