Jeremiah 50:39
Therefore the wild beasts of the desert with the wild beasts of the islands shall dwell there, and the owls shall dwell therein: and it shall be no more inhabited for ever; neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation.
Original Language Analysis
לָכֵ֗ן
H3651
לָכֵ֗ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 18
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
תֵשֵׁ֥ב
shall dwell
H3427
תֵשֵׁ֥ב
shall dwell
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
צִיִּים֙
Therefore the wild beasts of the desert
H6728
צִיִּים֙
Therefore the wild beasts of the desert
Strong's:
H6728
Word #:
3 of 18
a desert-dweller, i.e., nomad or wild beast
אֶת
H854
אֶת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
4 of 18
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
אִיִּ֔ים
with the wild beasts of the islands
H338
אִיִּ֔ים
with the wild beasts of the islands
Strong's:
H338
Word #:
5 of 18
a howler (used only in the plural), i.e., any solitary wild creature
תֵשֵׁ֥ב
shall dwell
H3427
תֵשֵׁ֥ב
shall dwell
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
6 of 18
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
בְּנ֣וֹת
there and the owls
H1323
בְּנ֣וֹת
there and the owls
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
8 of 18
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תֵשֵׁ֥ב
shall dwell
H3427
תֵשֵׁ֥ב
shall dwell
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
11 of 18
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
עוֹד֙
H5750
עוֹד֙
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
12 of 18
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
לָנֶ֔צַח
for ever
H5331
לָנֶ֔צַח
for ever
Strong's:
H5331
Word #:
13 of 18
properly, a goal, i.e., the bright object at a distance travelled towards; hence (figuratively), splendor, or (subjectively) truthfulness, or (objecti
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
14 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִשְׁכּ֖וֹן
neither shall it be dwelt
H7931
תִשְׁכּ֖וֹן
neither shall it be dwelt
Strong's:
H7931
Word #:
15 of 18
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
16 of 18
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
Cross References
Revelation 18:2And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.Jeremiah 25:12And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, that I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the LORD, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations.
Historical Context
After Persian conquest, Babylon declined. Alexander the Great planned to restore it as his capital but died before accomplishing this (323 BC). Seleucid rulers founded Seleucia nearby, drawing population away. By medieval period, Babylon was abandoned ruins. Today it remains desolate—a testimony to fulfilled prophecy.
Questions for Reflection
- How do 'wild beasts' and 'owls' symbolize the reversal of civilization under God's judgment?
- What does Babylon's permanent desolation teach about the finality of divine sentences against rebellious powers?
- In what sense is 'prophetic forever' to be understood—as absolute or as hyperbolic emphasis on thoroughness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Therefore the wild beasts of the desert with the wild beasts of the islands shall dwell there (לָכֵן יֵשְׁבוּ צִיִּים אֶת־אִיִּים, lakhen yesh'vu tsiyyim et-iyyim)—Desert creatures and island/coastland beasts will inhabit Babylon's ruins. The tsiyyim and iyyim may be jackals, wild dogs, hyenas—scavengers that thrive in desolation. And the owls shall dwell therein (בְּנוֹת יַעֲנָה, b'not ya'anah)—ostriches or owls, symbols of desolate places (Isaiah 13:21-22, 34:13).
And it shall be no more inhabited for ever; neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation (וְלֹא־תֵשֵׁב עוֹד לָנֶצַח וְלֹא תִשְׁכּוֹן עַד־דּוֹר וָדוֹר, v'lo-teshev od lanetsach v'lo tishkon ad-dor vador)—Prophetic hyperbole emphasizing thorough desolation. While the site of Babylon was occupied intermittently in later periods, it never regained its former glory or population. The city that was 'glory of kingdoms' (Isaiah 13:19) became archaeological ruins—a fulfillment startling in its completeness.