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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Jeremiah 51  › Jeremiah 51:32

Jeremiah 51:32

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Jeremiah 51:32 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

The fords have been seized, the marshes set on fire, and the soldiers are terrified.”

King James Version KJV

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

American Standard Version ASV

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

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the ways across the river have been taken, and the water-holes ... burned with fire, and the men of war are in the grip of fear.

Free Bible Version FBV

the river crossings have been captured, the marshlands set on fire and his soldiers are panicking.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And that the passages are stopped, and the reedes burnt with fire, and the me of war troubled.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And the passages have been captured, And the reeds they have burnt with fire, And the men of war have been troubled.

World English Bible WEB

So the passages are seized. They have burned the reeds with fire. The men of war are frightened.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And that the fords are taken, and the marshes are burnt with fire, and the men of war are affrighted.

Translation for Translators T4T

The places at which people can cross the river to escape from the city will be blocked. The dry reeds in the marshes/swamps will be set on fire, and the soldiers of Babylon will be terrified.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 51:32

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Jeremiah 51:32 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/הַ/מַּעְבָּר֣וֹת נִתְפָּ֔שׂוּ וְ/אֶת הָ/אֲגַמִּ֖ים שָׂרְפ֣וּ בָ/אֵ֑שׁ וְ/אַנְשֵׁ֥י הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֖ה נִבְהָֽלוּ
וְ/הַ/מַּעְבָּר֣וֹת maʻăbâr H4569 ford Conj | Art | N-fp
נִתְפָּ֔שׂוּ tâphas H8610 to capture V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
הָ/אֲגַמִּ֖ים ʼăgam H98 pool Art | N-mp
שָׂרְפ֣וּ sâraph H8313 to burn V-Qal-Perf-3cp
בָ/אֵ֑שׁ ʼêsh H784 fire Prep | N-cs
וְ/אַנְשֵׁ֥י ʼîysh H376 man Conj | N-mp
הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֖ה milchâmâh H4421 battle Art | N-fs
נִבְהָֽלוּ bâhal H926 to dismay V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 51:32

וְ/הַ/מַּעְבָּר֣וֹת maʻăbâr H4569 "ford" Conj | Art | N-fp
This word refers to a crossing place, like a ford in a river or a pass in a mountain. It can also mean a transit or passage, and is used figuratively to describe overwhelming events. The KJV translates it as ford or pass.
Definition: 1) ford, pass, passing 1a) ford 1b) pass 1c) passing, sweep
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: ford, place where...pass, passage. See also: Genesis 32:23; 1 Samuel 13:23; Isaiah 10:29.
נִתְפָּ֔שׂוּ tâphas H8610 "to capture" V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
To capture or seize something, like in 1 Kings 13:4, where a prophet grabs the king's altar. It means to take hold of or grasp something firmly.
Definition: 1) to catch, handle, lay hold, take hold of, seize, wield 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lay hold of, seize, arrest, catch 1a2) to grasp (in order to) wield, wield, use skilfully 1b) (Niphal) to be seized, be arrested, be caught, be taken, captured 1c) (Piel) to catch, grasp (with the hands)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: catch, handle, (lay, take) hold (on, over), stop, [idiom] surely, surprise, take. See also: Genesis 4:21; Jeremiah 2:8; Psalms 10:2.
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/אֲגַמִּ֖ים ʼăgam H98 "pool" Art | N-mp
A pool or marsh, often used to describe a body of calm or troubled water, like a pond or swamp, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of natural settings.
Definition: 1) pool, troubled pool 1a) troubled or muddy (gloomy) pools, marshes 1b) any pool, pond 1c) swamp reeds, reeds, rush(es)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: pond, pool, standing (water). See also: Exodus 7:19; Isaiah 14:23; Psalms 107:35.
שָׂרְפ֣וּ sâraph H8313 "to burn" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to set something on fire, and is used in the Bible to describe burning or kindling flames, like in Psalm 83:14. It can also mean to utterly destroy something. The word is related to fire and burning, and is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to burn 1a) (Qal) to burn 1b) (Niphal) to be burned 1c) (Piel) burner, burning (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be burnt up, be burned Also means: sa.raph (סָרַף "to burn" H5635)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: (cause to, make a) burn((-ing), up) kindle, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 11:3; 1 Kings 13:2; Psalms 46:10.
בָ/אֵ֑שׁ ʼêsh H784 "fire" Prep | N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
וְ/אַנְשֵׁ֥י ʼîysh H376 "man" Conj | N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֖ה milchâmâh H4421 "battle" Art | N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
נִבְהָֽלוּ bâhal H926 "to dismay" V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to be alarmed or agitated, often suddenly. It's used in the Bible to describe people's reactions to frightening events, like battles or natural disasters. It can also mean to hurry or act hastily.
Definition: 1) to disturb, alarm, terrify, hurry, be disturbed, be anxious, be afraid, be hurried, be nervous 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be disturbed, dismayed, terrified, anxious 1a2) to be in haste, be hasty 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make haste, act hastily, be hurried, be hastened 1b2) to dismay, terrify 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to hasten 1c2) hastened, hastily gained (part.) 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to hasten, hurry, make haste 1d2) to dismay, terrify
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: be (make) affrighted (afraid, amazed, dismayed, rash), (be, get, make) haste(-n, -y, -ily), (give) speedy(-ily), thrust out, trouble, vex. See also: Genesis 45:3; Psalms 6:4; Psalms 2:5.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 51:32

