Jeremiah 50 40

Jeremiah 50:40 kjv

As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbour cities thereof, saith the LORD; so shall no man abide there, neither shall any son of man dwell therein.

Jeremiah 50:40 nkjv

As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah And their neighbors," says the LORD, "So no one shall reside there, Nor son of man dwell in it.

Jeremiah 50:40 niv

As I overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah along with their neighboring towns," declares the LORD, "so no one will live there; no people will dwell in it.

Jeremiah 50:40 esv

As when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring cities, declares the LORD, so no man shall dwell there, and no son of man shall sojourn in her.

Jeremiah 50:40 nlt

I will destroy it as I destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah
and their neighboring towns," says the LORD.
"No one will live there;
no one will inhabit it.

Jeremiah 50 verses

Jeremiah 50 40 Meaning

This verse describes the complete destruction and desolation of Babylon, signifying its absolute ruin and obliteration. It states that the city will become a place of desolate wild animals and not be inhabited by any person.

Jeremiah 50 40 Context

Jeremiah 50 is part of a larger prophecy concerning Babylon. This chapter and the following one detail God's judgment against Babylon for its pride and cruelty towards His people, Israel. Specifically, Jeremiah 50:40 falls at the end of a section that culminates in a powerful declaration of Babylon's complete annihilation. The prophecy was delivered during a time when Babylon was a rising imperial power, having already conquered the northern kingdom of Israel and eventually taking the southern kingdom of Judah captive, including Jerusalem. The people of Judah would have understood this prophecy as a future reversal of fortunes and a divine assurance of justice against their oppressor.

Jeremiah 50 40 Word Analysis

• Hebrew: " Vehay'ta" (וְהָיְתָה - ve-ha-yə-ṯâ)

  • Word-by-word: "And it will be"
  • Analysis: The conjunction "and" (ve) connects this verse directly to the preceding pronouncements, emphasizing the consequential nature of Babylon's judgment. The verb "to be" (hay'ta) in the imperfect form indicates a future state, a prophetic declaration of what will happen to Babylon. It speaks of a transformation of its current status.
  • Significance: This verb conveys a definitive future condition resulting from divine action.

• Hebrew: " Bethulah" (בְּתוּלָה - bə-ṯû-lâ)

  • Word-by-word: "virgin"
  • Analysis: The word "virgin" is used metaphorically here. In ancient Near Eastern thought, a virgin symbolized purity, youth, and often, untouched beauty. However, its usage in prophetic literature can also denote a state of singular focus or potential for alliance. Its application to Babylon signifies a devastating loss of its former glory and unblemished reputation, akin to a once-undefiled entity now utterly defiled and broken.
  • Significance: It contrasts the city's past splendor with its future degradation.

• Hebrew: " Babhel" (בָּבֶל - Bā-ḇeḇel)

  • Word-by-word: "Babylon"
  • Analysis: Refers to the ancient Mesopotamian city and empire, known for its immense wealth, power, idolatry, and opposition to God's people. The name itself is often associated with confusion and scattering (from Hebrew balal - to confuse), reflecting the Tower of Babel incident (Gen 11:9).
  • Significance: Babylon is a symbol of worldly power opposed to God's kingdom.

• Hebrew: " Lebeşataret" (לְבִיעְצְבּוּר - lə-ḇi'-aṣ-ə-bûr)

  • Word-by-word: "a dwelling of beasts of the desert" / "dwelling of monsters"
  • Analysis: This phrase denotes utter desolation. "Lavi" (לָבִיא) is a wild lion, and "tsiyim" (צִיִּים) are creatures of the desert or desolate places. It suggests a complete return to a wild, untamed state, devoid of human civilization. The plural form implies a variety of wild creatures inhabiting the ruins.
  • Significance: Depicts a complete absence of human life and the reclaiming of the space by nature in its wildest form.

• Hebrew: " Vedrakonyim" (וְדְרְכּוֹנִים - wə-ḏər-kō-nîm)

  • Word-by-word: "and monsters" / "serpents"
  • Analysis: Refers to large reptiles, sea monsters, or serpents, often found in desolate, watery, or mythical contexts. In this context, it reinforces the theme of complete desolation and abandonment, evoking images of ancient chaos or primeval wildness taking over the once-magnificent city. Some scholars interpret "drakonyim" as potentially referring to jackals or other desert dwellers as well.
  • Significance: Intensifies the picture of ruin, indicating a habitat for fearsome and unnatural creatures.

• Hebrew: " Vemal'um" (וּמְלֹּאם - û-məl-ō-ʾam)

  • Word-by-word: "and a fullness" / "and a multitude"
  • Analysis: This word emphasizes the abundance or fullness of these wild inhabitants. It suggests that not just a few, but a significant quantity and variety of wild beasts and monsters will occupy the desolate space, underscoring the thoroughness of its destruction and depopulation.
  • Significance: Highlights the complete takeover by wild elements.

