Old Testament
Jeremiah 51:35
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The people of Zion will say, "May the violence done to us and our people fall on Babylon!" And Jerusalem will say, "May our blood be on the heads of those who live in Chaldea!"
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The violence done to me and to my flesh be upon Babylon, shall the inhabitant of Zion say; and my blood upon the inhabitants of Chaldea, shall Jerusalem say.
What Jeremiah 51:35 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the people of Zion, representing Jerusalem and its inhabitants, express a desire for justice against Babylon for the suffering they have endured. They call for the violence inflicted upon them to be returned to their oppressors, the Babylonians. This reflects a deep sense of injustice and a longing for retribution. The mention of blood signifies the seriousness of their plight and the desire for accountability. The verse captures the emotional turmoil of the people as they seek divine justice, hoping that their suffering will not go unpunished. It highlights the theme of vengeance and the hope for restoration, as the people of Zion yearn for their oppressors to face the consequences of their actions. This cry for justice is a common theme in the prophetic literature, where the oppressed seek vindication from God against their enemies.
How to apply Jeremiah 51:35 to your life
This verse encourages us to seek justice in our own lives when we face wrongdoing. It reminds us that while we may desire retribution, we should also trust in God's timing and justice. We can pray for those who have wronged us and seek healing rather than harboring bitterness.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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Keep studying Jeremiah 51:35
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At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 51:35 mean?
Jeremiah 51:35 expresses the desire of the people of Zion for justice against Babylon for the violence they have suffered. They call for their oppressors to face the consequences of their actions, reflecting a deep longing for retribution and accountability.
What is the significance of blood in Jeremiah 51:35?
In Jeremiah 51:35, the mention of blood symbolizes the seriousness of the suffering endured by the people of Zion. It emphasizes their plea for justice and the desire for their oppressors to be held accountable for the violence inflicted upon them.
How does Jeremiah 51:35 relate to themes of justice?
Jeremiah 51:35 relates to themes of justice by illustrating the cry of the oppressed for retribution against their oppressors. It underscores the emotional turmoil of those who seek vindication for the wrongs they have suffered.
What can we learn from Jeremiah 51:35?
From Jeremiah 51:35, we learn the importance of seeking justice when wronged and the need for accountability. It also reminds us to trust in God's timing for justice while focusing on healing rather than bitterness.
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