Jeremiah 51 3

Jeremiah 51:3 kjv

Against him that bendeth let the archer bend his bow, and against him that lifteth himself up in his brigandine: and spare ye not her young men; destroy ye utterly all her host.

Jeremiah 51:3 nkjv

Against her let the archer bend his bow, And lift himself up against her in his armor. Do not spare her young men; Utterly destroy all her army.

Jeremiah 51:3 niv

Let not the archer string his bow, nor let him put on his armor. Do not spare her young men; completely destroy her army.

Jeremiah 51:3 esv

Let not the archer bend his bow, and let him not stand up in his armor. Spare not her young men; devote to destruction all her army.

Jeremiah 51:3 nlt

Don't let the archers put on their armor
or draw their bows.
Don't spare even her best soldiers!
Let her army be completely destroyed.

Jeremiah 51 verses

Jeremiah 51 3 Meaning

This verse declares that Yahweh is taking action against Babylon. He will make his enemies drunk with the wine of his anger and use them as instruments of his judgment. The result will be the complete destruction and desolation of Babylon.

Jeremiah 51 3 Context

Jeremiah 51 is a prophetic oracle of judgment against Babylon. Following the extensive prophecies of doom against Babylon in Jeremiah chapters 50 and 51, this specific verse details the means and finality of its destruction. The chapter paints a picture of Babylon, a mighty world power that oppressed God's people, being utterly overthrown. The context is the looming fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians, fulfilling God's judgment on her wickedness and idolatry. The imagery of a cup of wrath is used throughout Scripture to represent God's judgment poured out on sinful nations and individuals.

Jeremiah 51 3 Word Analysis

• כִּי (ki): "for," "because." Introduces the reason or cause for the preceding or subsequent statement.
• בְּאֵמֶר (bə'emer): "by the saying of," "because of the word of." Connects the judgment to God's declaration.
• יְהוָה (YHWH): The personal covenant name of God, "LORD."
• אָכַל (kō'ōl): "to eat," "to consume," "to devour." Indicates complete destruction and ruin.
• הוּא (hū'): "he." Refers back to Yahweh, emphasizing his active role.
• אֵיבִים ('ēyvīm): "enemies." Those who oppose Yahweh and his people.
• מְשַׁכְּרָה (m'šakkərāh): "making drunk," "intoxicating." Implies a state of spiritual or physical stupor brought on by judgment.
• לִשְׁכּוֹת (liškoṯ): "to pour out," "to make drunk." Used to describe the action of intoxication.
• כּוֹס (kōs): "cup." Symbol of God's wrath and judgment.
• זַעַם (zaʿam): "wrath," "fury," "indignation." God's righteous anger against sin.
• לָחֲמֵדֵךְ (lāḥămēdēḵ): "that you may possess her," "that you may covet her." Referring to Babylon possessing nations.
• הַצּוֹרֵר (haṣṣorēr): "the adversary," "the enemy." Reinforces the idea of opposition.
• גּוֹיִם (gōyim): "nations," "peoples." The surrounding Gentile nations.
• וּבְזַעַם (ūvəzaʿam): "and with wrath." Adds to the intensity of the judgment.
• קָּטֹן (qaṭōn): "small," "little." Refers to lesser peoples.
• לְהַשְׁקוֹת (ləhašqōt): "to cause to drink," "to give to drink." The action of administering the cup of wrath.

Word Group Analysis

• "For by the word of the LORD, He is devoured, they who devour him": This phrase emphasizes that Babylon, which had devoured other nations (and God's people), will now be consumed by divine judgment, initiated by God's decree.
• "and he made them drunk with his anger": This highlights the incapacitating effect of God's wrath on those who opposed Him. They are metaphorically "drunk," unable to resist or discern.
• "that they might drink and be amazed": The incapacitation is twofold: to prevent resistance and to instill confusion and terror.
• "and to sleep a perpetual sleep": This signifies complete and irreversible destruction; Babylon will not recover from this judgment.

Jeremiah 51 3 Bonus Section

The imagery of a "cup of wrath" is a significant recurring theme in the Bible, symbolizing God's judgment being poured out upon sin. Jeremiah uses it powerfully here. This concept is further elaborated and echoed in the New Testament, notably in Revelation, where the "cup of the wine of God's fury" is mentioned in relation to Babylon (Rev 14:10, 18:6). This demonstrates the consistent theological understanding of God's response to entrenched wickedness and His ultimate sovereignty over the nations. The specific targeting of Babylon reflects God's commitment to His covenant people, even when they are under severe oppression. The idea of nations being "made drunk" by God's judgment also appears in passages like Psalm 75:8, reinforcing this thematic connection.

Jeremiah 51 3 Commentary

This verse succinctly states the reason and method of Babylon's impending destruction. God's spoken word (His decree and prophetic pronouncement) is the ultimate cause. Babylon, having acted like a predator consuming nations, will now be preyed upon by those God mobilizes, particularly the Medes and Persians. They will be made spiritually drunk with God's righteous anger, leaving them bewildered, powerless, and ultimately leading to their perpetual demise. This illustrates the principle that God will judge those who practice injustice and oppress His people, using other nations as instruments of His judgment when necessary. It is a powerful depiction of divine retribution against a wicked empire.