King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 51:5 Mean?

Jeremiah 51:5 in the King James Version says “For Israel hath not been forsaken, nor Judah of his God, of the LORD of hosts; though their land was filled with sin aga...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 51 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For Israel hath not been forsaken, nor Judah of his God, of the LORD of hosts; though their land was filled with sin against the Holy One of Israel.”

Jeremiah 51:5 · KJV

Context

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.

5

For Israel hath not been forsaken, nor Judah of his God, of the LORD of hosts; though their land was filled with sin against the Holy One of Israel.

6

Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this is the time of the LORD'S vengeance; he will render unto her a recompence.

7

Babylon hath been a golden cup in the LORD'S hand, that made all the earth drunken: the nations have drunken of her wine; therefore the nations are mad.

Read Jeremiah 51 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Despite Israel and Judah's sin ('their land was filled with sin against the Holy One of Israel'), they are not 'forsaken' (Hebrew 'almanim' - widowed/abandoned) by God. Though they deserved abandonment, God remains their covenant God. This is pure grace - continued relationship despite continued sin. God's commitment to His people depends on His character, not theirs.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This was written during the exile when it appeared God had divorced His people. Yet God affirms His ongoing commitment despite their unfaithfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's refusal to forsake His people despite their sin encourage you?
  2. What's the difference between discipline and abandonment in God's dealings with His children?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
כִּ֠י1 of 14
H3588

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

לֹֽא2 of 14
H3808

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

אַלְמָ֨ן3 of 14

“hath not been forsaken”

H488

discarded (as a divorced person)

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃4 of 14

“For Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וִֽיהוּדָה֙5 of 14

“nor Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

מֵֽאֱלֹהָ֔יו6 of 14

“of his God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

מֵֽיְהוָ֖ה7 of 14

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

צְבָא֑וֹת8 of 14

“of hosts”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

כִּ֤י9 of 14
H3588

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

אַרְצָם֙10 of 14

“though their land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מָלְאָ֣ה11 of 14

“was filled”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

אָשָׁ֔ם12 of 14

“with sin”

H817

guilt; by implication, a fault; also a sin-offering

מִקְּד֖וֹשׁ13 of 14

“against the Holy One”

H6918

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃14 of 14

“For Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 51:5 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 51:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 11:1-2Zechariah 12:6Hosea 4:1Zechariah 12:8Jeremiah 23:15Jeremiah 31:37

Places in This Verse

ChaldeaRegion · Modern: Tell el Muqayyar · 30.96°N, 46.10°E85 verses across 11 books
View all places in Jeremiah 51 →

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