King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 51:2 Mean?

Jeremiah 51:2 in the King James Version says “And will send unto Babylon fanners, that shall fan her, and shall empty her land: for in the day of trouble they shall b...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 51 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And will send unto Babylon fanners, that shall fan her, and shall empty her land: for in the day of trouble they shall be against her round about.”

Jeremiah 51:2 · KJV

Context

1

Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will raise up against Babylon, and against them that dwell in the midst of them that rise up against me, a destroying wind; midst: Heb. heart

2

And will send unto Babylon fanners, that shall fan her, and shall empty her land: for in the day of trouble they shall be against her round about.

3

Against him that bendeth let the archer bend his bow, and against him that lifteth himself up in his brigandine: and spare ye not her young men; destroy ye utterly all her host.

4

Thus the slain shall fall in the land of the Chaldeans, and they that are thrust through in her streets.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And will send unto Babylon fanners—the Hebrew zarim (זָרִים, foreigners, strangers) is a wordplay with zarah (זָרָה, to winnow, scatter). God sends 'foreign fanners' who will winnow Babylon like grain. That shall fan her, and shall empty her land—winnowing separates wheat from chaff; applied to Babylon, it means separating people from land, destroying the empire's coherence and prosperity.

For in the day of trouble they shall be against her round about—enemies encircle Babylon from all sides. The Medo-Persian coalition included diverse peoples—Medes, Persians, Elamites, and others—forming a comprehensive siege. The agricultural metaphor of winnowing conveys both judgment (separating valuable from worthless) and scattering (dispersion of population). Babylon scattered other nations; now she is scattered.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Cyrus's coalition included multiple ethnic groups—Persians, Medes, Elamites, and others—fulfilling the prophecy of 'fanners' from various origins. After conquering Babylon, the Persians did 'empty her land' by allowing conquered peoples (including Jews) to return to their homelands, depleting Babylon's captive workforce and diminishing its centrality. Subsequent revolts and Persian reprisals further depopulated and weakened Babylon. The winnowing was thorough—what was once history's greatest empire became an abandoned ruin.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the winnowing metaphor teach about God's judgment—both its discriminating nature and its scattering effect?
  2. How does Babylon's experience of being 'fanned' and 'emptied' after doing the same to others illustrate divine justice?
  3. What hope does this verse offer to scattered and oppressed peoples that God will reverse their oppressors' fortunes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְשִׁלַּחְתִּ֨י1 of 13

“And will send”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

לְבָבֶ֤ל׀2 of 13

“unto Babylon”

H894

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

זָרִים֙3 of 13

“fanners”

H2114

to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery

וְזֵר֔וּהָ4 of 13

“that shall fan”

H2219

to toss about; by implication, to diffuse, winnow

וִיבֹקְק֖וּ5 of 13

“her and shall empty”

H1238

to pour out, i.e., to empty, figuratively, to depopulate; by analogy, to spread out (as a fruitful vine)

אֶת6 of 13
H853

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

אַרְצָ֑הּ7 of 13

“her land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

כִּֽי8 of 13
H3588

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

הָי֥וּ9 of 13
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עָלֶ֛יהָ10 of 13
H5921

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

מִסָּבִ֖יב11 of 13

“they shall be against her round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

בְּי֥וֹם12 of 13

“for in the day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

רָעָֽה׃13 of 13

“of trouble”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

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 51:2 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 51:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 15:7Matthew 3:12Isaiah 41:16Ezekiel 5:12Jeremiah 50:14-15Jeremiah 50:29

Places in This Verse

Babylon 1Settlement · Modern: Babylon · 32.54°N, 44.42°E296 verses across 15 books
View all places in Jeremiah 51 →

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