51:37 51:37

Jeremiah 51:38

51:39 51:39

Bible Versions

They shall roar together like lions: they shall yell as lions' whelps.
They shall roar {H7580} together {H3162} like lions {H3715}: they shall yell {H5286} as lions {H738}' whelps {H1484}.
Together they roar like young lions, growl like lion cubs.
They will roar together like young lions; they will growl like lion cubs.
They shall roar together like young lions; they shall growl as lions’ whelps.

Jeremiah 51:38 paints a vivid picture of the impending judgment upon ancient Babylon, a dominant world power in Jeremiah’s time. This verse is part of a larger prophetic oracle detailing God's righteous retribution against a nation that had become arrogant and oppressive, particularly in its treatment of Judah and its people.

Context of Jeremiah 51:38

The Book of Jeremiah dedicates significant chapters to prophecies against foreign nations, with chapters 50 and 51 specifically targeting Babylon. Following God's use of Babylon as an instrument of discipline against Judah, He now declares judgment upon Babylon itself for its excessive cruelty and pride (Jeremiah 50:11). Verses preceding 51:38 describe the desolation that will befall Babylon, including the drying up of its "sea" (likely referring to the Euphrates River or its vast network of canals, vital for its defense and prosperity), turning its land into a wilderness. The imagery of "roaring" and "yelling" like lions suggests the sounds emanating from Babylon's inhabitants as their mighty empire faces its catastrophic end.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment and Retribution: The primary theme is God's unwavering justice. Despite Babylon's immense power, it is not immune to divine judgment for its arrogance and oppression. This serves as a powerful reminder that all nations are ultimately accountable to the sovereign God.
  • The Fall of a Mighty Empire: The prophecy vividly portrays the complete downfall of a seemingly invincible power. The "roaring" of lions, often a symbol of strength, dominion, and predatory might (as seen in Daniel 7:4 where Babylon is depicted as a lion), here transforms into the desperate "yelling" of "lions' whelps." This shift in imagery suggests a reduction from formidable power to pathetic weakness, perhaps their revelry turning into wails of despair or their final, futile acts of aggression.
  • Reversal of Fortune: What was once a sound of triumph or terror inflicted by Babylon upon its enemies will become a sound of its own distress and lament. The once-dominant roar becomes a less impressive, more desperate cry.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "roar" is sha'ag (שָׁאַג), which is consistently used for the deep, powerful sound a lion makes, often conveying ferocity or triumph. However, the subsequent word, translated "yell," is na'am (נָעַם). While na'am typically means "to be pleasant" or "delightful," in this context, combined with "lions' whelps," it takes on a sarcastic or ironic tone, implying a discordant, perhaps mournful or desperate cry, far from any pleasant sound. The contrast between the mighty lion and its less formidable "whelps" emphasizes the diminished state of Babylon's power and the futility of its resistance.

Practical Application and Reflection

Jeremiah 51:38 offers timeless lessons for all generations. It underscores the principle that pride goes before a fall and that God holds nations and individuals accountable for their actions (Proverbs 16:18). No empire, no matter how powerful, is beyond the reach of divine justice. For believers, this verse reinforces faith in God's ultimate sovereignty over history and His promise to bring justice to the oppressed. It reminds us not to place our ultimate trust in worldly powers, but in the Lord, who brings down the proud and exalts the humble.

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.

  • Jeremiah 2:15

    The young lions roared upon him, [and] yelled, and they made his land waste: his cities are burned without inhabitant.

  • Psalms 58:6

    ¶ Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O LORD.

  • Nahum 2:11

    ¶ Where [is] the dwelling of the lions, and the feedingplace of the young lions, where the lion, [even] the old lion, walked, [and] the lion's whelp, and none made [them] afraid?

  • Nahum 2:13

    Behold, I [am] against thee, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will burn her chariots in the smoke, and the sword shall devour thy young lions: and I will cut off thy prey from the earth, and the voice of thy messengers shall no more be heard.

  • Isaiah 35:9

    No lion shall be there, nor [any] ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk [there]:

  • Judges 16:20

    And she said, The Philistines [be] upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him.

  • Psalms 34:10

    The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good [thing].
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