Jeremiah 51:57 Meaning Explained

Jeremiah 51:57

I will make drunk her officials and her wise men, her governors, her commanders, and her warriors; they shall sleep a perpetual sleep and not wake, declares the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The text lists a comprehensive sweep of Babylon's leadership—officials, wise men, commanders, and warriors—but the surprising detail is that their "wisdom" and "might" are completely useless against God's judgment. Their supposed strength and intelligence are presented as vulnerable to being made "drunk," highlighting that worldly power and intellect offer no defense when God unleashes His wrath.

What Jeremiah 51:57 means

This verse comes near the end of Jeremiah's prophecy against Babylon, following vivid descriptions of the city's impending destruction and the enemies who will bring it. God declares He will cause the city's leaders—from the wisest counselors to the mightiest warriors—to be utterly incapacitated, to the point of a deathlike sleep, all under His sovereign command. This vivid image alludes to the historical event in Daniel 5, where Babylonian officials were drunken and caught unaware during a feast as the city fell.

Understand the original words

Original language

hostsצְבָאוֹת

tseba'ot · Hebrew Noun

A title for God emphasizing His sovereignty over all heavenly and earthly armies, representing His absolute authority, power, and universal rule.

Kingמֶלֶךְ

melek · Hebrew Noun

A term signifying the ultimate Ruler and Supreme Sovereign, establishing God's authority over all earthly kings and nations.

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Breakdown of Jeremiah 51:57

"I will make drunk her officials and her wise men, her governors, her commanders, and her warriors; they shall sleep a perpetual sleep and not wake, declares the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts." — The text lists a comprehensive sweep of Babylon's leadership—officials, wise men, commanders, and warriors—but the surprising detail is that their "wisdom" and "might" are completely useless against…

What Jeremiah 51:57 means

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What Jeremiah 51:57 means

Original language

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