Jeremiah 51:57

KJV

And I will make drunk her princes, and her wise [men], her captains, and her rulers, and her mighty men: and they shall sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake, saith the King, whose name [is] the LORD of hosts.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will make drunk {H7937} her princes {H8269}, and her wise {H2450} men, her captains {H6346}, and her rulers {H5461}, and her mighty men {H1368}: and they shall sleep {H3462} a perpetual {H5769} sleep {H8142}, and not wake {H6974}, saith {H5002} the King {H4428}, whose name {H8034} is the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"I will intoxicate her leaders and sages, her governors, deputies and warriors. They will sleep forever and never wake up," says the king, whose name is ADONAI-Tzva'ot.

Berean Standard Bible

I 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.

American Standard Version

And I will make drunk her princes and her wise men, her governors and her deputies, and her mighty men; and they shall sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake, saith the King, whose name is Jehovah of hosts.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 51:57 stands as a powerful divine declaration of judgment against Babylon, specifically targeting its formidable and seemingly invincible leadership. This verse prophesies the complete and irreversible incapacitation of Babylon's elite—its princes, wise counselors, military captains, civil rulers, and mighty warriors—rendering them utterly helpless and leading to their profound, perpetual ruin. It underscores the absolute sovereignty of God, who, as "the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts," orchestrates the downfall of even the most dominant human empires, demonstrating His ultimate control over history and human affairs.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 51:57 is strategically placed within the extensive prophetic oracle against Babylon, which spans chapters 50 and 51 of the book of Jeremiah. These chapters collectively articulate the divine reasons for Babylon's impending destruction: its egregious pride, pervasive idolatry, and, most significantly, its brutal oppression of God's covenant people, Judah, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the sacred Temple. The verses immediately preceding 51:57 continue to paint a vivid picture of Babylon's imminent desolation and the terror it will inspire, emphasizing God's vengeance for His people (e.g., [Jeremiah 51:54-56](/jeremiah/51-54-56 "Jeremiah 51:54-56 - Babylon's Lament and God's Vengeance")). Within this broader narrative of judgment, verse 57 functions as a climactic pronouncement, specifically focusing on the fate of Babylon's leadership. By targeting the very pillars of its strength—its intellectual, administrative, and military elite—the verse reinforces the totality and inevitability of Babylon's collapse, leaving no doubt about the comprehensive nature of God's judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During the period of this prophecy, Babylon stood as the preeminent world power, having decisively conquered Judah and forcibly exiled its inhabitants. Under the reign of Nebuchadnezzar II, Babylon was celebrated for its unparalleled military prowess, its awe-inspiring architectural achievements (such as the famed Hanging Gardens and the massive city walls), and its highly sophisticated administrative system. The various leaders mentioned in the verse—princes, wise men, captains, and rulers—represented the apex of human strength, strategic wisdom, and governing capability in the ancient Near East. The powerful metaphor "make drunk" likely alludes to Babylon's well-documented reputation for excessive revelry, self-indulgence, and arrogant confidence in its own invincibility, perhaps most famously illustrated by Belshazzar's feast on the night of Babylon's fall, as recorded in [Daniel 5](/daniel/5 "Daniel 5 - Belshazzar's Feast"). The subsequent "perpetual sleep" signifies a defeat so profound and final that it precludes any possibility of recovery or resurgence, standing in stark contrast to Babylon's own perception of its eternal dominion and unassailable power.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes that resonate throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, unequivocally declaring God's absolute control over the destinies of nations and the unfolding of history. He is not merely a regional deity but "the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts," demonstrating His supreme authority to execute righteous judgment against even the most formidable empires, as seen in His pronouncements against Egypt ([Jeremiah 46](/jeremiah/46 "Jeremiah 46 - Prophecy Against Egypt")) and other nations. Secondly, the verse highlights **The Futility of Human Power Against God**. Babylon's formidable military and intellectual leadership, the very embodiment of human strength and wisdom, are depicted as being divinely incapacitated and rendered utterly helpless. Their wisdom and might prove useless against the sovereign decree of God, echoing the timeless biblical principle that human strength is transient and ultimately subservient to divine will, a truth also powerfully articulated in [Psalm 33:10](/psalm/33-10 "Psalm 33:10 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of Nations"). Lastly, the concluding phrase, "saith the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts," underscores the **Certainty of Prophecy**. This authoritative declaration functions as a divine seal, guaranteeing that what God declares will undoubtedly come to pass, irrespective of human perception, resistance, or power, thereby reinforcing the unwavering reliability of God's word throughout the prophetic books, as emphasized in passages like [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **drunk (Hebrew, _shâkar'_):** This word (H7937) primarily denotes becoming tipsy or intoxicated, but it also carries the broader sense of being satiated with a stimulating drink or, figuratively, being overwhelmed by an influence. In Jeremiah 51:57, it is employed metaphorically to describe the state of Babylon's leaders. They are not necessarily literally inebriated but are divinely rendered powerless, disoriented, and utterly incapable of effective action, as if under the debilitating influence of a potent substance. This "intoxication" is an act of God, leading to their complete inability to resist the impending judgment or even comprehend their dire situation.
