Jeremiah 50:37 Meaning: What Does 'Become as Women' Mean in Judgment?
A sword is on their horses, on their chariots, and on all the mixed people who are in the middle of her; and they will become as women. A sword is on her treasures, and they will be robbed.
A sword is upon their horses, and upon their chariots, and upon all the mingled people that are in the midst of her; and they shall become as women: a sword is upon her treasures; and they shall be robbed.
A sword is upon their horses, and upon their chariots, and upon all the mingled people that are in the midst of her; and they shall become as women: a sword is upon her treasures, and they shall be robbed.
A sword is on his horses and on his chariot, And on all the rabble who are in her midst, And they have become women; A sword is on her treasuries, And they have been spoiled;
the sword is upon their horses, and upon their chariots, and upon all the mingled people that are in the midst of her, and they shall become as women; the sword is upon her treasures, and they shall be robbed:
Meaning in one sentence
Jeremiah 50:37 shows God's judgment stripping Babylon of military might and wealth, using 'become as women' as a cultural idiom for lost courage.
Context
This verse sits inside a long series of warnings against Babylon delivered through Jeremiah. God's people had been taken captive, and their captors seemed unstoppable. But the prophet announces that every source of Babylon's strength will collapse one by one. Their cavalry, their allied troops from other nations, and their stored wealth, none of it will protect them. The verse is part of a broader picture in which God systematically dismantles everything Babylon trusted in.
Key Words
The Hebrew word for 'sword' here, cherev, repeats like a drumbeat through this passage. It is not just a weapon but the Lord's appointed judgment, active and direct. The 'mixed people' translate the Hebrew erev, meaning foreigners or mercenaries living in Babylon. Commentators across traditions agree these were hired soldiers from other nations, the kind of allies a proud empire collects. And when the verse says Babylon's warriors 'become as women,' it uses an ancient idiom. The verb hayah ('become') combined with the preposition le ('into') and nashim ('women') paints a transformation, not of identity, but of courage. In that culture, to call a soldier 'like a woman' meant his boldness had vanished. Terror had replaced pride. The question for us: where do we place our confidence? In what we can gather and defend? Or in the God who alone stands secure?
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians who study this passage share a strong consensus about its meaning. The 'mixed people' are understood as foreign mercenaries, troops Babylon hired but who would not sacrifice themselves for the city. The phrase 'become as women' is read as a cultural idiom for lost courage, seen similarly in Isaiah 19:16 and Nahum 3:13. Protestant and Reformed commentators like Calvin, Matthew Henry, and Gill all emphasize that the verse strips Babylon of its trust in military power, foreign alliances, and treasuries. The point is not to demean women but to show how completely God can undo human pride.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers misunderstand the phrase 'become as women' as a statement that women are weak or cowardly. In fact, it is an ancient cultural idiom for losing heart in battle. The prophet Isaiah uses similar language when he says:
The point is not about women's nature but about the sudden terror replacing Babylon's pride."In that day the Egyptians will be like women. They will tremble and fear because of the shaking of Yahweh of Armies's hand, which he shakes over them."
— Isaiah 19:16 (WEB)
Living This Out
This week, think about what you really lean on when life gets uncertain. Maybe it is your savings account, your job security, or important connections you have built. None of those things are wrong, but they can become the Babylon you trust in. Jeremiah 50:37 strips all of that away and says: the Lord alone is strong. If you feel your courage slipping this week, do not manufacture false confidence. Turn instead to the God who says He will thoroughly plead the cause of His people.
Main takeaway: When every human source of strength fails, the Lord remains the Redeemer who fights for His people.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
This verse tells us that God is stronger than any army or treasure. Even if people trust in strong horses or lots of money, God is the one who keeps us safe.
For ages 9, 12
Babylon was a powerful nation with a strong army, weapons, and plenty of money. They thought nothing could hurt them. But Jeremiah warned them that God could take away all those things in a moment. This teaches us not to put our security in things that can be lost. Trust God, because He never loses His power.
Questions People Ask
Why does God say Babylon's warriors will 'become as women'? Is this demeaning to women?
No, this is an ancient cultural idiom common in warfare language. It means they will lose their courage and become terrified. Other prophets like Isaiah use similar language (Isaiah 19:16). It is not a statement about women's worth or nature, but a vivid picture of how completely Babylon's confidence will collapse.
Who are the 'mixed people' in Jeremiah 50:37?
The Hebrew word is 'ereb,' referring to foreigners or mercenaries living in Babylon. Commentators from many traditions agree these were allied troops from other nations serving as hired soldiers. Babylon relied on them for defense, but they would not be able to help.
Is this verse only about ancient Babylon, or does it apply to us today?
The immediate context is God's judgment on the Babylonian empire that had taken Israel captive. But the principles apply across time: God opposes pride and misplaced trust. Any nation or person who trusts in military power, foreign alliances, or wealth rather than in God will ultimately find those things do not save.
What does 'a sword is on her treasures' mean?
God's judgment would touch Babylon's wealth and resources. Their treasures would be plundered by enemies. This shows that no amount of money or stored goods can protect against God's judgment. True security comes from the Lord alone.
How is this verse connected to the rest of Jeremiah 50?
Jeremiah 50:33-34 introduces God as the strong Redeemer who will plead the cause of His oppressed people. Then verses 35-38 list everything Babylon trusts in: its soldiers, wise men, allies, horses, and treasures. Each is targeted by God's judgment. The verse is one piece of a larger promise that God will set His people free.
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