Jeremiah 51:2

Authorized King James Version

And will send unto Babylon fanners, that shall fan her, and shall empty her land: for in the day of trouble they shall be against her round about.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְשִׁלַּחְתִּ֨י
And will send
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#2
לְבָבֶ֤ל׀
unto Babylon
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
#3
זָרִים֙
fanners
to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery
#4
וְזֵר֔וּהָ
that shall fan
to toss about; by implication, to diffuse, winnow
#5
וִיבֹקְק֖וּ
her and shall empty
to pour out, i.e., to empty, figuratively, to depopulate; by analogy, to spread out (as a fruitful vine)
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
אַרְצָ֑הּ
her land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#8
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
הָי֥וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#10
עָלֶ֛יהָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
מִסָּבִ֖יב
they shall be against her round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
#12
בְּי֥וֹם
for in the day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#13
רָעָֽה׃
of trouble
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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