• Hebrew: " Zifafuyim" (צִפְצֵר־ - ṣif-ṣîr)

  • Word-by-word: "for their inhabiting" / "filling" / "to dwell"
  • Analysis: The root often relates to chirping or nesting. It signifies the intended purpose or dwelling of these creatures in the ruins. It's about what these creatures will be doing there—occupying it, nesting, and filling the space as their permanent residence.
  • Significance: Indicates the complete usurpation of the city by wildlife.

• Hebrew: " Vehayu" (וְהָי֫וּ - wə-hā-yû)

  • Word-by-word: "and they will be"
  • Analysis: Another future tense verb indicating a continuous state. This reinforces that the desolation will be a lasting condition.
  • Significance: Emphasizes the perpetuity of the ruin.

• Hebrew: " Vehaya" (וְהָיָה - wə-hā-yâ)

  • Word-by-word: "and it will be"
  • Analysis: Similar to the first verb in the verse, further cementing the outcome.
  • Significance: Repetition for emphasis on finality.

• Hebrew: " Leșammah" (לְשַׁמָּה - lə-šām-mâ)

  • Word-by-word: "a desolation" / "astonishment"
  • Analysis: "Shammah" signifies ruin, desolation, and the resulting state of being an object of astonishment or horror. This describes the ultimate condition of Babylon.
  • Significance: This noun encapsulates the totality of the judgment.

• Hebrew: " Vesharek" (וְשָׁרִיק - wə-šā-rîq)

  • Word-by-word: "and will hiss" / "to whistle"
  • Analysis: The verb "sharaq" (שָׁרַק) means to hiss or whistle, often done in contempt or in mockery, or by serpents. It indicates that passersby will witness this desolation and react with astonished hissing or the sound of serpents within the ruins themselves. It portrays the uncanny soundscape of abandonment.
  • Significance: This word personifies the desolation through an evocative sound, conveying bewilderment and derision.

• Hebrew: " Beli" (בְּלִי - bə-lî)

  • Word-by-word: "without" / "none"
  • Analysis: A strong negation. It asserts the complete absence of human presence.
  • Significance: Denotes absolute emptiness.

• Hebrew: " Yashib" (יוֹשֵׁב - yō-šêḇ)

  • Word-by-word: "inhabitant" / "dweller"
  • Analysis: From the root "yashav" (יָשַׁב), meaning to sit, dwell, or settle. It refers to any person who would reside in the city.
  • Significance: Explicitly states the cessation of human dwelling.

• Words Group Analysis:

  • "Bêt lebi'etsbur vedrakonyim u'mele'um Tsif'tsir" (a dwelling of beasts of the desert and monsters, and a multitude filling their habitation): This entire phrase paints a vivid picture of a thoroughly ruined and abandoned urban center. It's not just empty; it's actively inhabited by wild and fearsome creatures, suggesting a return to a primordial, untamed state.
  • "Vehaya leshammah vesharik" (and it will be a desolation, and he that passes by will hiss): This combination of nouns and verbs emphasizes not only the physical state of ruin but also the human reaction to it. The "hissing" can be interpreted as amazement, disbelief, or even scorn directed at the fallen grandeur, underscoring the total downfall of what was once mighty.

Jeremiah 50 40 Bonus Section

The prophecy against Babylon in Jeremiah 50 and 51 is exceptionally detailed and carries immense theological weight. This specific verse, 50:40, is crucial as it encapsulates the culmination of God's judgment. The repetition of future-tense verbs ("will be," "will be," "will inhabit," "will be") underscores the certainty of this divine verdict. The mention of "virgin Babylon" is particularly striking, likely highlighting the city's once proud, untouched glory before its judgment, contrasting sharply with its future state of utter defilement and abandonment. This serves to amplify the magnitude of its fall. Scholars note the consistent prophetic pattern of reducing great human empires to desolation in the biblical text, seen also in prophecies against cities like Tyre (Ezekiel 26) and Nineveh (Zephaniah 2). The symbolism of Babylon as a habitation for "monsters" or "dragons" (drakonyim) could also hint at demonic influence or chaotic forces reclaiming the site, reflecting its association with spiritual darkness and rebellion against God.

Jeremiah 50 40 Commentary

Jeremiah 50:40 paints a stark picture of complete divine judgment upon Babylon. It declares that Babylon, once a magnificent and powerful imperial capital, will be so thoroughly destroyed and depopulated that its ruins will become the habitat for wild beasts and terrifying desert creatures. The imagery moves beyond mere emptiness to a place of primeval wildness. Furthermore, the verse suggests that anyone witnessing this desolate state would react with astonished hissing, signifying the utter shock and contempt generated by such complete ruin. This prophecy is a testament to God’s ultimate sovereignty and His righteous judgment against nations that exalt themselves against Him and oppress His people. It serves as a potent warning about the transience of worldly power and the finality of God’s decrees against sin and rebellion. The utter absence of any human inhabitant underscores the complete and irreversible nature of Babylon's fall, a fate echoed symbolically in the New Testament’s description of spiritual Babylon.