Jeremiah 50:40
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.
Original Language Analysis
אֱלֹהִ֜ים
As God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֜ים
As God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 19
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שְׁכֵנֶ֖יהָ
and the neighbour
H7934
שְׁכֵנֶ֖יהָ
and the neighbour
Strong's:
H7934
Word #:
8 of 19
a resident; by extension, a fellow-citizen
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יֵשֵׁ֥ב
abide
H3427
יֵשֵׁ֥ב
abide
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
12 of 19
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
שָׁם֙
H8033
אִ֔ישׁ
so shall no man
H376
אִ֔ישׁ
so shall no man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
14 of 19
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
15 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָג֥וּר
dwell
H1481
יָג֥וּר
dwell
Strong's:
H1481
Word #:
16 of 19
properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);
Cross References
2 Peter 2:6And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;Jeremiah 49:18As in the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbour cities thereof, saith the LORD, no man shall abide there, neither shall a son of man dwell in it.Jude 1:7Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
Historical Context
Unlike Sodom's instant incineration, Babylon's 'overthrow' was gradual: military defeat (539 BC), political decline, economic collapse, population dispersion, eventual abandonment. Yet the end result matches: permanent desolation. God's 'overthrow' doesn't require a single moment; historical processes can execute divine sentences over centuries.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Scripture repeatedly invoke Sodom when describing ultimate judgment?
- How does God's method of 'overthrowing' differ between instant catastrophe (Sodom) and gradual decline (Babylon)?
- What hope exists for individuals within systems under divine judgment, and how does this inform Christian witness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbour cities thereof (כְּמַהְפֵּכַת אֱלֹהִים אֶת־סְדֹם וְאֶת־עֲמֹרָה, k'mahpekat Elohim et-Sedom v'et-Amorah)—The ultimate comparison: Babylon's judgment parallels Sodom's. The verb haphak (overthrow) is used exclusively for divine catastrophic judgment. This isn't natural decline but supernatural intervention. Edom received this comparison (49:18); Babylon, chief oppressor, receives the same verdict.
So shall no man abide there, neither shall any son of man dwell therein—Exact repetition of 49:18. The formula indicates irrevocable judgment: human habitation becomes impossible. Yet there's redemptive irony: Babylon the city faces Sodom's fate, but the Babylonian captives in Persia would be released. The system is destroyed; individuals may yet find mercy. This distinction between institutional judgment and personal salvation runs throughout Scripture—God destroys evil systems while redeeming individuals who repent.