Jeremiah 51:55

Authorized King James Version

Because the LORD hath spoiled Babylon, and destroyed out of her the great voice; when her waves do roar like great waters, a noise of their voice is uttered:

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
שֹׁדֵ֤ד
hath spoiled
properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage
#3
יְהוָה֙
Because the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
בָּבֶ֔ל
Babylon
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
#6
וְאִבַּ֥ד
H6
and destroyed
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
#7
מִמֶּ֖נָּה
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#8
קוֹלָֽם׃
of their voice
a voice or sound
#9
גָּד֑וֹל
out of her the great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#10
וְהָמ֤וּ
do roar
to make a loud sound (like english 'hum'); by implication, to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor
#11
גַלֵּיהֶם֙
when her waves
something rolled, i.e., a heap of stone or dung (plural ruins), by analogy, a spring of water (plural waves)
#12
כְּמַ֣יִם
waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#13
רַבִּ֔ים
like great
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#14
נִתַּ֥ן
is uttered
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#15
שְׁא֖וֹן
a noise
uproar (as of rushing); by implication, destruction
#16
קוֹלָֽם׃
of their voice
a voice or sound

Analysis

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

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

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