King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 51:56 Mean?

Jeremiah 51:56 in the King James Version says “Because the spoiler is come upon her, even upon Babylon, and her mighty men are taken, every one of their bows is broken...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 51 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Because the spoiler is come upon her, even upon Babylon, and her mighty men are taken, every one of their bows is broken: for the LORD God of recompences shall surely requite.”

Jeremiah 51:56 · KJV

Context

54

A sound of a cry cometh from Babylon, and great destruction from the land of the Chaldeans:

55

Because the LORD hath spoiled Babylon, and destroyed out of her the great voice; when her waves do roar like great waters, a noise of their voice is uttered:

56

Because the spoiler is come upon her, even upon Babylon, and her mighty men are taken, every one of their bows is broken: for the LORD God of recompences shall surely requite.

57

And I will make drunk her princes, and her wise men, her captains, and her rulers, and her mighty men: and they shall sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake, saith the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts.

58

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The broad walls of Babylon shall be utterly broken, and her high gates shall be burned with fire; and the people shall labour in vain, and the folk in the fire, and they shall be weary. The broad: or, The walls of broad Babylon broken: or, made naked

Read Jeremiah 51 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Because the spoiler is come upon her, even upon Babylon (כִּי בָא עָלֶיהָ עַל־בָּבֶל שׁוֹדֵד, ki va aleha al-Bavel shoded)—The Spoiler (Cyrus, but ultimately God) has arrived. And her mighty men are taken (וְנִלְכְּדוּ גִבּוֹרֶיהָ, v'nilk'du gibboreha)—Babylon's gibborim (warriors) are captured. Every one of their bows is broken (חִתְּתָה קַשְּׁתוֹתָם, chittah qashtotam)—Their bows (primary weapon) are shattered, echoing the breaking of Elam's bow (49:35). Military impotence follows moral bankruptcy.

For the LORD God of recompences shall surely requite (כִּי אֵל גְּמֻלוֹת יְהוָה שַׁלֵּם יְשַׁלֵּם, ki El gemulot YHWH shalem y'shalem)—El gemulot (God of recompenses/retributions) will surely repay. The doubled verb shalem y'shalem (repay, repay) intensifies: God will absolutely, thoroughly recompense. This is lex talionis on cosmic scale: Babylon broke others' bows; theirs are broken. They captured nations; they're captured. This isn't vindictiveness but justice—the moral order requires proportional response to evil.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Babylon's military establishment was neutralized—captured, disbanded, or absorbed into Persian forces. The 'God of recompenses' operated through Cyrus but was the true Agent. Daniel 5:25-28's 'MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN' announced this divine accounting: weighed, found wanting, divided—divine recompense executed.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does 'God of recompenses' reveal about divine justice and moral order in the universe?
  2. How does the breaking of bows symbolize the futility of trusting in military strength apart from God?
  3. In what ways should the certainty of divine recompense ('surely requite') affect how Christians respond to injustice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
כִּי֩1 of 16
H3588

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

בָ֨א2 of 16

“is come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

עָלֶ֤יהָ3 of 16
H5921

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

עַל4 of 16
H5921

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

בָּבֶל֙5 of 16

“upon her even upon Babylon”

H894

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

שׁוֹדֵ֔ד6 of 16

“Because the spoiler”

H7703

properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage

וְנִלְכְּדוּ֙7 of 16

“are taken”

H3920

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

גִּבּוֹרֶ֔יהָ8 of 16

“and her mighty men”

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

חִתְּתָ֖ה9 of 16

“is broken”

H2865

properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear

קַשְּׁתוֹתָ֑ם10 of 16

“every one of their bows”

H7198

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

כִּ֣י11 of 16
H3588

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

אֵ֧ל12 of 16

“God”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

גְּמֻל֛וֹת13 of 16

“of recompences”

H1578

meaning the same

יְהוָ֖ה14 of 16

“for the LORD”

H3068

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

יְשַׁלֵּֽם׃15 of 16

“requite”

H7999

to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate

יְשַׁלֵּֽם׃16 of 16

“requite”

H7999

to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate

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 51:56 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 51:56 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 46:9Habakkuk 2:8Jeremiah 51:48Jeremiah 51:6Psalms 94:1-2Jeremiah 51:24

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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