King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 50:39 Mean?

Jeremiah 50:39 in the King James Version says “Therefore the wild beasts of the desert with the wild beasts of the islands shall dwell there, and the owls shall dwell ... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 50 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Therefore the wild beasts of the desert with the wild beasts of the islands shall dwell there, and the owls shall dwell therein: and it shall be no more inhabited for ever; neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation.

Jeremiah 50:39 · KJV


Context

37

A sword is upon their horses, and upon their chariots, and upon all the mingled people that are in the midst of her; and they shall become as women: a sword is upon her treasures; and they shall be robbed.

38

A drought is upon her waters; and they shall be dried up: for it is the land of graven images, and they are mad upon their idols.

39

Therefore the wild beasts of the desert with the wild beasts of the islands shall dwell there, and the owls shall dwell therein: and it shall be no more inhabited for ever; neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation.

40

As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbour cities thereof, saith the LORD; so shall no man abide there, neither shall any son of man dwell therein.

41

Behold, a people shall come from the north, and a great nation, and many kings shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore the wild beasts of the desert with the wild beasts of the islands shall dwell there (לָכֵן יֵשְׁבוּ צִיִּים אֶת־אִיִּים, lakhen yesh'vu tsiyyim et-iyyim)—Desert creatures and island/coastland beasts will inhabit Babylon's ruins. The tsiyyim and iyyim may be jackals, wild dogs, hyenas—scavengers that thrive in desolation. And the owls shall dwell therein (בְּנוֹת יַעֲנָה, b'not ya'anah)—ostriches or owls, symbols of desolate places (Isaiah 13:21-22, 34:13).

And it shall be no more inhabited for ever; neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation (וְלֹא־תֵשֵׁב עוֹד לָנֶצַח וְלֹא תִשְׁכּוֹן עַד־דּוֹר וָדוֹר, v'lo-teshev od lanetsach v'lo tishkon ad-dor vador)—Prophetic hyperbole emphasizing thorough desolation. While the site of Babylon was occupied intermittently in later periods, it never regained its former glory or population. The city that was 'glory of kingdoms' (Isaiah 13:19) became archaeological ruins—a fulfillment startling in its completeness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

After Persian conquest, Babylon declined. Alexander the Great planned to restore it as his capital but died before accomplishing this (323 BC). Seleucid rulers founded Seleucia nearby, drawing population away. By medieval period, Babylon was abandoned ruins. Today it remains desolate—a testimony to fulfilled prophecy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do 'wild beasts' and 'owls' symbolize the reversal of civilization under God's judgment?
  2. What does Babylon's permanent desolation teach about the finality of divine sentences against rebellious powers?
  3. In what sense is 'prophetic forever' to be understood—as absolute or as hyperbolic emphasis on thoroughness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
לָכֵ֗ן1 of 18
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

תֵשֵׁ֥ב2 of 18

shall dwell

H3427

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

צִיִּים֙3 of 18

Therefore the wild beasts of the desert

H6728

a desert-dweller, i.e., nomad or wild beast

אֶת4 of 18
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

אִיִּ֔ים5 of 18

with the wild beasts of the islands

H338

a howler (used only in the plural), i.e., any solitary wild creature

תֵשֵׁ֥ב6 of 18

shall dwell

H3427

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

בָ֖הּ7 of 18
H0
בְּנ֣וֹת8 of 18

there and the owls

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

יַֽעֲנָ֑ה9 of 18
H3284

owl

וְלֹֽא10 of 18
H3808

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

תֵשֵׁ֥ב11 of 18

shall dwell

H3427

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

עוֹד֙12 of 18
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

לָנֶ֔צַח13 of 18

for ever

H5331

properly, a goal, i.e., the bright object at a distance travelled towards; hence (figuratively), splendor, or (subjectively) truthfulness, or (objecti

וְלֹ֥א14 of 18
H3808

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

תִשְׁכּ֖וֹן15 of 18

neither shall it be dwelt

H7931

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

עַד16 of 18
H5704

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

וָדֹֽר׃17 of 18

in from generation

H1755

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

וָדֹֽר׃18 of 18

in from generation

H1755

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling


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 50:39 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 50:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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