Jeremiah 50:36

KJV

A sword [is] upon the liars; and they shall dote: a sword [is] upon her mighty men; and they shall be dismayed.

KJV (with Strong's)

A sword {H2719} is upon the liars {H907}; and they shall dote {H2973}: a sword {H2719} is upon her mighty men {H1368}; and they shall be dismayed {H2865}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A sword hangs over the lying diviners; they will become fools. A sword hangs over her warriors; they will be disgraced.

Berean Standard Bible

A sword is against her false prophets, and they will become fools. A sword is against her warriors, and they will be filled with terror.

American Standard Version

A sword is upon the boasters, and they shall become fools; a sword is upon her mighty men, and they shall be dismayed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 50:36 delivers a potent prophetic declaration of divine judgment against Babylon, asserting that a "sword" of destruction will fall upon its deceptive practices and its formidable military might. This pronouncement signifies that those who rely on falsehood and cunning will be divinely afflicted with confusion and folly, losing their capacity for sound judgment. Simultaneously, even Babylon's most renowned and powerful warriors will be struck with terror and rendered utterly ineffective, underscoring the ultimate futility of human strength and deceit when confronted by the sovereign and righteous justice of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah chapters 50 and 51 comprise an extensive and detailed prophetic oracle specifically directed against Babylon, outlining its comprehensive and inevitable destruction. This lengthy prophecy serves as a theological counterpoint to the earlier pronouncements of judgment against Judah, demonstrating that even the nation God used as an instrument of discipline would ultimately face divine reckoning for its own pride, cruelty, and rampant idolatry. Within this broader oracle, [Jeremiah 50:36](/jeremiah/50-36 "Jeremiah 50:36 - Judgment on Babylon's Liars and Mighty Men") is part of a series of specific woes pronounced against various pillars of Babylonian society and power—including its treasures, horses, chariots, and here, its liars and mighty men. The recurring motif of the "sword" throughout these chapters (e.g., [Jeremiah 50:35](/jeremiah/50-35 "Jeremiah 50:35 - A Sword on Babylon's Treasures") and [Jeremiah 50:37](/jeremiah/50-37 "Jeremiah 50:37 - A Sword on Babylon's Horses")) functions as a powerful symbol of God's chosen instrument of judgment, often referring to the invading armies (historically, the Medes and Persians) that would bring about Babylon's downfall. This repetition emphasizes the pervasive and inescapable nature of the coming destruction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC, the Neo-Babylonian Empire, under the formidable leadership of Nebuchadnezzar, had ascended to become the dominant superpower of the ancient Near East. Babylon famously conquered Judah, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and its sacred Temple in 586 BC. Despite being used by God as an instrument of discipline for His people's sins, Babylon itself was characterized by immense national pride, pervasive idolatry (with Marduk as its chief deity), and a deep reliance on divination, astrology, and false prophecies. Its military was widely considered invincible, and its massive walls were thought to be impregnable. The "liars" mentioned in this verse can refer to the false prophets, diviners, and deceptive officials who advised the Babylonian kings, whose counsel was rooted in idolatrous practices rather than divine truth. More broadly, it encompasses the very foundation of the nation built upon idolatrous lies and self-deception. The "mighty men" were the elite warriors, the very backbone of Babylon's imperial might and military prowess. The prophecy vividly anticipates a dramatic reversal of fortunes, where Babylon's perceived strengths would become its most vulnerable weaknesses, leading to its catastrophic collapse, as dramatically recounted in [Daniel 5](/daniel/5 "Daniel 5 - Belshazzar's Feast and Babylon's Fall").
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching theological themes prevalent in the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment on Deception and Idolatry**. Babylon's reliance on false gods, its deceptive political practices, and its embrace of misleading counsel are directly targeted, highlighting that any foundation built upon lies and idolatry is inherently unstable and destined to crumble under the weight of God's righteous wrath. Secondly, it emphasizes **The Folly and Futility of Human Strength and Pride**. Even Babylon's renowned military power and its elite warriors are declared to be useless, terrified, and ultimately ineffective when confronted by God's sovereign plan. This demonstrates unequivocally that no human construct, military might, or intellectual cunning can withstand the Almighty, echoing similar sentiments found in passages like [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalm/33-16-17 "Psalm 33:16-17 - God's Deliverance, Not Human Strength"). Thirdly, and perhaps most profoundly, the verse reinforces **God's Absolute Sovereignty and Justice over All Nations**. It serves as a powerful testament to God's ultimate control over all empires and kingdoms, demonstrating that even the most powerful human kingdoms are accountable to His divine standards of justice and righteousness. This impending judgment on Babylon is also presented as a profound act of God's faithfulness to His covenant people, avenging the wrongs done to them and promising their eventual restoration, as articulated in [Jeremiah 50:33](/jeremiah/50-33 "Jeremiah 50:33 - The Oppression of Israel and Judah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Liars (Hebrew, _bad_):** This term (H907) is derived from a root meaning "to separate" or "to boast," and refers to "a brag or lie; also a liar." In the context of Babylon, it encompasses not only individuals who speak falsehoods but also the pervasive culture of deceit, false prophecies, and idolatrous foundations upon which their power was built. The "sword" upon them signifies divine judgment against this very essence of their national character, implying that their deceptive wisdom will be exposed and rendered utterly foolish.
