Jeremiah 50:37 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 50:37 mean?

Jeremiah 50:37 warns that Babylon’s military strength and wealth will be destroyed—its horses, chariots, mixed peoples, and treasures will all fall to the sword and be plundered, and its defenders will lose courage. The verse paints a picture of total defeat, emphasizing that even Babylon’s mightiest resources and people will not be spared.

In this chapter, Jeremiah is speaking God’s judgment against Babylon, a powerful empire known for its armies and riches. The verse uses vivid language to show that Babylon’s military (horses and chariots), its diverse population, and its treasures will all be struck down and left defenseless. The phrase “they shall become as women” reflects ancient imagery of losing courage or strength in battle, not a comment on gender, but on vulnerability in the face of overwhelming attack.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 50:37

• "Sword" (חֶרֶב, cherev): This word appears twice in the verse, stressing the violence and thoroughness of the coming destruction. It signals not just defeat but slaughter and loss.
• "Mingled people" (עֵרֶב, ʿerev): This term refers to the mixed or foreign peoples living in Babylon, highlighting that the judgment will affect everyone within the city, not just native Babylonians.
• "Become as women" (נָשִׁים, nashim): In ancient Hebrew culture, this phrase often meant to lose courage or become defenseless in battle, rather than a literal transformation.
• "Robbed" (בָּזַז, bazaz): This word means to be plundered or looted, making it clear that Babylon’s treasures will be taken by its enemies.

Why Jeremiah 50:37 matters

• Jeremiah 50:37 clarifies that Babylon’s defeat will be total, affecting every aspect of its power—military, population, and wealth—rather than just a partial setback.
• The verse highlights the vulnerability of even the greatest empires when facing divine judgment, connecting to the wider theme of God’s sovereignty in Jeremiah 50.
• Understanding the phrase “become as women” in its ancient context helps avoid modern misunderstandings and reveals the intended message about loss of courage and defense.