Jeremiah 51:37

Authorized King James Version

And Babylon shall become heaps, a dwellingplace for dragons, an astonishment, and an hissing, without an inhabitant.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָיְתָה֩
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בָבֶ֨ל׀
And Babylon
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
#3
לְגַלִּ֧ים׀
shall become heaps
something rolled, i.e., a heap of stone or dung (plural ruins), by analogy, a spring of water (plural waves)
#4
מְעוֹן
a dwellingplace
an abode, of god (the tabernacle or the temple), men (their home) or animals (their lair); hence, a retreat (asylum)
#5
תַּנִּ֛ים
for dragons
a marine or land monster, i.e., sea-serpent or jackal
#6
שַׁמָּ֥ה
an astonishment
ruin; by implication, consternation
#7
וּשְׁרֵקָ֖ה
and an hissing
a derision
#8
מֵאֵ֥ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#9
יוֹשֵֽׁב׃
without an inhabitant
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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