Jeremiah 51:36

Authorized King James Version

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will plead thy cause, and take vengeance for thee; and I will dry up her sea, and make her springs dry.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לָכֵ֗ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

כֹּ֚ה

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר

H559

Therefore thus saith

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

the LORD

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

הִנְנִי

H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

רָב֙

H7378

Behold I will plead

properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

רִיבֵ֔ךְ

H7379

thy cause

a contest (personal or legal)

וְנִקַּמְתִּ֖י

H5358

and take vengeance

to grudge, i.e., avenge or punish

#10

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

נִקְמָתֵ֑ךְ

H5360

for thee

avengement, whether the act of the passion

#12

וְהַחֲרַבְתִּי֙

H2717

and I will dry up

to parch (through drought) i.e., (by analogy,) to desolate, destroy, kill

#13

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#14

יַמָּ֔הּ

H3220

her sea

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

#15

וְהֹבַשְׁתִּ֖י

H3001

dry

to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)

#16

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#17

מְקוֹרָֽהּ׃

H4726

and make her springs

properly, something dug, i.e., a (general) source (of water, even when naturally flowing; also of tears, blood (by euphemism, of the female pudenda);

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 51 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

Related Resources

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

People

Jeremiah