Jeremiah 51:53

51:53 Even if Babylon climbs high into the sky ¹ 

and fortifies her elevated stronghold, ² 

I will send destroyers against her,” ³ 

says the Lord. ⁴ 

Jeremiah 51:58

51:58 This is what the Lord who rules over all ⁵  says,

“Babylon’s thick wall ⁶  will be completely demolished. ⁷ 

Her high gates will be set on fire.

The peoples strive for what does not satisfy. ⁸ 

The nations grow weary trying to get what will be destroyed.” ⁹ 

[51:53]  ¹ tn Or “ascends [into] heaven.” Note the use of the phrase in Deut 30:12; 2 Kgs 2:11; and Amos 9:2.

[51:53]  ² tn Heb “and even if she fortifies her strong elevated place.”

[51:53]  ³ tn Heb “from me destroyers will go against her.”

[51:53]  ⁴ tn Heb “Oracle of the Lord.”

[51:58]  ⁵ sn See the note at Jer 2:19.

[51:58]  ⁶ tn The text has the plural “walls,” but many Hebrew mss read the singular “wall,” which is also supported by the ancient Greek version. The modifying adjective “thick” is singular as well.

[51:58]  ⁷ tn The infinitive absolute emphasizes the following finite verb. Another option is to translate, “will certainly be demolished.”

[51:58]  ⁸ tn Heb “for what is empty.”

[51:58]  ⁹ tn Heb “and the nations for fire, and they grow weary.”