Jeremiah 51:56 For a destroyer is coming against her--against Babylon. Her warriors will be captured, and their bows will be broken, for the LORD is a God of retribution; He will repay in full.

Bible > Jeremiah > Chapter 51 > Verse 56

◄ Jeremiah 51:56 ►

New International Version
A destroyer will come against Babylon; her warriors will be captured, and their bows will be broken. For the LORD is a God of retribution; he will repay in full.

New Living Translation
Destroying armies come against Babylon. Her mighty men are captured, and their weapons break in their hands. For the LORD is a God who gives just punishment; he always repays in full.

English Standard Version
for a destroyer has come upon her, upon Babylon; her warriors are taken; their bows are broken in pieces, for the LORD is a God of recompense; he will surely repay.

Berean Standard Bible
For a destroyer is coming against her—against Babylon. Her warriors will be captured, and their bows will be broken, for the LORD is a God of retribution; He will repay in full.

King James Bible
Because the spoiler is come upon her, even upon Babylon, and her mighty men are taken, every one of their bows is broken: for the LORD God of recompences shall surely requite.

New King James Version
Because the plunderer comes against her, against Babylon, And her mighty men are taken. Every one of their bows is broken; For the LORD is the God of recompense, He will surely repay.

New American Standard Bible
For the destroyer is coming against her, against Babylon, And her warriors will be captured, Their bows shattered; For the LORD is a God of retribution, He will fully repay.

NASB 1995
For the destroyer is coming against her, against Babylon, And her mighty men will be captured, Their bows are shattered; For the LORD is a God of recompense, He will fully repay.

NASB 1977
For the destroyer is coming against her, against Babylon, And her mighty men will be captured, Their bows are shattered; For the LORD is a God of recompense, He will fully repay.

Legacy Standard Bible
For the destroyer is coming against her, against Babylon, And her mighty men will be captured; Their bows are shattered; For Yahweh is a God of recompense, He will fully repay.

Amplified Bible
For the destroyer is coming against her, against Babylon; And her mighty warriors will be captured, Their bows are shattered; For the LORD is a God of [just] restitution; He will fully repay.

Christian Standard Bible
for a destroyer is coming against her, against Babylon. Her warriors will be captured, their bows shattered, for the LORD is a God of retribution; he will certainly repay.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
for a destroyer is coming against her, against Babylon. Her warriors will be captured, their bows shattered, for the LORD is a God of retribution; He will certainly repay.

American Standard Version
for the destroyer is come upon her, even upon Babylon, and her mighty men are taken, their bows are broken in pieces; for Jehovah is a God of recompenses, he will surely requite.

Contemporary English Version
An enemy will attack and destroy Babylon. Its soldiers will be captured and their weapons broken, because I am a God who takes revenge against nations for what they do.

English Revised Version
for the spoiler is come upon her, even upon Babylon, and her mighty men are taken, their bows are broken in pieces: for the LORD is a God of recompences, he shall surely requite.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
A destroyer will attack Babylon, its soldiers will be captured, and their bows and arrows will be broken. "I, the LORD, am a God who punishes evil. I will certainly punish them.

Good News Translation
They have come to destroy Babylon; its soldiers are captured, and their bows are broken. I am a God who punishes evil, and I will treat Babylon as it deserves.

International Standard Version
Indeed, the destroyer is coming against her, against Babylon. Her warriors are captured, and her bows are broken. For the LORD is a God of recompense, and he will repay in full.

Majority Standard Bible
For a destroyer is coming against her—against Babylon. Her warriors will be captured, and their bows will be broken, for the LORD is a God of retribution; He will repay in full.

NET Bible
For a destroyer is attacking Babylon. Her warriors will be captured; their bows will be broken. For the LORD is a God who punishes; he pays back in full.

New Heart English Bible
for the destroyer has come on her, even on Babylon, and her mighty men are taken, their bows are broken in pieces; for the LORD is a God of recompenses, he will surely requite.

Webster's Bible Translation
Because the spoiler is come upon her, even upon Babylon, and her mighty men are taken, every one of their bows is broken: for the LORD God of recompenses shall surely requite.