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Jeremiah 50:37–38 A sword is against her horses and chariots and against all the foreigners in her midst, and they will become like women. A sword is against her treasuries, and they will be plundered. A drought is upon her waters, and they will be dried up. For it is a land of graven images, and the people go mad over idols.
2 Isaiah 44:27 who says to the depths of the sea, ‘Be dry, and I will dry up your currents,’
3 Jeremiah 51:30 The warriors of Babylon have stopped fighting; they sit in their strongholds. Their strength is exhausted; they have become like women. Babylon’s homes have been set ablaze, the bars of her gates are broken.

Jeremiah 51:32 Summary

[Jeremiah 51:32 describes a scene of chaos and panic as the Medo-Persian army invades Babylon, with the fords being seized and the marshes being set on fire, causing the Babylonian soldiers to become terrified. This verse shows how God can use natural elements and human armies to execute His judgment, as seen in Isaiah 13:4-5. The seizure of the fords and the burning of the marshes would have made it difficult for the Babylonian army to respond to the invasion, leading to their defeat. This serves as a reminder of God's power and sovereignty, as stated in Psalm 115:3.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the fords being referred to in Jeremiah 51:32?

The fords in this verse are likely shallow points in the rivers near Babylon where the Medo-Persian army could cross, as mentioned in Isaiah 44:27, and their seizure would have hindered the Babylonian army's ability to maneuver and respond to the invasion.

Why are the marshes being set on fire in Jeremiah 51:32?

The marshes being set on fire would have made it difficult for the Babylonian soldiers to hide or escape, similar to how God used natural elements to aid His people in Joshua 10:11, and would have added to the chaos and panic of the Babylonian army.

What is the significance of the soldiers being terrified in Jeremiah 51:32?

The terror of the soldiers in this verse indicates the complete breakdown of the Babylonian army's morale and will to fight, as prophesied in Leviticus 26:36, and would have made them more vulnerable to defeat by the Medo-Persian army.

How does Jeremiah 51:32 relate to the overall message of Jeremiah?

Jeremiah 51:32 is part of a larger prophecy of judgment against Babylon, as seen in Jeremiah 50:1-46, and serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and power to execute judgment on nations that oppose Him, as stated in Deuteronomy 32:4.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the image of the fords being seized and the marshes being set on fire evoke in terms of the power and might of God?
  2. How does the terror of the soldiers in this verse relate to the fear of the Lord, as mentioned in Proverbs 1:7?
  3. What can we learn from the Babylonian army's loss of strength and will to fight, as described in Jeremiah 51:30-32, about the fleeting nature of human power?
  4. In what ways can we apply the principle of God's judgment on Babylon to our own lives and the world around us, in light of verses like Jeremiah 25:12 and Daniel 5:30?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 51:32

And that the passages are stopped,.... Or "taken", or "seized" (o); where Cyrus placed soldiers to keep them; these were the passages leading from the river Euphrates to the city, the keys of it; the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 51:32