* **Dote (Hebrew, _yâʼal_):** Derived from H2973, this primitive root properly means "to be slack," but figuratively, "to be foolish." It suggests a state of mental confusion, irrationality, or a profound loss of sound judgment. The judgment on the liars is not merely their demise but a divinely induced intellectual and spiritual paralysis, where their boasted cunning turns to utter folly, akin to the confounding of the wise in [Isaiah 19:14](/isaiah/19-14 "Isaiah 19:14 - The Spirit of Perverseness in Egypt").
* **Mighty Men (Hebrew, _gibbôwr_):** This word (H1368) is an intensive form meaning "powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant; champion, chief, [idiom] excel, giant, man, mighty (man, one), strong (man), valiant man." These were the elite, formidable warriors of Babylon, the very embodiment of its military might and perceived invincibility. The "sword" upon them signifies that their physical strength, battle prowess, and renowned courage will be utterly negated, leading to their terror, demoralization, and ultimate defeat.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A sword is upon the liars;":** This initial clause declares a direct, divine judgment against those in Babylon characterized by falsehood and deception. The "sword" is a powerful metaphor for an instrument of destruction, typically an invading army, but ultimately representing the manifestation of God's righteous wrath. It targets not just individual deceivers but the entire system of false gods, misleading counsel, and inherent dishonesty that underpinned Babylon's perceived strength and authority.
* **"and they shall dote:":** The immediate and profound consequence of the "sword" falling upon the liars is that they will become foolish, losing their reason, discernment, and sound judgment. This is a divinely orchestrated confusion, implying that their boasted wisdom will fail, their strategic plans will become irrational, and their ability to govern or defend themselves will collapse into intellectual imbecility and spiritual blindness.
* **"a sword is upon her mighty men;":** The judgment is then extended to Babylon's military elite, its strongest, most valiant, and most feared warriors. The repetition of "a sword is upon" emphasizes the comprehensive and inescapable nature of the judgment, targeting another foundational pillar of Babylon's perceived invincibility—its physical and military might.
* **"and they shall be dismayed.":** The ultimate outcome for Babylon's mighty men is utter terror, demoralization, and a complete loss of courage. Despite their renowned strength and valor, they will be filled with overwhelming fear, their resolve will fail, and they will be rendered helpless and ineffective in the face of the impending divine destruction, unable to defend themselves or their empire.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 50:36 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending and comprehensive judgment. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where the "sword" serves as a powerful and recurring symbol for God's instrument of judgment, signifying not only an invading army but also the embodiment of divine wrath and destruction. This metaphor is repeated, creating a sense of relentless and inescapable doom. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, by repeating the structure "A sword is upon X; and they shall Y." This deliberate repetition emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the judgment, applying the same divine principle of retribution to two distinct but equally vital aspects of Babylon's power: its intellectual and spiritual foundation of lies, and its physical and military might. Furthermore, there is a subtle use of **Personification** in "her mighty men," referring to Babylon as a feminine entity, which is a common poetic device for nations or cities in biblical prophecy, imbuing the nation with human characteristics. The consequences described – "dote" (become foolish) and "dismayed" (terrified) – also evoke **Hyperbole**, suggesting an extreme and overwhelming state of confusion and terror that will utterly incapacitate the Babylonians, far beyond mere military defeat, highlighting the absolute nature of God's victory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 50:36 powerfully articulates God's unwavering commitment to justice and His absolute sovereignty, demonstrating that even the most formidable and oppressive empires are ultimately subject to His divine will. It reveals that reliance on deception, false gods, or even overwhelming human strength is a foundation built on sand, destined to crumble under the weight of divine scrutiny. This passage offers profound assurance to God's oppressed people that He sees their suffering and will indeed avenge the wrongs committed against them, while simultaneously serving as a stark and timeless warning to all who place their trust in anything other than the one true God. The judgment on Babylon underscores that God is not merely the God of Israel but the sovereign Lord over all nations, holding them accountable for their actions, particularly their pride, idolatry, and cruelty. It is a testament to His righteous character and His ultimate control over human history.