World English Bible
For the destroyer has come on her, even on Babylon. Her mighty men are taken. Their bows are broken in pieces, for Yahweh is a God of retribution. He will surely repay.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
For a spoiler has come in against her—against Babylon, "" And her mighty ones have been captured, "" Their bows have been broken, "" For the God of recompenses—YHWH—certainly repays.

Young's Literal Translation
For come in against it -- against Babylon -- hath a spoiler, And captured have been its mighty ones, Broken have been their bows, For the God of recompences -- Jehovah -- doth certainly repay.

Smith's Literal Translation
For he spoiling came upon her, upon Babel, and her strong ones were taken, their bow was broken: for the God of recompenses, Jehovah requiting will requite.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Because the spoiler is come upon her, that is, upon Babylon, and her valiant men are taken, and their bow is weakened, because the Lord, who is a strong revenger, will surely repay.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For the despoiler has overwhelmed her, that is, Babylon, and her strong ones have been apprehended, and their bow has been weakened. For the Lord, the powerful revenger, will certainly repay.

New American Bible
For the destroyer comes upon her, upon Babylon; warriors are captured, their bows broken; The LORD is a God of recompense, he will surely repay.

New Revised Standard Version
for a destroyer has come against her, against Babylon; her warriors are taken, their bows are broken; for the LORD is a God of recompense, he will repay in full.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
The spoilers have come upon Babylon, and her mighty men are taken, and their bows are broken in pieces; for God is the LORD of recompense; he will surely requite them.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because plunderers came against Babel, and its mighty men are made prisoners, and their bows are broken, because God The Rewarder, LORD JEHOVAH, shall certainly reward them

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
For the spoiler is come upon her, even upon Babylon, And her mighty men are taken, Their bows are shattered; For the LORD is a God of recompenses, He will surely requite.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For distress has come upon Babylon, her warriors are taken, their bows are useless: for God recompenses them.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Babylon's Punishment
…55For the LORD will destroy Babylon; He will silence her mighty voice. The waves will roar like great waters; the tumult of their voices will resound. 56For a destroyer is coming against her— against Babylon. Her warriors will be captured, and their bows will be broken, for the LORD is a God of retribution; He will repay in full. 57I will make her princes and wise men drunk, along with her governors, officials, and warriors. Then they will fall asleep forever and not wake up,” declares the King, whose name is the LORD of Hosts.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Revelation 18:8
Therefore her plagues will come in one day—death and grief and famine—and she will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her.”

Isaiah 47:3
Your nakedness will be uncovered and your shame will be exposed. I will take vengeance; I will spare no one.”

Nahum 2:13
“Behold, I am against you,” declares the LORD of Hosts. “I will reduce your chariots to cinders, and the sword will devour your young lions. I will cut off your prey from the earth, and the voices of your messengers will no longer be heard.”

Isaiah 13:11
I will punish the world for its evil and the wicked for their iniquity. I will end the haughtiness of the arrogant and lay low the pride of the ruthless.

Revelation 18:21
Then a mighty angel picked up a stone the size of a great millstone and cast it into the sea, saying: “With such violence the great city of Babylon will be cast down, never to be seen again.

Isaiah 13:19
And Babylon, the jewel of the kingdoms, the glory of the pride of the Chaldeans, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah.

Revelation 17:16-17
And the ten horns and the beast that you saw will hate the prostitute. They will leave her desolate and naked, and they will eat her flesh and burn her with fire. / For God has put it into their hearts to carry out His purpose by uniting to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled.

Isaiah 14:22-23
“I will rise up against them,” declares the LORD of Hosts. “I will cut off from Babylon her name and her remnant, her offspring and her posterity,” declares the LORD. / “I will make her a place for owls and for swamplands; I will sweep her away with the broom of destruction,” declares the LORD of Hosts.

Revelation 19:2
For His judgments are true and just. He has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality. He has avenged the blood of His servants that was poured out by her hand.”

Isaiah 45:1-2
This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him, to disarm kings, to open the doors before him, so that the gates will not be shut: / “I will go before you and level the mountains; I will break down the gates of bronze and cut through the bars of iron.

Revelation 18:10
In fear of her torment, they will stand at a distance and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, the mighty city of Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.”

Isaiah 46:11
I summon a bird of prey from the east, a man for My purpose from a far-off land. Truly I have spoken, and truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, and I will surely do it.

