Jeremiah 51:11

Authorized King James Version

Make bright the arrows; gather the shields: the LORD hath raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes: for his device is against Babylon, to destroy it; because it is the vengeance of the LORD, the vengeance of his temple.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הָבֵ֣רוּ
Make bright
to clarify (i.e., brighten), examine, select
#2
הַחִצִּים֮
the arrows
properly, a piercer, i.e., an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of god) thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear
#3
מִלְא֣וּ
gather
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
#4
הַשְּׁלָטִים֒
the shields
probably a shield (as controlling, i.e., protecting the person)
#5
הֵעִ֣יר
hath raised up
to wake (literally or figuratively)
#6
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
ר֙וּחַ֙
the spirit
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#9
מַלְכֵ֣י
of the kings
a king
#10
מָדַ֔י
of the Medes
madai, a country of central asia
#11
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#12
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
בָּבֶ֥ל
is against Babylon
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
#14
מְזִמָּת֖וֹ
for his device
a plan, usually evil (machination), sometimes good (sagacity)
#15
לְהַשְׁחִיתָ֑הּ
to destroy
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
#16
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#17
נִקְמַ֖ת
it because it is the vengeance
avengement, whether the act of the passion
#18
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#19
הִ֔יא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#20
נִקְמַ֖ת
it because it is the vengeance
avengement, whether the act of the passion
#21
הֵיכָלֽוֹ׃
of his temple
a large public building, such as a palace or temple

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Jeremiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People