Jeremiah 51 35

Jeremiah 51:35 kjv

The violence done to me and to my flesh be upon Babylon, shall the inhabitant of Zion say; and my blood upon the inhabitants of Chaldea, shall Jerusalem say.

Jeremiah 51:35 nkjv

Let the violence done to me and my flesh be upon Babylon," The inhabitant of Zion will say; "And my blood be upon the inhabitants of Chaldea!" Jerusalem will say.

Jeremiah 51:35 niv

May the violence done to our flesh be on Babylon," say the inhabitants of Zion. "May our blood be on those who live in Babylonia," says Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 51:35 esv

The violence done to me and to my kinsmen be upon Babylon," let the inhabitant of Zion say. "My blood be upon the inhabitants of Chaldea," let Jerusalem say.

Jeremiah 51:35 nlt

Make Babylon suffer as she made us suffer,"
say the people of Zion.
"Make the people of Babylonia pay for spilling our blood,"
says Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 51 35 Cross References

VerseTextReference
Jeremiah 50:15Cry against her! She has wholly sinned; do to her as she has done.Judgment on Babylon
Jeremiah 51:24But I will repay Babylon and all who dwell in Chaldea all their evil.Retribution for evil
Isaiah 14:22I will rise up against them, declares the Lord of hosts.Against Babylon
Isaiah 47:1Come down and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon.Humiliation of Babylon
Psalm 137:8O daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, happy shall he beBlessing on retribution
Revelation 18:6Pay her back as she also has paid, and divine her double for her deedsDivine judgment on Babylon
Ezekiel 25:12Because Edom has acted vengefully against the house of Judah...Vengeance against enemies
Romans 12:19Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God.Vengeance belongs to God
Nahum 3:1Woe to the bloody city, all full of lies and plunder!Judgment on Nineveh
Psalm 105:16He struck their land with a plague of hail...God's acts of judgment
2 Samuel 22:26With the merciful you show yourself merciful...God's character
Psalm 7:16He makes a pit and digs it deep, and falls into theWickedness of oppressors
Psalm 94:23He will bring back upon them their own iniquity...Retribution on the wicked
Jeremiah 50:29Summon archers against Babylon; all who draw the bow...Judgment preparation
Jeremiah 51:11Make the arrows sharp, fill the quivers! Put brandsinstruments of judgment
Habakkuk 2:8Because you have despoiled many nations, all the remaining peoples shallJudgment for despoiling
Proverbs 16:4The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the dayGod's sovereignty
Zechariah 1:15I am only a little angry, but they have joined in the disaster.God's anger
Deuteronomy 32:35Vengeance is mine, and recompense...God's prerogative
Jeremiah 17:18May they be confounded... bring upon them the day of disaster...Prayer against enemies

Jeremiah 51 verses

Jeremiah 51 35 Meaning

The verse describes the vengeance of God against Babylon. It signifies that God will respond to the violence and bloodshed inflicted by Babylon on His people by causing the same to be done to Babylon. It also points to a restoration for Zion, implying that Zion will be avenged and the suffering it endured will be mirrored against its oppressors.

Jeremiah 51 35 Context

Jeremiah 51:35 is part of a larger prophetic oracle against Babylon in Jeremiah chapters 50-51. Babylon, a powerful empire, had conquered Judah, destroyed Jerusalem, and deported its people. This oracle describes God's judgment upon Babylon for its cruelty and pride, and it promises future restoration for Israel. The verse specifically highlights the concept of lex talionis, or "an eye for an eye," as the basis for God's retribution against Babylon for its violent actions against Zion.

Jeremiah 51 35 Word Analysis

  • “The violence”: This refers to the forceful and cruel actions of Babylon, particularly the bloodshed and destruction inflicted upon Jerusalem and its inhabitants.
  • “done to”: A phrase indicating that action will be taken against someone in response to what has been done.
  • “Zion”: Represents Jerusalem and, by extension, the people of God. It symbolizes God's covenant people who suffered greatly under Babylonian oppression.
  • “shall return”: Signifies the reversal of fortune and the act of retribution or consequence that will come upon Babylon.
  • “and your violence”: Explicitly links Babylon's oppressive actions to the impending judgment.
  • “upon your own head”: A figure of speech indicating that the consequences of one's actions will be borne by oneself.

Words-group analysis:

  • “The violence done to me shall return upon your own head”: This encapsulates the core theme of divine retribution, where the oppressors will suffer the same kind of suffering they inflicted.

Jeremiah 51 35 Bonus Section

The concept of divine retribution found in this verse resonates throughout Scripture. God’s justice is a fundamental attribute, and while He is merciful and patient, He is also a righteous judge who holds nations and individuals accountable for their actions, especially when they involve cruelty and injustice against His chosen people. The language used echoes the ancient Near Eastern concept of covenant curses and blessings, where faithfulness was rewarded and disobedience or aggression was punished. The verse highlights that God's judgment is not arbitrary but directly proportional to the sins committed.

Jeremiah 51 35 Commentary

This verse powerfully illustrates the principle of divine justice and retribution. God is depicted as a God who sees the suffering of His people and will not let the wicked go unpunished. The violence perpetrated against Zion is not forgotten, and a matching measure of destruction will befall Babylon. This isn't a call for human vengeance, but a declaration of God's sovereign hand in history, balancing the scales of justice and vindicating His people. The judgment on Babylon also serves as a warning to all who oppress God's people, showing that their actions will ultimately have severe consequences. The eventual restoration of Zion, implied by Babylon's downfall, points to God's faithfulness to His promises and His ultimate triumph over evil.