Revelation 18:6
Give back to her as she has done to others; pay her back double for what she has done; mix her a double portion in her own cup.

Isaiah 48:14
Come together, all of you, and listen: Which of the idols has foretold these things? The LORD’s chosen ally will carry out His desire against Babylon, and His arm will be against the Chaldeans.

Revelation 18:23
The light of a lamp will never shine in you again, and the voices of a bride and bridegroom will never call out in you again. For your merchants were the great ones of the earth, because all the nations were deceived by your sorcery.”

Treasury of Scripture

Because the spoiler is come on her, even on Babylon, and her mighty men are taken, every one of their bows is broken: for the LORD God of recompenses shall surely requite.

the spoiler

Jeremiah 51:48
Then the heaven and the earth, and all that is therein, shall sing for Babylon: for the spoilers shall come unto her from the north, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 50:10
And Chaldea shall be a spoil: all that spoil her shall be satisfied, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 21:2
A grievous vision is declared unto me; the treacherous dealer dealeth treacherously, and the spoiler spoileth. Go up, O Elam: besiege, O Media; all the sighing thereof have I made to cease.

her mighty

Jeremiah 51:30
The mighty men of Babylon have forborn to fight, they have remained in their holds: their might hath failed; they became as women: they have burned her dwellingplaces; her bars are broken.

Jeremiah 50:36
A sword is upon the liars; and they shall dote: a sword is upon her mighty men; and they shall be dismayed.

every

Genesis 49:24
But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)

1 Samuel 2:4
The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.

Psalm 37:15
Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.

the Lord

Jeremiah 51:6,24
Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this is the time of the LORD'S vengeance; he will render unto her a recompence…

Jeremiah 50:28,29
The voice of them that flee and escape out of the land of Babylon, to declare in Zion the vengeance of the LORD our God, the vengeance of his temple…

Deuteronomy 32:35
To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.

Jump to Previous

Babylon Bows Broken Captured Destroyer Mighty Ones Pieces Recompences Recompense Recompenses Repay Requite Rewarding Shattered Spoiler Surely War Waster

Jump to Next

Babylon Bows Broken Captured Destroyer Mighty Ones Pieces Recompences Recompense Recompenses Repay Requite Rewarding Shattered Spoiler Surely War Waster

Jeremiah 51

1. The severe judgment of God against Babylon, in revenge of Israel
59. Jeremiah delivers the book of this prophecy to Seraiah, to be cast into Euphrates,
64. in token of the perpetual sinking of Babylon

Berean Study Bible

For the destroyer
The phrase "the destroyer" refers to an agent of divine judgment. In the Hebrew text, the word used is "שׁוֹדֵד" (shoded), which means "spoiler" or "ravager." This term is often used in the context of God's instruments of judgment against nations that have acted in defiance of His will. Historically, Babylon was a powerful empire known for its opulence and idolatry, and the "destroyer" signifies the Medo-Persian forces led by Cyrus the Great, who would conquer Babylon as prophesied.

will come against her
indicates the certainty and imminence of Babylon's downfall. The Hebrew verb "בָּא" (ba) is used here, which means "to come" or "to arrive." This conveys the unstoppable nature of God's judgment. The phrase underscores the idea that no matter how fortified or secure Babylon might seem, divine retribution is inevitable.

against Babylon
specifically identifies the target of this divine judgment. Babylon, in the biblical narrative, is often symbolic of human pride and rebellion against God. It was a city of great wealth and influence, yet it was also a place of great moral and spiritual corruption. The historical context is crucial here, as Babylon had been an instrument of judgment against Judah, but now the tables are turned, and Babylon itself is subject to God's justice.