* [Jeremiah 50:33](/jeremiah/50-33 "Jeremiah 50:33 - The Oppression of Israel and Judah")
* [Isaiah 19:14](/isaiah/19-14 "Isaiah 19:14 - The Spirit of Perverseness in Egypt")
* [Psalm 33:10](/psalm/33-10 "Psalm 33:10 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 50:36 serves as a timeless and profound reminder that true security, lasting wisdom, and enduring power are found only in God, never in human deception or might. In a world frequently characterized by political spin, pervasive misinformation, and the glorification of military prowess, this verse calls believers to cultivate a discerning spirit, to rigorously distinguish truth from falsehood, and to place their ultimate trust solely in divine sovereignty. For individuals, it challenges us to deeply examine where we place our confidence: Do we rely on clever lies, manipulation, self-deception, or our own perceived strengths and intelligence to navigate life's complexities, or do we walk in unwavering integrity, trusting in God's revealed wisdom and omnipotent power? For communities and nations, it stands as a sobering warning against constructing societies on deceptive ideologies, economic exploitation, or aggressive military expansion, reminding us that such foundations are inherently unstable and will ultimately face divine reckoning. Conversely, for those who feel oppressed, marginalized, or overwhelmed by powerful systems of injustice and deceit, this passage offers immense comfort and hope, affirming that God sees, God judges, and God will ultimately vindicate His people, bringing down those who oppose His righteous and eternal rule.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to rely on "liars" (deception, false narratives, or self-deception) rather than on God's unassailable truth?**
* **How does the concept of "doting" or becoming foolish under divine judgment challenge my understanding of true wisdom and human intelligence?**
* **Where do I place my ultimate trust – in human strength, material resources, political institutions, or in the sovereign and unfailing power of God?**
* **How does this powerful prophecy against Babylon encourage me to trust God's perfect justice, even when oppressive powers seem to prevail and prosper in the present moment?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for the "liars" to "dote" in this context?**

