Jeremiah 51:60
So Jeremiah wrote in a book all the evil that should come upon Babylon, even all these words that are written against Babylon.
Original Language Analysis
הַכְּתֻבִ֖ים
that are written
H3789
הַכְּתֻבִ֖ים
that are written
Strong's:
H3789
Word #:
1 of 19
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
יִרְמְיָ֗הוּ
So Jeremiah
H3414
יִרְמְיָ֗הוּ
So Jeremiah
Strong's:
H3414
Word #:
2 of 19
jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites
אֵ֧ת
H853
אֵ֧ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תָּב֥וֹא
that should come
H935
תָּב֥וֹא
that should come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
7 of 19
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
בָּבֶֽל׃
against Babylon
H894
בָּבֶֽל׃
against Babylon
Strong's:
H894
Word #:
9 of 19
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
סֵ֣פֶר
book
H5612
סֵ֣פֶר
book
Strong's:
H5612
Word #:
11 of 19
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
אֵ֚ת
H853
אֵ֚ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
14 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַדְּבָרִ֣ים
even all these words
H1697
הַדְּבָרִ֣ים
even all these words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
15 of 19
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
Cross References
Isaiah 30:8Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever:Jeremiah 36:32Then took Jeremiah another roll, and gave it to Baruch the scribe, the son of Neriah; who wrote therein from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the book which Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire: and there were added besides unto them many like words.
Historical Context
This scroll was distinct from Jeremiah's other writings (see chapter 36's scroll). It specifically contained anti-Babylon oracles. Its dramatic disposal in the Euphrates (v. 63) was subversive political theater—treason if discovered, but God protected His messenger.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the significance of writing prophecy versus merely speaking it—why does inscription matter?
- How does the scroll's journey into Babylon demonstrate faith in God's word even when circumstances contradict it?
- In what ways do prophetic symbolic acts participate in and announce the realities they represent?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
So Jeremiah wrote in a book all the evil that should come upon Babylon (וַיִּכְתֹּב יִרְמְיָהוּ אֶת כָּל־הָרָעָה אֲשֶׁר־תָּבוֹא אֶל־בָּבֶל אֶל־סֵפֶר אֶחָד, vayyikhtov Yirmeyahu et-kol-hara'ah asher-tavo el-Bavel el-sefer echad)—Jeremiah compiled Babylon oracles (chapters 50-51) into a single scroll. Even all these words that are written against Babylon—emphasizing comprehensiveness. This written prophecy served multiple purposes:
The act of writing codifies and preserves God's word.
Unlike oral tradition, the written scroll can be transported, referenced, and verified. This underscores Scripture's authority—God's words inscribed, not merely transmitted. The scroll's journey into Babylon's heart, then its ritual destruction (vv. 63-64), dramatizes Babylon's eventual fate. Prophetic symbolism often enacts future reality in miniature, calling it into existence by faith.