King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 50:42 Mean?

Jeremiah 50:42 in the King James Version says “They shall hold the bow and the lance: they are cruel, and will not shew mercy: their voice shall roar like the sea, and...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 50 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They shall hold the bow and the lance: they are cruel, and will not shew mercy: their voice shall roar like the sea, and they shall ride upon horses, every one put in array, like a man to the battle, against thee, O daughter of Babylon.”

Jeremiah 50:42 · KJV

Context

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.

42

They shall hold the bow and the lance: they are cruel, and will not shew mercy: their voice shall roar like the sea, and they shall ride upon horses, every one put in array, like a man to the battle, against thee, O daughter of Babylon.

43

The king of Babylon hath heard the report of them, and his hands waxed feeble: anguish took hold of him, and pangs as of a woman in travail.

44

Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan unto the habitation of the strong: but I will make them suddenly run away from her: and who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who is that shepherd that will stand before me? appoint me: or, convent me to plead?

Read Jeremiah 50 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They shall hold the bow and the lance (קֶשֶׁת וְכִידוֹן יַחֲזִיקוּ, qeshet v'khidon yachaziqu)—Persian warriors' weapons are specified: composite bow (Persian archers were legendary) and javelin. These were Persia's signature armaments, distinct from Babylonian equipment. They are cruel, and will not shew mercy (אַכְזָרִי הֵמָּה וְלֹא יְרַחֵמוּ, akhzari hemmah v'lo y'rachemu)—The conquerors will be merciless, giving Babylon a taste of their own brutality. Yet historically, Cyrus was relatively humane—the Cyrus Cylinder boasts of his leniency. This apparent contradiction resolves when we see 'cruelty' as righteous severity toward evil; from Babylon's perspective, any judgment feels cruel.

Their voice shall roar like the sea (קוֹלָם כַּיָּם יֶהֱמֶה, qolam kayyam yehemeh)—The attacking army's war cry is deafening, overwhelming. And they shall ride upon horses, every one put in array, like a man to the battle—disciplined military formation, not chaotic mob. Persia's organized warfare contrasts with Babylon's coming disarray. The hunter becomes hunted; the terrorizer, terrorized.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Persian military organization under Cyrus was sophisticated: the 'Immortals' (elite 10,000), cavalry units, siege engineers. Their discipline and tactics overwhelmed Babylonian defenses. The relatively bloodless conquest (Babylon's gates opened to Cyrus) fulfilled 'no mercy' spiritually while Cyrus showed physical restraint—divine irony.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's use of 'cruel' conquerors against Babylon demonstrate measure-for-measure justice?
  2. What does the 'voice like the sea' metaphor communicate about the overwhelming nature of divine judgment?
  3. In what ways can conquerors be 'cruel' in executing judgment while still being more merciful than those they judge?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
קֶ֣שֶׁת1 of 19

“the bow”

H7198

a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris

וְכִידֹ֞ן2 of 19

“and the lance”

H3591

properly, something to strike with, i.e., a dart

יַחֲזִ֗יקוּ3 of 19

“They shall hold”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

אַכְזָרִ֥י4 of 19

“they are cruel”

H394

terrible

הֵ֙מָּה֙5 of 19
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

וְלֹ֣א6 of 19
H3808

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

יְרַחֵ֔מוּ7 of 19

“and will not shew mercy”

H7355

to fondle; by implication, to love, especially to compassionate

קוֹלָם֙8 of 19

“their voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

כַּיָּ֣ם9 of 19

“like the sea”

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

יֶהֱמֶ֔ה10 of 19

“shall roar”

H1993

to make a loud sound (like english 'hum'); by implication, to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor

וְעַל11 of 19
H5921

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

סוּסִ֖ים12 of 19

“upon horses”

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

יִרְכָּ֑בוּ13 of 19

“and they shall ride”

H7392

to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch

עָר֗וּךְ14 of 19

“every one put in array”

H6186

to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)

כְּאִישׁ֙15 of 19

“like a man”

H376

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)

לַמִּלְחָמָ֔ה16 of 19

“to the battle”

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

עָלַ֖יִךְ17 of 19
H5921

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

בַּת18 of 19

“against thee O daughter”

H1323

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

בָּבֶֽל׃19 of 19

“of Babylon”

H894

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

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 50:42 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 50:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 5:30Isaiah 13:17-18Jeremiah 8:16Jeremiah 47:3Isaiah 47:6Revelation 16:6

Places in This Verse

Babylon 1Settlement · Modern: Babylon · 32.54°N, 44.42°E296 verses across 15 books
View all places in Jeremiah 50 →

Test Your Knowledge

Jeremiah 50 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJeremiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Jeremiah 50 with CommentaryAll Jeremiah ChaptersComplete Jeremiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes