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Jeremiah 51:57

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.

Jeremiah 51:57 · King James Version

Meaning

This verse from the book of Jeremiah describes a prophecy of punishment and judgment being brought upon the leaders of Judah by the Lord of hosts. The verse speaks of the intoxication and subsequent sleep that will overcome the princes, wise men, captains, rulers, and mighty men of Judah. This symbolism of drunkenness and perpetual sleep signifies the spiritual blindness and moral decay that had befallen the leaders of Judah, leading them to a state of spiritual slumber and eventual destruction. The verse serves as a warning of the consequences of pride, corruption, and disobedience to God’s will, highlighting the divine justice and power of the Lord of hosts. It conveys the idea of accountability and the inevitable consequences that await those who deviate from God’s commandments and lead others astray. Ultimately, this verse reflects the timeless theme of divine judgment and the need for repentance and obedience to God’s laws in order to avoid spiritual destruction.

Theological Overview

This verse from the book of Isaiah describes a judgment from the Lord upon the leaders and rulers of a nation. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the consequences of arrogance, pride, and disobedience towards God. The imagery of drunkenness and perpetual sleep symbolizes the spiritual blindness and ignorance that these leaders will experience as a result of their actions. The mention of "princes, wise men, captains, rulers, and mighty men" highlights that no one is exempt from facing accountability before the Lord. This verse serves as a warning to those in positions of power to lead with wisdom, humility, and righteousness, or face the repercussions of their choices. Through a deeper word study, we can understand that the phrase "perpetual sleep" implies a state of spiritual death and separation from God, underscoring the seriousness of turning away from His ways. The mention of the "Lord of hosts" emphasizes God's sovereignty and authority over all earthly powers, reminding us of the ultimate judgment that awaits those who disregard His will.

Jeremiah 51:57 in other translations

American Standard Version

And I will make drunk her princes and her wise men, her governors and her deputies, and her mighty men; and they shall sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake, saith the King, whose name is Jehovah of hosts.

World English Bible

I will make drunk her princes and her wise men, her governors and her deputies, and her mighty men; and they shall sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake up, says the King, whose name is Yahweh of Armies.

Douay-Rheims

And I will make her princes drunk, and her wise men, and her captains, and her rulers, and her valiant men: and they shall sleep an everlasting sleep, and shall awake no more, saith the king whose name is Lord of hosts.

Geneva Bible (1599)

And I will make drunke her princes, and her wise men, her dukes, and her nobles, and her strong men: and they shall sleepe a perpetuall sleepe, and not wake, sayth the King, whose Name is the Lord of hostes.