And that the passages are stopped, and the reeds they have burned with fire, and the men of war are affrighted. Passages are stopped - the guarded fords of the Euphrates are occupied by the enemy (note, Jeremiah 50:38).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 51:32

This was part of the message which the prophet saith the messenger should carry to the king of Babylon, that was in the other part of the city, that the passages over the river Euphrates, or any other passages by which the Babylonians might, upon the enemies’ entrance, make their escape, were all stopped, and guarded with soldiers, or otherwise, so as there was no hope of any making an escape. The word translated reeds signifies also standing pools of water, and that some judge the sense, the water is drained out of the pits or pools, so as it could not hinder the entrance of the enemies: those that adhere to the translation of it reeds, say that upon the borders of the river Euphrates were vast quantities of great and tall reeds, which, with the mud in which they stood, were as another wall to the city, but the Medes had burnt up them, so as the way was open to the walls; and the men of war, seeing these reeds burnt up, and the water drained from them, were affrighted, so as their hearts through fear failed them.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 51:32

Jeremiah 51:32 And that the passages are stopped, and the reeds they have burned with fire, and the men of war are affrighted.Ver. 32. And that the passages are stopped.] Or, Taken, seized, surprised. And the reeds.] Or, Marshes, made by Euphrates overflowing. It is well observed that the Babylonians might by this prophecy have been forewarned and forearmed against Cyrus’ s stratagem; but they slighted it, and never inquired after it likely.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 51:32

(32) That the passages are stopped.—These were probably the ferries across the Euphrates, by which one part of the city was in communication with the other. These were at the ends of the streets that ran at right angles to the river, and gates—left open in the panic of surprise—led down to them. Besides these there was one bridge over the Euphrates in the middle and a tunnel under it (Herod. i. 186). The word is elsewhere used for fords, as in Genesis 32:22; Judges 3:28, but cannot have that meaning here, as the Euphrates was not fordable at Babylon. The reeds they have burned with fire.—The word for “reeds” is elsewhere (Isaiah 14:23; Isaiah 41:18; Exodus 7:19; Exodus 8:5) translated “pool.” Here it probably refers to the great pool constructed by Nitocris as a reservoir or dock. This was probably left dry by the diversion of the river into another channel, and the reeds which grew in it, perhaps also the flood-gates of the canals, and the ships that were in dock, were burnt by the Persians. The very pools were the scene of a conflagration.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 51:32

Verse 32. That the passages are stopped] Either the bridges or slips for boats, by which the inhabitants passed from one side to the other, and may mean the principal gates or passes in the city, which the victorious army would immediately seize, that they might prevent all communication between the inhabitants. The reeds they have burned with fire] What this means I cannot tell, unless it refer to something done after the taking of the city. Setting fire to the reeds in the marshy ground, in order the better to clear the places, and give a freer passage to the water, that it may neither stagnate nor turn the solid ground into a marsh. Dr. Blayney thinks it refers to the firing of the houses, in order to throw the inhabitants into the greater confusion; but no historian makes any mention of burning the city, except what is said Jeremiah 51:30, "They have burned her dwelling places;" and this may be a poetical expression. That they burnt nothing before they took the city must be evident from the circumstance of their taking the city by surprise, in the night time, with the greatest secrecy. Still there might have been some gates, barricadoes, or wooden works, serving for barracks or such like, which obstructed some of the great passages, which, when they had entered, they were obliged to burn, in order to get themselves a ready passage through the city. This is the more likely because this burning of reeds is connected with the stopping of the passages, burning the dwelling places, and breaking the bars.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 51:32

32. passages] mg. fords, but perhaps we should take it as meaning here ferries over the Euphrates. reeds] mg. marshes, Heb. pools. The sense is either that the great reed beds which served as defences are burned, or (by a violent hyperbole) that the pools which protected the city are dried up. Perhaps the text is corrupt. If so, “palaces,” “defences,” “barricades” are suggested as emendations.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 51:32

The passages are stopped - The ferries are seized, occupied. The historians state that when Cyrus captured the city his troops moved down the bed of the river and occupied all these ferries, finding

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 51:32

32. Passages — Literally, crossing-places, either bridges or fords, or more probably both. Are stopped — Rather, seized, occupied.
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