King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 50:21 Mean?

Jeremiah 50:21 in the King James Version says “Go up against the land of Merathaim, even against it, and against the inhabitants of Pekod: waste and utterly destroy af... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 50 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Go up against the land of Merathaim, even against it, and against the inhabitants of Pekod: waste and utterly destroy after them, saith the LORD, and do according to all that I have commanded thee. of Merathaim: or, of the rebels Pekod: or, Visitation

Jeremiah 50:21 · KJV


Context

19

And I will bring Israel again to his habitation, and he shall feed on Carmel and Bashan, and his soul shall be satisfied upon mount Ephraim and Gilead.

20

In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I reserve.

21

Go up against the land of Merathaim, even against it, and against the inhabitants of Pekod: waste and utterly destroy after them, saith the LORD, and do according to all that I have commanded thee. of Merathaim: or, of the rebels Pekod: or, Visitation

22

A sound of battle is in the land, and of great destruction.

23

How is the hammer of the whole earth cut asunder and broken! how is Babylon become a desolation among the nations!


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Go up against the land of Merathaim, even against it, and against the inhabitants of Pekod—these names carry symbolic significance beyond geography. Merathaim (מְרָתַיִם) is a dual form meaning 'double rebellion' or 'double bitterness,' possibly punning on the region Marrattu in southern Babylonia. Pekod (פְּקוֹד) means 'punishment' or 'visitation,' punning on the Aramean tribe Puqudu east of Babylon. The wordplay is intentional: God commands attack on 'Double-Rebellion' and 'Punishment'—Babylon's double rebellion brings double punishment. This echoes Revelation 18:6: 'Reward her double according to her works.'

Waste and utterly destroy after them, saith the LORD, and do according to all that I have commanded theecharav (חָרַב, waste) means devastate, lay waste, make desolate. Charam (חָרַם, utterly destroy) is the term for herem, complete devotion to destruction—applied to Canaanite cities in the conquest (Joshua 6:17-21). Applying herem to Babylon shows she has become as morally reprehensible as the Canaanites, deserving total judgment. The phrase 'do according to all that I have commanded' emphasizes this is divine decree, not mere human warfare.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The geographical references are debated, but most scholars identify them with regions in Babylonia. The use of symbolic names emphasizes that this is theological judgment, not merely political conquest. The Medo-Persian conquest of Babylon fulfilled this prophecy, though the city wasn't immediately and totally destroyed. However, over subsequent centuries Babylon was gradually and completely abandoned, fulfilling the total desolation prophesied. By the medieval period, it was uninhabited ruins—complete herem executed over time.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the use of symbolic names ('Double Rebellion,' 'Punishment') teach about God's perspective on Babylon's guilt?
  2. How does applying the language of <em>herem</em> (holy war/complete devotion to destruction) to Babylon reveal the seriousness of her sins?
  3. In what ways does Babylon's 'double rebellion' illustrate that privilege and knowledge increase accountability?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
עַל1 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָאָ֤רֶץ2 of 17

against the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מְרָתַ֙יִם֙3 of 17

of Merathaim

H4850

merathajim, an epithet of babylon

עֲלֵ֣ה4 of 17

Go up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

עָלֶ֔יהָ5 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וְאֶל6 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יוֹשְׁבֵ֖י7 of 17

even against it and against the inhabitants

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

פְּק֑וֹד8 of 17

of Pekod

H6489

pekod, a symbolic name for babylon

חֲרֹ֨ב9 of 17

waste

H2717

to parch (through drought) i.e., (by analogy,) to desolate, destroy, kill

וְהַחֲרֵ֤ם10 of 17

and utterly destroy

H2763

to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose

אַֽחֲרֵיהֶם֙11 of 17

after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

נְאֻם12 of 17

them saith

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָ֔ה13 of 17

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וַעֲשֵׂ֕ה14 of 17

and do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כְּכֹ֖ל15 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר16 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צִוִּיתִֽיךָ׃17 of 17

according to all that I have commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 50:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 50:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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