* **mighty men (Hebrew, _gibbôwr'_):** This term (H1368) refers to someone powerful, a warrior, a champion, or a valiant individual. In the context of Babylon, these were the elite soldiers, the strongest, most skilled, and most formidable warriors who formed the very backbone of its renowned military might. The prophecy's specific targeting of these "mighty men" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of Babylon's defeat; even its most robust and celebrated defenders would be utterly incapacitated, unable to mount any effective resistance.
* **perpetual (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** This word (H5769) denotes a duration of time that is concealed or beyond the vanishing point, often referring to eternity, everlastingness, or an indefinite, enduring period. When applied to their "sleep," it profoundly emphasizes the finality, irreversibility, and enduring nature of Babylon's downfall. It signifies not a temporary setback or a brief slumber from which they might awaken, but an enduring state of defeat, non-existence, and permanent cessation as a dominant world power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will make drunk her princes, and her wise [men], her captains, and her rulers, and her mighty men:"** This opening clause meticulously details the specific targets of God's comprehensive judgment: the entire leadership structure of Babylon. "Princes" (H8269, _sar_) refers to high-ranking officials and nobility; "wise men" (H2450, _châkâm_) to advisors, astrologers, and strategists; "captains" (H6346, _pechâh_) to military or provincial governors; "rulers" (H5461, _çâgân_) to prefects or civil administrators; and "mighty men" (H1368, _gibbôwr_) to the elite warriors and soldiers. The verb "make drunk" (H7937, _shâkar_) is a potent and vivid metaphor for a divine act that renders them utterly confused, disoriented, and incapable of rational thought or effective action, as if their faculties were dulled by overwhelming intoxication. This signifies God's direct intervention to debilitate their strategic thinking, military prowess, and administrative capacity, leaving them helpless before His decree.
* **"and they shall sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake,"** This clause describes the dire and irreversible consequence of their divinely induced "drunkenness." The "sleep" (H8142, _shênâh_) serves as a profound metaphor for death or complete, irreversible incapacitation—a state of utter powerlessness, unconsciousness, and cessation of activity. The addition of "perpetual" (H5769, _ʻôwlâm_) emphatically underscores the finality and enduring nature of this defeat. It is not a temporary slumber from which they will recover or a brief period of weakness, but an enduring state of ruin, signifying the definitive end of Babylon's dominion and its inability to ever rise again to its former glory. The concluding phrase "and not wake" further reinforces this absolute and permanent cessation of their power, influence, and very existence as a dominant force.
* **"saith the King, whose name [is] the LORD of hosts."** This concluding phrase serves as a powerful divine attestation and an unshakeable seal of certainty for the entire prophecy. "Saith" (H5002, _nᵉʼum_) is a classic prophetic oracle formula, signaling a direct, authoritative word from God Himself. "The King" (H4428, _melek_) asserts God's supreme authority and universal dominion, standing in stark contrast to the earthly kings of Babylon, whose power is fleeting. The full title "the LORD (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_) of hosts (H6635, _tsâbâʼ_)" is profoundly significant, combining God's personal covenant name (Yahweh) with His role as the sovereign commander of heavenly armies and all creation. This title powerfully underscores His omnipotence, His ability to marshal all forces—both visible and invisible—to accomplish His declared purpose, thereby guaranteeing the absolute and unwavering fulfillment of this prophecy.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 51:57 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of absolute and inevitable judgment. The central and most striking device is **Metaphor**, specifically the vivid imagery of Babylon's leaders being "made drunk" and subsequently falling into a "perpetual sleep." Being "made drunk" serves as a powerful metaphor for the divine incapacitation of Babylon's leadership, rendering them disoriented, helpless, and utterly devoid of their famed wisdom, strategic prowess, and military strength. This is not literal intoxication but a divinely orchestrated state of confusion and powerlessness. The "perpetual sleep" is a profound metaphor for their irreversible defeat and ultimate demise, signifying a death-like state from which there is no awakening, thereby emphasizing the finality and permanence of Babylon's fall from power. The comprehensive listing of leaders—princes, wise men, captains, rulers, and mighty men—effectively utilizes **Merism** or **Synecdoche**, representing the entirety of Babylon's power structure and societal pillars by enumerating its key components. This highlights the comprehensive and all-encompassing nature of God's judgment, affecting every aspect of Babylon's strength and authority. Finally, the concluding declaration, "saith the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts," functions as a powerful **Divine Oracle Formula**, lending absolute authority, certainty, and divine imprimatur to the prophecy. It is a direct, undeniable declaration from the sovereign God, whose titles emphatically underscore His supreme power and ultimate control over all earthly affairs and human kingdoms.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 51:57 profoundly articulates the enduring theological truth of God's absolute and unwavering sovereignty over all nations, human endeavors, and the course of history. It demonstrates with stark clarity that no empire, however mighty, strategically brilliant, or seemingly impregnable, can ultimately withstand or thwart the sovereign decree of the Almighty. Babylon, once the seemingly invincible "hammer of the whole earth," is revealed in this passage to be utterly fragile and ephemeral before the "King, whose name is the LORD of hosts." This passage serves as a potent and timeless reminder that human pride, self-reliance, and rampant idolatry inevitably lead to divine judgment and ultimate collapse. For God's people, it offers profound assurance that their oppressors, no matter how powerful or cruel, will ultimately face righteous justice, and that God remains eternally faithful to His covenant promises, even when His people are in exile, seemingly powerless, and enduring immense suffering. The prophesied fall of Babylon is therefore not merely a political or historical event but a profound theological statement about the unchanging character of God—His immutable justice, His omnipotent power, and His unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan for His people and the world.

