A sword is upon their horses, and upon their chariots, and upon all the mingled people that are in the midst of her; and they shall become as women: a sword is upon her treasures; and they shall be robbed.

JEREMIAH 50:37KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“robbed” Hebrew H962 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 34:27 The sons of Jacob came upon the slain, and spoiled the city, because they had defiled their sister.
  • 2 Kings 7:16 And the people went out, and spoiled the tents of the Syrians. So a measure of fine flour was sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, according to the word of the LORD.
  • Isaiah 33:23 Thy tacklings are loosed; they could not well strengthen their mast, they could not spread the sail: then is the prey of a great spoil divided; the lame take the prey.

“treasures” Hebrew H214 · used in 70 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:12 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.
  • 1 Chronicles 29:8 And they with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of the LORD, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite.
  • Proverbs 21:20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

“chariots” Hebrew H7393 · used in 104 verses

  • Genesis 50:9 And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen: and it was a very great company.
  • 1 Kings 10:26 And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he bestowed in the cities for chariots, and with the king at Jerusalem.
  • 2 Chronicles 9:25 And Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen; whom he bestowed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.

“people” Hebrew H6153 · used in 130 verses

  • Genesis 1:5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
  • Leviticus 15:18 The woman also with whom man shall lie with seed of copulation, they shall both bathe themselves in water, and be unclean until the even.
  • 1 Kings 10:15 Beside that he had of the merchantmen, and of the traffick of the spice merchants, and of all the kings of Arabia, and of the governors of the country.