Jeremiah 50:13

Authorized King James Version

Because of the wrath of the LORD it shall not be inhabited, but it shall be wholly desolate: every one that goeth by Babylon shall be astonished, and hiss at all her plagues.

Word-by-Word Analysis

מִקֶּ֤צֶף

H7110

Because of the wrath

a splinter (as chipped off)

יְהוָה֙

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תֵשֵׁ֔ב

H3427

it shall not be inhabited

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

וְהָיְתָ֥ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

שְׁמָמָ֖ה

H8077

but it shall be wholly desolate

devastation; figuratively, astonishment

כֻּלָּ֑הּ

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

כֹּ֚ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֹבֵ֣ר

H5674

every one that goeth

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

#10

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#11

בָּבֶ֔ל

H894

by Babylon

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

#12

יִשֹּׁ֥ם

H8074

shall be astonished

to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)

#13

וְיִשְׁרֹ֖ק

H8319

and hiss

properly, to be shrill, i.e., to whistle or hiss (as a call or in scorn)

#14

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#15

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#16

מַכּוֹתֶֽיהָ׃

H4347

at all her plagues

a blow (in 2 chronicles 2:10, of the flail); by implication, a wound; figuratively, carnage, also pestilence

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Jeremiah.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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