Jeremiah 20:5
Moreover I will deliver all the strength of this city, and all the labours thereof, and all the precious things thereof, and all the treasures of the kings of Judah will I give into the hand of their enemies, which shall spoil them, and take them, and carry them to Babylon.
Jeremiah 20:5 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Jeremiah foretells the imminent destruction of the city of Jerusalem and the captivity of the people of Judah by the Babylonians. The prophet Jeremiah warns of the impending doom that will befall the city and its inhabitants, as all the strength, labors, precious things, and treasures of the kings of Judah will be delivered into the hands of their enemies. This verse serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience and sin, as the people of Judah had turned away from God and faced the consequences of their actions. The fall of Jerusalem and the captivity in Babylon were not only physical events but also spiritual lessons for the people to repent and turn back to God. This verse highlights the themes of judgement, punishment, and restoration found throughout the book of Jeremiah.
Theological Overview
Jeremiah 20:5 speaks of a prophecy foretelling the invasion of Judah by the Babylonians. In this verse, God declares his plan to deliver the strength and wealth of Jerusalem into the hands of their enemies as punishment for their sins and disobedience. The word "strength" in this verse can be understood not only as the military might of the city but also as its economic prosperity and resources. The mention of "labours" refers to the hard work and efforts of the people that will ultimately be in vain as their possessions are taken away. The word "precious things" signifies the valuable possessions and treasures accumulated by the kings of Judah, which will be seized and carried off to Babylon. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commands and the importance of repentance and obedience.
Jeremiah 20:5 in other translations
American Standard Version
Moreover I will give all the riches of this city, and all the gains thereof, and all the precious things thereof, yea, all the treasures of the kings of Judah will I give into the hand of their enemies; and they shall make them a prey, and take them, and carry them to Babylon.
World English Bible
Moreover I will give all the riches of this city, and all its gains, and all the precious things of it, yes, all the treasures of the kings of Judah will I give into the hand of their enemies; and they shall make them captives, and take them, and carry them to Babylon.
Douay-Rheims
And I will give all the substance of this city, and all its labour, and every precious thing thereof, and all the treasures of the kings of Juda will I give into the hands of their enemies: and they shall pillage them, and take them away, and carry them to Babylon.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Moreouer, I will deliuer all the substance of this citie, and all the labours thereof, and al the precious things thereof, and all the treasures of the Kings of Iudah will I giue into the hande of their enemies, which shall spoyle them, and take them away and cary them to Babel.