Answer: In [Jeremiah 50:36](/jeremiah/50-36 "Jeremiah 50:36 - Judgment on Babylon's Liars and Mighty Men"), for the "liars" to "dote" (from the Hebrew _yâʼal_, H2973) means they will be afflicted with profound foolishness, irrationality, and a complete loss of sound judgment. This is not merely a natural consequence but a divinely orchestrated judgment, implying that their boasted wisdom, cunning, and deceptive strategies will utterly fail them. Instead of leading to success or continued power, their lies will lead to confusion, mental paralysis, and an inability to make effective decisions or mount a defense. It signifies a dramatic reversal where their supposed intellectual strength turns into utter folly, much like the wise men of Egypt were confounded in [Isaiah 19:14](/isaiah/19-14 "Isaiah 19:14 - The Spirit of Perverseness in Egypt"). This judgment highlights the ultimate futility and inherent instability of building anything on a foundation of falsehood.

**Why is God punishing Babylon so severely, given that He used them to discipline Judah?**

Answer: While God indeed used Babylon as an instrument of His divine discipline against Judah for their idolatry and disobedience (as seen in [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant")), Babylon itself was not innocent. Its actions were driven by its own immense pride, rampant idolatry, and extreme cruelty, exceeding God's intended purpose for discipline and demonstrating a fundamental rebellion against Him. God's justice is impartial and absolute; He holds all nations accountable for their sins, even those He uses for His sovereign purposes. Babylon's severe and comprehensive punishment, detailed extensively in [Jeremiah 50](/jeremiah/50 "Jeremiah 50 - Prophecy Against Babylon") and [Jeremiah 51](/jeremiah/51 "Jeremiah 51 - Further Prophecy Against Babylon"), is a powerful testament to His righteousness and His unwavering commitment to avenge the wrongs done to His covenant people, demonstrating that no empire, however mighty or seemingly successful, is above His ultimate judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 50:36, with its declaration of definitive judgment against Babylon's lies and its mighty men, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound theological resonance in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Babylon, as the epitome of worldly power founded on deception, human arrogance, and brute strength, stands as a vivid type of the entire fallen world system that stands in opposition to God and His truth. The "sword" of judgment that falls upon Babylon's liars and mighty men foreshadows the definitive and decisive judgment that Christ executes upon sin, falsehood, and all opposing spiritual and human powers. Jesus, the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), is the embodiment of absolute truth, who came to expose all lies and deceptions, declaring Himself to be [“the way, and the truth, and the life”](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life"). He is the true "mighty man," the [Lion of the tribe of Judah](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of Judah"), who did not rely on human strength or worldly cunning but conquered sin, death, and the powers of darkness through His sacrificial obedience on the cross and His glorious resurrection, thereby triumphing over and disarming [principalities and powers](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers"). The confusion and dismay that seized Babylon's mighty men prophetically point to the ultimate and irreversible defeat of all spiritual forces of evil and every form of human arrogance before the sovereign reign of Christ, who will finally establish a kingdom founded on eternal truth and perfect righteousness, a kingdom that [will never be destroyed](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Kingdom Endures Forever"). Thus, the judgment on Babylon in Jeremiah anticipates Christ's ultimate and complete victory over every lie and every opposing power, bringing eternal deliverance to His people and establishing His everlasting reign of truth and justice.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 49:22

Behold, he shall come up and fly as the eagle, and spread his wings over Bozrah: and at that day shall the heart of the mighty men of Edom be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.

Nahum 3:13

Behold, thy people in the midst of thee [are] women: the gates of thy land shall be set wide open unto thine enemies: the fire shall devour thy bars.

Isaiah 44:25

That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise [men] backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish;

Jeremiah 50:30

Therefore shall her young men fall in the streets, and all her men of war shall be cut off in that day, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 51:32

And that the passages are stopped, and the reeds they have burned with fire, and the men of war are affrighted.

Isaiah 47:10

For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None seeth me. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee; and thou hast said in thine heart, I [am], and none else beside me.

Isaiah 47:15

Thus shall they be unto thee with whom thou hast laboured, [even] thy merchants, from thy youth: they shall wander every one to his quarter; none shall save thee.