### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **erēmóō**, represented by `{{G2049}}`, means **to lay waste** or make **desolate**. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is used both literally and figuratively to describe a state of ruin, desolation, or coming to nothing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the Gospels, `{{G2049}}` is used by Jesus to illustrate a principle: a **kingdom** `{{G932}}` or **house** `{{G3614}}` divided against itself **is brought to desolation** ([[Matthew 12:25]], [[Luke 11:17]]). This highlights internal strife as a cause of ruin. The word takes on a more dramatic and prophetic tone in Revelation. It describes the ultimate fate of the great city, Babylon, which will be **made desolate** in a single hour [[Revelation 18:19]]. This desolation is portrayed as a comprehensive judgment, where great riches **come to nought** [[Revelation 18:17]] and the entity herself is made both **desolate** and **naked** `{{G1131}}` by those who once supported her [[Revelation 17:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and consequences of being made **desolate**:
* `{{G1266}}` **diamerízō** (to partition thoroughly): This word describes the internal division that leads to desolation. It is used to state that every **kingdom** `{{G932}}` **divided** against itself is brought to desolation [[Luke 11:17]].
* `{{G1131}}` **gymnós** (naked): Paired directly with desolation, this term signifies total shame, vulnerability, and loss. In Revelation, the whore is made both **desolate** and **naked** [[Revelation 17:16]].
* `{{G3996}}` **penthéō** (to grieve): This is the emotional response to the ruin of desolation. The act of **wailing** `{{G3996}}` is directly mentioned in the verse describing how the great **city** `{{G4172}}` is made desolate [[Revelation 18:19]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2049}}` is significant, highlighting principles of spiritual cause and effect.
* **The Consequence of Division:** Jesus establishes that internal division is a direct path to being **brought to desolation** [[Matthew 12:25]]. This serves as a universal warning for any spiritual body, from a family to a **kingdom** `{{G932}}`, that disunity leads to collapse.
* **Sudden and Total Judgment:** In Revelation, desolation is a key component of God's final judgment. The great city's wealth and power **come to nought** [[Revelation 18:17]] and she is **made desolate** with shocking speed, "in one hour" [[Revelation 18:19]], illustrating the swiftness and completeness of divine retribution.
* **Instrument of Judgment:** The desolation of the whore is executed by the very powers that once aligned with her. They "shall **hate** `{{G3404}}` the whore, and shall make her **desolate** `{{G2049}}` and **naked** `{{G1131}}`" [[Revelation 17:16]]. This demonstrates that God can use the sinful actions of nations to fulfill His righteous purposes.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2049}}` is a powerful term that conveys more than simple destruction. It illustrates a fundamental spiritual law where division inevitably leads to being **brought to desolation**. Furthermore, it serves as a vivid descriptor of God's final, decisive judgment against organized rebellion, transforming immense wealth and power into a state of utter ruin and nothingness in an instant.
TRV