* [Isaiah 13:19-22](/isaiah/13-19-22 "The Desolation of Babylon")
* [Revelation 18:8](/revelation/18-8 "The Fall of Babylon")
* [Psalm 76:5-6](/psalm/76-5-6 "The Sleep of the Mighty")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 51:57 offers timeless and profound lessons for believers and for all who are entrusted with positions of power and authority. For those who feel oppressed, marginalized, or overwhelmed by seemingly insurmountable forces—whether political, economic, or spiritual—this verse provides immense comfort, solace, and unwavering hope. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is not a distant observer but is actively and intimately involved in the unfolding of history, orchestrating the rise and fall of nations and empires according to His sovereign and righteous will. No human power, no matter how formidable its military, how brilliant its intellect, or how vast its resources, can ultimately thwart His divine purposes or escape His righteous judgment. This truth should inspire deep trust and patient endurance, knowing that God will ultimately vindicate His people and bring His perfect justice to the earth in His appointed time. For those in positions of authority—whether in government, business, academia, or ministry—this verse serves as a sober and urgent warning against the perils of pride, self-reliance, and the abuse of power. It calls for profound humility, recognizing that all authority is ultimately derived from God and will, without exception, be accounted for before Him. True security, lasting influence, and genuine flourishing are found not in human strength, strategic brilliance, or accumulated wealth, but in humbly acknowledging and submitting to the supreme "King, whose name is the LORD of hosts."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the vivid imagery of Babylon's leaders being "made drunk" and falling into a "perpetual sleep" profoundly challenge our contemporary perceptions of human strength, control, and the illusion of invincibility?**
* **In what specific ways might we, as individuals or as communities, inadvertently rely on our own "wisdom," "might," or perceived security rather than placing our complete trust in God's absolute sovereignty?**
* **How does the majestic and authoritative title "the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts" deepen your understanding of God's limitless power, unwavering authority, and active involvement in the world today?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "the LORD of hosts" in this verse and throughout the Old Testament?**

