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Jeremiah 51:11

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Jeremiah 51:11 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Make sharp the arrows; hold firm the shields: Jehovah hath stirred up the spirit of the kings of the Medes; because his purpose is against Babylon, to destroy it: for it is the vengeance of Jehovah, the vengeance of his temple.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Make sharp the arrows; hold firm the shields: Jehovah hath stirred up the spirit of the kings of the Medes; because his purpose is against Babylon, to destroy it: for it is the vengeance of Jehovah, the vengeance of his temple.
Jeremiah 51:11 — American Standard Version

Context — Jeremiah 51

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
8Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: wail for her; take balm for her pain, if so be she may be healed.
9We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: forsake her, and let us go every one into his own country; for her judgment reacheth unto heaven, and is lifted up even to the skies.
10Jehovah hath brought forth our righteousness: come, and let us declare in Zion the work of Jehovah our God.
11Make sharp the arrows; hold firm the shields: Jehovah hath stirred up the spirit of the kings of the Medes; because his purpose is against Babylon, to destroy it: for it is the vengeance of Jehovah, the vengeance of his temple.
12Set up a standard against the walls of Babylon, make the watch strong, set the watchmen, prepare the ambushes; for Jehovah hath both purposed and done that which he spake concerning the inhabitants of Babylon.
13O thou that dwellest upon many waters, abundant in treasures, thine end is come, the measure of thy covetousness.
14Jehovah of hosts hath sworn by himself, [saying], Surely I will fill thee with men, as with the canker-worm; and they shall lift up a shout against thee.
← Jeremiah 51:10Jeremiah 51:12 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Make bright the arrows, etc.] Which were covered with rust; scour them of it; anoint them with oil, as armour were wont to be; make them neat, clean, and bright, that they may pierce the deeper; hence we read of a “polished shaft”, or arrow, one made bright and pure, (<234902>Isaiah 49:2); agreeably to this some render the word “sharpen the arrows”f1019; so the Targum. The word has the signification of “choosing”; but, as Gussetius observesf1020, whether the direction be to choose the best arrows, or to scour clean and polish them, the end is the same; namely, to have such as are most fit for use. Joseph Kimchi derives the word from another, which signifies a feather; and so renders it,…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Make bright--literally, "pure." Polish and sharpen. gather--literally, "fill"; that is, gather in full number, so that none be wanting. So, "gave in full tale" (Sa1 18:27). GESENIUS, not so well, translates, "Fill with your bodies the shields" (compare Sol 4:4). He means to tell the Babylonians, Make what preparations you will, all will be in vain (compare Jer 46:3-6). kings of . . . Medes--He names the Medes rather than the Persians, because Darius, or Cyaxares, was above Cyrus in power and the greatness of his kingdom. temple-- (Jer 50:28).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Make bright - Rather, Sharpen. The Medes Genesis 10:2 were a branch of the great Aryan family, who as conquerors had seized upon the vast regions extending from the Caspian Sea to the eastern borders of Mesopotamia, but without being able to dispossess the Turanian tribes who had previously dwelt there. They were divided into numerous clans, each with its own local chief, the leaders of the larger sections being those who are here called kings. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“51:11-12 The kings of the Medes included Cyrus, who marched against Babylon and overthrew it in 539 BC.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Make: Jer 46:4, Jer 46:9, Jer 50:9, Jer 50:14, Jer 50:25, Jer 50:28, Jer 50:29; Isa 21:5 bright: Heb. pure the Lord hath: Jer 51:27, Jer 51:28; Kg1 11:14, Kg1 11:23; Ch1 5:26; Ch2 36:22; Ezr 1:1; Isa 10:26, Isa 13:17; Isa 13:18, Isa 21:2, Isa 41:25, Isa 45:1, Isa 45:5, Isa 46:11; Rev 17:16, Rev 17:17 the spirit: Of Cyaxares king of Media, called "Darius the Mede" in scripture; and of Cyrus his nephew, king of persia, presumptive heir of the throne of his uncle. his device: Jer 51:12, Jer 51:29, Jer 50:45 the vengeance: Jer 51:24, Jer 51:35, Jer 50:15, Jer 50:28; Psa 74:3-11, Psa 83:3-9; Hab 2:17-20; Zac 12:2, Zac 12:3; Zac 14:2, Zac 14:12 Jeremiah 51:12”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification