Jeremiah 51:33

KJV

For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; The daughter of Babylon [is] like a threshingfloor, [it is] time to thresh her: yet a little while, and the time of her harvest shall come.

KJV (with Strong's)

For thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}; The daughter {H1323} of Babylon {H894} is like a threshingfloor {H1637}, it is time {H6256} to thresh {H1869} her: yet a little while {H4592}, and the time {H6256} of her harvest {H7105} shall come {H935}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For here is what ADONAI-Tzva'ot, the God of Isra'el, says: "The daughter of Bavel is like a threshing-floor at treading-time. Just a little while longer, and the time for harvesting her will come."

Berean Standard Bible

For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “The Daughter of Babylon is like a threshing floor at the time it is trampled. In just a little while her harvest time will come.”

American Standard Version

For thus saith Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel: The daughter of Babylon is like a threshing-floor at the time when it is trodden; yet a little while, and the time of harvest shall come for her.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 51:33 delivers a potent prophetic declaration from the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, foretelling the certain and imminent judgment upon Babylon. Employing vivid agricultural metaphors, the verse likens Babylon to a threshingfloor ripe for processing, signifying a violent and thorough divine reckoning that will culminate in its complete downfall, assuring the exiled Israelites of God's unwavering justice and sovereignty over all nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 51:33 is situated within a lengthy prophetic oracle against Babylon, spanning chapters 50 and 51 of the book of Jeremiah. This section immediately follows Jeremiah's prophecies concerning Judah's seventy-year exile and the destruction of Jerusalem. The oracle against Babylon serves as a powerful counterpoint and a message of hope and vindication for the exiled Judeans, assuring them that their oppressor, the mighty Babylonian Empire, would not escape divine retribution. The preceding verses in chapter 51 detail Babylon's pride, idolatry, and its role as God's instrument of judgment against other nations, now turning the focus to its own impending destruction. The imagery of the threshingfloor and harvest here is part of a broader prophetic tapestry that uses natural processes to describe divine judgment, reinforcing the idea that Babylon's end is as natural and inevitable as the changing seasons. The overarching narrative of Jeremiah emphasizes God's sovereign control over history and His covenant faithfulness, even when His people are in exile.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this prophecy, Babylon was the dominant world power, having conquered Judah and destroyed Jerusalem in 586 BC. The city of Babylon itself was renowned for its immense walls, Hanging Gardens, and perceived impregnability, embodying a sense of human might and self-sufficiency. The agricultural imagery in the verse—the "threshingfloor" and "harvest"—was deeply familiar to an ancient Israelite audience. A threshingfloor was a hard, flat, circular area, typically on high ground, where harvested grain was spread out and then trampled by oxen or beaten with flails to separate the valuable kernels from the unwanted straw and chaff. The "harvest" was the culmination of the agricultural year, a time of gathering the crops. In prophetic literature, however, "harvest" often takes on a metaphorical meaning of a time of divine reckoning, where people or nations are "gathered" for judgment, much like grain is gathered for processing. This cultural understanding of agricultural processes lends a stark and visceral quality to the prophecy, making the impending destruction of Babylon palpable and inevitable. Historically, Babylon fell to the Medes and Persians under Cyrus the Great in 539 BC, fulfilling this and other prophecies.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully underscores several key themes prevalent in Jeremiah and throughout the Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**. The declaration "thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel" asserts God's ultimate authority over all nations, demonstrating that even the most formidable empires like Babylon are subject to His will and judgment. This reinforces the truth that God is not merely a tribal deity but the universal Lord who holds all of history in His hands, capable of executing His righteous decrees against those who oppose Him or oppress His people ([Jeremiah 50:25](/jeremiah/50-25 "Jeremiah 50:25 - The LORD's Armory Opened")). Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Babylon's Impending Judgment**. The personification "the daughter of Babylon" vividly portrays the nation as ripe for punishment, signaling the end of its period of dominance and its inevitable downfall. This serves as a powerful reminder that no human power, however great, can ultimately defy the divine will. Lastly, the **Agricultural Metaphor of Judgment** is central. By likening Babylon to a "threshingfloor" and its judgment to a "harvest," the prophecy conveys a process of violent and thorough separation, where the wicked (Babylon) will be utterly crushed and removed, much like chaff is separated from grain. This imagery is a recurring motif in biblical prophecy, signifying a time of divine reckoning and the just culmination of sin, as seen in passages like [Joel 3:13](/joel/3-13 "Joel 3:13 - The Harvest is Ripe for Judgment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Daughter (Hebrew, _bath'_):** From the root `בָּנָה` (banah), meaning "to build," `H1323` refers to a "daughter," used broadly in relationships, literally and figuratively. In this context, "daughter of Babylon" is a common Hebrew idiom (also found as "daughter of Zion," "daughter of Tyre") that personifies a nation or city, representing its inhabitants, its character, and its collective identity. It makes the prophecy more intimate and direct, addressing Babylon as a living entity facing its doom.
* **Threshingfloor (Hebrew, _gôren'_):** From an unused root meaning "to smooth," `H1637` denotes a "threshing-floor" (as made even) or any open area. This was a hard, flat, often elevated surface where harvested grain was processed. The imagery of Babylon as a "threshingfloor" implies that it will be the very place where the process of judgment, involving crushing and separation, will occur. It suggests that Babylon itself, once a place of power and security, will become the stage for its own violent undoing.
* **Thresh (Hebrew, _dârak'_):** A primitive root, `H1869` means "to tread," "to walk," or "to string a bow (by treading on it)." In the context of a threshingfloor, it specifically refers to the act of trampling grain to separate the kernel from the husk. Here, it vividly portrays the violent and destructive action God will take against Babylon. It's not a gentle process but a forceful, crushing one, signifying complete subjugation and devastation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel;":** This opening phrase establishes the divine authority and unwavering certainty of the prophecy. "The LORD of hosts" (`Yᵉhôvâh tsâbâʼ`, `H3068` `H6635`) emphasizes God's supreme power as the commander of heavenly armies and all creation, underscoring His ability to execute His will on a global scale. "The God of Israel" (`ʼĕlôhîym Yisrâʼêl`, `H430` `H3478`) highlights His covenant relationship with His chosen people, implying that this judgment on Babylon is an act of faithfulness to Israel and a vindication of their suffering.
* **"The daughter of Babylon [is] like a threshingfloor, [it is] time to thresh her:":** This is the core metaphor of judgment. "The daughter of Babylon" (`bath Bâbel`, `H1323` `H894`) personifies the entire nation and its capital, emphasizing its collective identity and impending fate. Likening it to a "threshingfloor" (`gôren`, `H1637`) means Babylon itself will be the site and subject of a violent, crushing process. The declaration "it is time to thresh her" (`ʻêth dârak`, `H6256` `H1869`) signifies that the appointed moment for this severe judgment has arrived, indicating that Babylon's period of unchecked power is over and its downfall is divinely ordained and imminent.
* **"yet a little while, and the time of her harvest shall come.":** This final clause reinforces the certainty and timing of the judgment. "Yet a little while" (`mᵉʻaṭ`, `H4592`) conveys that while the exact moment may not be immediate, it is close at hand, preventing despair among the exiles and emphasizing God's perfect timing. The "time of her harvest" (`ʻêth qâtsîyr`, `H6256` `H7105`) further develops the agricultural metaphor. While harvest typically implies gathering and abundance, in prophetic judgment, it signifies the gathering of people for reckoning and destruction, the culmination of wickedness leading to divine wrath. This "coming" (`bôwʼ`, `H935`) of the harvest is an unstoppable, divinely orchestrated event.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 51:33 is rich in **Symbolism** and **Metaphor**. The central metaphor is that of Babylon as a "threshingfloor" and its judgment as "threshing" and "harvest." The **threshingfloor** symbolizes a place of severe, violent processing and separation, where the valuable (grain) is separated from the worthless (chaff). Applied to Babylon, it symbolizes its utter destruction and the sifting out of its power and inhabitants. The act of "threshing" is a **metaphor** for the crushing, trampling judgment God will inflict upon Babylon. Similarly, the "harvest" is a powerful **symbol** that, while typically associated with bounty, is here inverted to signify a time of divine reckoning and the gathering of the wicked for judgment. This inversion heightens the sense of impending doom. Furthermore, the phrase "the daughter of Babylon" employs **Personification**, giving the nation a human identity, making its impending judgment more vivid and relatable. This literary technique allows the prophet to address Babylon directly as a condemned entity, emphasizing its collective responsibility and fate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 51:33 powerfully articulates the biblical truth of God's absolute sovereignty over history and His unwavering commitment to justice. It demonstrates that no earthly power, however formidable or self-assured, can ultimately defy the will of the Almighty. Babylon, once the instrument of God's wrath against Judah, now faces its own divine reckoning, a testament to the principle that God holds all nations accountable for their actions, particularly their oppression of His people and their idolatry. This prophecy provides immense comfort to those suffering under oppressive regimes, assuring them that God sees their plight and will, in His perfect timing, bring about justice. It also serves as a perpetual warning against national pride, arrogance, and cruelty, reminding all that a "harvest" of judgment awaits those who reject God's righteousness.

* [Isaiah 17:10-11](/isaiah/17-10-11 "Isaiah 17:10-11 - The Harvest of Sorrow")
* [Hosea 6:11](/hosea/6-11 "Hosea 6:11 - Judah's Harvest of Captivity")
* [Matthew 3:12](/matthew/3-12 "Matthew 3:12 - John the Baptist's Prophecy of Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 51:33 offers profound lessons for believers today, reminding us of God's unchanging character and His active involvement in human affairs. In a world often marked by injustice, oppression, and seemingly invincible powers, this verse provides a bedrock of hope: God remains sovereign, and His justice will ultimately prevail. We are called to trust in His perfect timing, even when the "harvest" of judgment seems delayed, for "yet a little while, and the time... shall come." This should inspire patient endurance and faithful living, knowing that God is actively working behind the scenes of history. Furthermore, the prophecy serves as a sober warning against the dangers of pride, idolatry, and the abuse of power. It calls us to examine our own lives and societies, ensuring that we do not align ourselves with systems or ideologies that defy God's righteous standards. Instead, we are to live as agents of His kingdom, advocating for justice and compassion, confident that the ultimate arbiter of all things will bring every hidden thing to light and every wrong to right.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of the "threshingfloor" and "harvest" deepen your understanding of divine judgment?**
* **In what ways does this prophecy encourage you to trust God's sovereignty and timing, especially when facing injustice or oppression?**
* **What lessons can we draw from Babylon's downfall regarding national pride, idolatry, or the abuse of power in our contemporary world?**

### FAQ
**Why is Babylon referred to as "the daughter of Babylon" in this verse?**

Answer: "The daughter of Babylon" is a common Hebrew idiom used in biblical prophecy to personify a nation or city. It's a poetic way of referring to the entire populace, its collective character, and its destiny. This literary device makes the prophecy more vivid and direct, addressing Babylon as a distinct entity that is about to face divine judgment. Other examples include "daughter of Zion" (referring to Jerusalem) or "daughter of Tyre." It emphasizes the intimate connection between the people and their land, making the impending destruction a personal and collective fate.

**What is the significance of the agricultural imagery of "threshingfloor" and "harvest" in the context of judgment?**

Answer: The imagery of the "threshingfloor" and "harvest" draws from ancient Near Eastern agricultural practices, which were deeply familiar to the original audience. A threshingfloor was where grain was violently beaten or trampled to separate the valuable kernels from the worthless straw and chaff. This process symbolizes a severe, crushing judgment where the wicked (Babylon) are utterly broken and removed. The "harvest," while typically a time of gathering bounty, is often inverted in prophetic literature to symbolize a time of divine reckoning, where people or nations are "gathered" for judgment, much like crops are gathered for processing. This metaphor emphasizes the thoroughness and inevitability of God's judgment, signifying the culmination of sin leading to divine wrath, as seen in [Joel 3:13](/joel/3-13 "Joel 3:13 - The Harvest of Judgment").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 51:33 directly prophesies the historical fall of Babylon, its agricultural imagery and themes of divine judgment find their ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Babylon's "harvest" of judgment came, so too does Christ represent the ultimate "harvest" of humanity. He is the one who will "gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire" ([Matthew 3:12](/matthew/3-12 "Matthew 3:12 - John the Baptist's Prophecy of Judgment")). His first coming inaugurated a time of spiritual harvest, calling people to repentance and faith, separating those who believe from those who reject Him. His second coming, however, will be the final and decisive "threshing," when He returns as the righteous Judge to execute ultimate justice upon all ungodliness and rebellion. The Book of Revelation depicts a "Babylon" (often understood as a symbolic representation of all systems that oppose God) whose judgment is certain and final, echoing Jeremiah's prophecy and culminating in the reign of Christ ([Revelation 18:2](/revelation/18-2 "Revelation 18:2 - The Fall of Babylon")). Thus, Jeremiah 51:33 points forward to the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom, established by the Lamb of God who is also the Lion of Judah, who will one day bring all things to their just and perfect conclusion, ensuring that every oppressive power is finally brought to nothing before His glorious reign ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")).

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

Isaiah 21:10

O my threshing, and the corn of my floor: that which I have heard of the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, have I declared unto you.

Joel 3:13

Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness [is] great.

Hosea 6:11

Also, O Judah, he hath set an harvest for thee, when I returned the captivity of my people.

Micah 4:13

Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion: for I will make thine horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass: and thou shalt beat in pieces many people: and I will consecrate their gain unto the LORD, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth.

Isaiah 41:15

Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat [them] small, and shalt make the hills as chaff.

Isaiah 41:16

Thou shalt fan them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them: and thou shalt rejoice in the LORD, [and] shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 18:5

For afore the harvest, when the bud is perfect, and the sour grape is ripening in the flower, he shall both cut off the sprigs with pruning hooks, and take away [and] cut down the branches.