Jeremiah 51:9

Authorized King James Version

We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: forsake her, and let us go every one into his own country: for her judgment reacheth unto heaven, and is lifted up even to the skies.

Word-by-Word Analysis

נִרְפָּ֔תָה

H7495

We would have healed

properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בָּבֶל֙

H894

Babylon

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נִרְפָּ֔תָה

H7495

We would have healed

properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure

עִזְב֕וּהָ

H5800

forsake

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

וְנֵלֵ֖ךְ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אִ֣ישׁ

H376

every one

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

לְאַרְצ֑וֹ

H776

into his own country

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#10

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#11

נָגַ֤ע

H5060

reacheth

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

#12

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#13

הַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙

H8064

unto 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

#14

מִשְׁפָּטָ֔הּ

H4941

for her judgment

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

#15

וְנִשָּׂ֖א

H5375

and is lifted up

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

#16

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#17

שְׁחָקִֽים׃

H7834

even to the skies

a powder (as beaten small); by analogy, a thin vapor; by extension, the firmament

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 revelation 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 51 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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