Answer: The phrase "the LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: _Yahweh Sabaoth_) is profoundly significant and one of the most majestic titles for God in the Old Testament. "Yahweh" (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_) is God's personal, covenantal name, emphasizing His relational, faithful, and self-existent character. "Sabaoth" (H6635, _tsâbâʼ_) means "armies," "hosts," or "multitudes," referring to both heavenly armies (angels) and earthly armies, as well as the entire created order. When combined, this title underscores God's supreme power and authority as the sovereign commander of all heavenly hosts, angelic beings, and all created forces—both visible and invisible. In [Jeremiah 51:57](/jeremiah/51-57 "Jeremiah 51:57 - God's Judgment on Babylon's Leaders"), it powerfully reinforces that the judgment against Babylon is not merely a human conflict, a stroke of geopolitical misfortune, or a random event, but a deliberate, decisive act of the Almighty God, who marshals all forces to accomplish His righteous purposes. It assures the reader that the prophecy will be unfailingly fulfilled because it originates from the all-powerful, sovereign God who controls all things. This title frequently appears in contexts of divine judgment, warfare, and the establishment of God's kingdom, as famously seen in [1 Samuel 17:45](/1_samuel/17-45 "1 Samuel 17:45 - David's Trust in the Lord of Hosts"), where David confronts Goliath in the name of the Lord of hosts.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 51:57, with its vivid and absolute depiction of the downfall of Babylon's mighty leaders, finds its ultimate and most profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the definitive triumph of Jesus Christ over all spiritual and earthly powers that oppose God. Babylon, in its historical reality, served as a powerful symbol of human pride, oppressive power, idolatry, and rebellion against God, thereby foreshadowing the spiritual "Babylon"—the system of the world opposed to God—that Christ ultimately conquers. Just as Babylon's princes and mighty men were divinely made drunk and fell into a perpetual sleep, so too did Christ, through His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection, utterly disarm and decisively defeat the spiritual rulers and authorities that held humanity captive ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers and Authorities")). The "King, whose name is the LORD of hosts," so powerfully declared in Jeremiah, is fully and perfectly revealed in Jesus Christ, who is proclaimed to be the "King of kings and Lord of lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). His singular victory over sin, death, and the devil ensures that all opposing powers—whether human, demonic, or systemic—will ultimately be brought to nothing, experiencing a "perpetual sleep" from which they will never wake. Indeed, the final enemy, death itself, will be swallowed up in eternal victory through Christ ([1 Corinthians 15:26](/1_corinthians/15-26 "1 Corinthians 15:26 - The Last Enemy, Death")). Thus, Jeremiah's ancient prophecy points forward with prophetic precision to the definitive, eternal, and all-encompassing triumph of God's kingdom, established and consummated through the sovereign rule of Jesus Christ, under whom all human and demonic opposition is forever subdued.

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 46:18

[As] I live, saith the King, whose name [is] the LORD of hosts, Surely as Tabor [is] among the mountains, and as Carmel by the sea, [so] shall he come.

Jeremiah 48:15

Moab is spoiled, and gone up [out of] her cities, and his chosen young men are gone down to the slaughter, saith the King, whose name [is] the LORD of hosts.

Jeremiah 25:27

Therefore thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Drink ye, and be drunken, and spue, and fall, and rise no more, because of the sword which I will send among you.

Psalms 76:5

The stouthearted are spoiled, they have slept their sleep: and none of the men of might have found their hands.

Psalms 76:6

At thy rebuke, O God of Jacob, both the chariot and horse are cast into a dead sleep.

Jeremiah 51:39

In their heat I will make their feasts, and I will make them drunken, that they may rejoice, and sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake, saith the LORD.

Daniel 5:30

¶ In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain.