Jeremiah 51:41

Authorized King James Version

How is Sheshach taken! and how is the praise of the whole earth surprised! how is Babylon become an astonishment among the nations!

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֵ֚יךְ
how? or how!; also where
#2
נִלְכְּדָ֣ה
taken
to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere
#3
שֵׁשַׁ֔ךְ
How is Sheshach
sheshak, a symbolic name of babylon
#4
וַתִּתָּפֵ֖שׂ
surprised
to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably
#5
תְּהִלַּ֣ת
and how is the praise
laudation; specifically (concretely) a hymn
#6
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
הָאָ֑רֶץ
of the whole earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#8
אֵ֣יךְ
how? or how!; also where
#9
הָיְתָ֧ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#10
לְשַׁמָּ֛ה
become an astonishment
ruin; by implication, consternation
#11
בָּבֶ֖ל
how is Babylon
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
#12
בַּגּוֹיִֽם׃
among the nations
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

Analysis

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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