Her warriors will be captured
The phrase "Her warriors" refers to the military might of Babylon. The Hebrew word "גִּבּוֹרִים" (gibborim) is used, meaning "mighty men" or "heroes." These were the elite soldiers and defenders of the empire, renowned for their strength and prowess in battle. However, the prophecy foretells their defeat, emphasizing that human strength is futile against the divine will.

will be captured
speaks to the totality of Babylon's defeat. The Hebrew verb "נִלְכָּד" (nilkad) means "to be taken" or "to be captured." This indicates not just a military defeat but a complete subjugation. The capture of Babylon's warriors symbolizes the collapse of its power and the futility of relying on human strength and military might in opposition to God.

and their bows will be broken
The phrase "and their bows" represents the primary weaponry and defense mechanisms of Babylon. The bow was a symbol of military power and skill in ancient warfare. In the Hebrew text, "קֶשֶׁת" (qeshet) is used, which directly translates to "bow." This imagery highlights the futility of Babylon's defenses against the decreed judgment.

will be broken
signifies the complete dismantling of Babylon's military capabilities. The Hebrew verb "תִּשָּׁבַרְנָה" (tishavarna) means "to be broken" or "to be shattered." This conveys the idea that not only will Babylon's warriors be captured, but their ability to fight back or defend themselves will be utterly destroyed. It is a powerful reminder of the sovereignty of God over the nations and the ultimate futility of opposing His purposes.

For the LORD is a God of retribution; He will repay in full
The phrase "For the LORD" emphasizes the divine authority behind the prophecy. The use of "יהוה" (YHWH) in Hebrew, the covenant name of God, underscores His personal involvement and faithfulness to His promises. It is a reminder that the events unfolding are not random but are orchestrated by the sovereign will of God.

is a God of retribution
highlights the aspect of God's character that is just and righteous. The Hebrew word "גְּמוּלוֹת" (gemulot) refers to recompense or retribution. This phrase assures that God will hold nations accountable for their actions, and His justice will prevail. It is a comforting reminder to the faithful that God sees and will act justly.

He will repay in full
This phrase underscores the certainty and completeness of God's judgment. The Hebrew verb "שִׁלֵּם" (shillem) means "to repay" or "to recompense." The assurance that God will "repay in full" serves as both a warning to the wicked and a promise to the righteous that divine justice will be executed perfectly. It is a call to trust in God's timing and His ultimate plan for justice and righteousness.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(56) The Lord God of recompences . . .--The prophet clothes the law of retribution which he has been asserting throughout the chapter with a new majesty by connecting it with a new Divine Name (comp. Jeremiah 23:6). Jehovah delights, as it were, to manifest Himself in that aspect. He is a God of retribution, Jehovah, and will be true to that title.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 56. - The Lord God of recompenses shall, etc.; rather, The Lord is a God of recompense; he will, etc.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

For
כִּי֩ (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

a destroyer
שׁוֹדֵ֔ד (šō·w·ḏêḏ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7703: To deal violently with, despoil, devastate, ruin

is coming
בָ֨א (ḇā)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

against her—
עָלֶ֤יהָ (‘ā·le·hā)
Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

against
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

Babylon.
בָּבֶל֙ (bā·ḇel)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 894: Babylon -- an eastern Mediterranean empire and its capital city

Her warriors
גִּבּוֹרֶ֔יהָ (gib·bō·w·re·hā)
Adjective - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 1368: Powerful, warrior, tyrant

will be captured,
וְנִלְכְּדוּ֙ (wə·nil·kə·ḏū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3920: To catch, to capture, occupy, to choose, to cohere

[and] their bows
קַשְּׁתוֹתָ֑ם (qaš·šə·ṯō·w·ṯām)
Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 7198: A bow, for, shooting, the iris

will be broken,
חִתְּתָ֖ה (ḥit·tə·ṯāh)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 2865: To prostrate, to break down, either, by violence, by confusion and fear

for
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the LORD
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

is a God
אֵ֧ל (’êl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 410: Strength -- as adjective, mighty, the Almighty

of retribution;
גְּמֻל֛וֹת (gə·mu·lō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 1578: A dealing, recompense

He will repay in full.
שַׁלֵּ֥ם (šal·lêm)
Verb - Piel - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 7999: To be safe, to be, completed, to be friendly, to reciprocate

Links

Jeremiah 51:56 NIV
Jeremiah 51:56 NLT
Jeremiah 51:56 ESV
Jeremiah 51:56 NASB
Jeremiah 51:56 KJV

Jeremiah 51:56 BibleApps.com
Jeremiah 51:56 Biblia Paralela
Jeremiah 51:56 Chinese Bible
Jeremiah 51:56 French Bible
Jeremiah 51:56 Catholic Bible

OT Prophets: Jeremiah 51:56 For the destroyer is come on her (Jer.)