Jeremiah 51:56

Authorized King James Version

Because the spoiler is come upon her, even upon Babylon, and her mighty men are taken, every one of their bows is broken: for the LORD God of recompences shall surely requite.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּי֩
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
בָ֨א
is come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#3
עָלֶ֤יהָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
בָּבֶל֙
upon her even upon Babylon
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
#6
שׁוֹדֵ֔ד
Because the spoiler
properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage
#7
וְנִלְכְּדוּ֙
are taken
to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere
#8
גִּבּוֹרֶ֔יהָ
and her mighty men
powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant
#9
חִתְּתָ֖ה
is broken
properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear
#10
קַשְּׁתוֹתָ֑ם
every one of their bows
a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris
#11
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#12
אֵ֧ל
God
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
#13
גְּמֻל֛וֹת
of recompences
meaning the same
#14
יְהוָ֖ה
for the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#15
יְשַׁלֵּֽם׃
requite
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
#16
יְשַׁלֵּֽם׃
requite
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate

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

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