Jeremiah 51:53

Authorized King James Version

Though Babylon should mount up to heaven, and though she should fortify the height of her strength, yet from me shall spoilers come unto her, saith the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
תַעֲלֶ֤ה
should mount up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#3
בָבֶל֙
Though Babylon
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
#4
הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם
to heaven
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
#5
וְכִ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#6
תְבַצֵּ֖ר
and though she should fortify
to gather grapes; also to be isolated (i.e., inaccessible by height or fortification)
#7
מְר֣וֹם
the height
altitude, i.e., concretely (an elevated place), abstractly (elevation, figuratively (elation), or adverbially (aloft)
#8
עֻזָּ֑הּ
of her strength
strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)
#9
מֵאִתִּ֗י
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#10
יָבֹ֧אוּ
come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#11
שֹׁדְדִ֛ים
me shall spoilers
properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage
#12
לָ֖הּ
H0
#13
נְאֻם
unto her saith
an oracle
#14
יְהוָֽה׃
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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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