Jeremiah 51 47

Jeremiah 51:47 kjv

Therefore, behold, the days come, that I will do judgment upon the graven images of Babylon: and her whole land shall be confounded, and all her slain shall fall in the midst of her.

Jeremiah 51:47 nkjv

Therefore behold, the days are coming That I will bring judgment on the carved images of Babylon; Her whole land shall be ashamed, And all her slain shall fall in her midst.

Jeremiah 51:47 niv

For the time will surely come when I will punish the idols of Babylon; her whole land will be disgraced and her slain will all lie fallen within her.

Jeremiah 51:47 esv

"Therefore, behold, the days are coming when I will punish the images of Babylon; her whole land shall be put to shame, and all her slain shall fall in the midst of her.

Jeremiah 51:47 nlt

For the time is surely coming
when I will punish this great city and all her idols.
Her whole land will be disgraced,
and her dead will lie in the streets.

Jeremiah 51 verses

Jeremiah 51 47 Meaning

This verse declares the Lord's victory over Babylon and its gods, asserting His sovereignty. It signifies the downfall of idols and the ultimate triumph of the true God, Jehovah. The destruction of Babylon is a prophetic judgment on a nation that opposed God's people and practiced idolatry.

Jeremiah 51 47 Context

Jeremiah 51 is a prophecy detailing the judgment of God upon Babylon. This chapter is part of the larger prophetic corpus of Jeremiah, delivered during a time of intense political upheaval as Babylon rose to power, conquering nations including Judah. The specific verse, 51:47, occurs towards the end of a lengthy denunciation of Babylon. It speaks of the humiliation of its gods and the devastation of its empire. Historically, Babylon was a significant ancient Near Eastern power, known for its empire, its capital city, and its polytheistic religious system centered on gods like Marduk. The prophecy aligns with the historical trajectory of Babylon's decline, which was eventually conquered by the Persians under Cyrus the Great. For the original audience, primarily the Judeans in exile and those anticipating Babylon's fall, this prophecy served as a declaration of God's ultimate power and His faithfulness to His people.

Jeremiah 51 47 Word Analysis

• So (וְהִנֵּה, we-hineh): Introduces an emphasis or observation, signifying "behold" or "look." It draws attention to the subsequent statement.
• shall
• the
• confusion (וּבֹ֔שׁוּ, u-vošū): Root implies "to be ashamed," "to be put to shame," "confounded." Here, it signifies that the idols and their worshippers will be ashamed because their gods will prove powerless.
• be
• confounded: (Similar to "confusion," reinforcing the idea of shame and disgrace).
• by
• the
• spoiling (שְׁלַל, šəlāl): "Spoils," "booty," "plunder." This refers to the ravaging and destruction of Babylon, which will expose the futility of its gods.
• of
• Babylon: (בָּבֶ֔ל, Bāḇel): The capital city and empire of the Chaldeans, a major antagonist to Israel.
• all
• the
• earth (הָאָ֔רֶץ, hā-’āreṣ): "Land," "earth," "ground." Here it refers to the lands conquered by Babylon, indicating the universal extent of its ruin.
• shall
• be
• rejoice (וְיִשְׂמְח֣וּ, wə-yiśməḥū): "To rejoice," "be glad," "celebrate." The nations, previously oppressed by Babylon, will rejoice at its downfall.
• in
• her
• by
• their
• overthrow (בְּמִפְּלָתָ֔הּ, bə-mippəlātāh): "Her falling," "her ruin," "her destruction." Refers to Babylon's downfall.
• for
• from
• the
• north (צָפ֛וֹן, ṣāp̄ôn): Refers to the direction from which the conquering force (Media and Persia) would come.
• shall
• go
• up
• that
• destroy (הִשְׁמִ֥ידוּ, hišmîdū): "To destroy," "to annihilate," "to make desolate."
• Babylon: (בָּבֶ֔ל, Bāḇel).
• The
• LORD (נְאֻם יְהוָ֖ה, nə’um YHWH): "Thus says the LORD," or "oracle of Yahweh," emphasizing divine authority.

Group of words analysis:

• "the confusion shall be confounded by the spoiling of Babylon": This phrase powerfully illustrates the utter humiliation of Babylon's gods and nation. Their proud power is to be brought to naught, their worship systems discredited, and their idols looted or destroyed, leading to the ultimate shame of all who trusted in them.
• "by their overthrow, for from the north shall go up that destroy Babylon": This highlights the source and nature of Babylon's destruction. The enemy (Cyrus and the Medes/Persians) coming from the north signifies divine instrumentation for judgment. The overwhelming success of this invading force ("shall go up that destroy") directly results in Babylon's downfall and the subsequent rejoicing of the earth.
• "The LORD...shall destroy Babylon": This concluding phrase unequivocally attributes the destruction of Babylon to the direct action and will of the LORD, underscoring His sovereignty over all nations and empires, including the mighty Babylon.

Jeremiah 51 47 Bonus Section

The judgment on Babylon in Jeremiah 51 serves as a potent theological statement. It underscores the biblical principle that nations that exalt themselves against the LORD and oppress His people will face divine consequence. The emphasis on the powerlessness of idols is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, challenging the prevalent polytheistic beliefs of the ancient world. The anticipation of nations rejoicing at Babylon's fall speaks to the universal yearning for justice and liberation from tyranny. This chapter, therefore, not only prophesies a historical event but also serves as an enduring testament to God's unwavering sovereignty and His ultimate triumph over all opposition.

Jeremiah 51 47 Commentary

Jeremiah 51:47 paints a vivid picture of divine retribution against Babylon. The shame of its gods, who offered no protection, is emphasized. Their idols, mere "silver and gold, the work of men's hands" (Ps 115:4), are unable to prevent the pillaging of the city they were meant to defend. This act of spoiling strips away their pretense of power. The joy expressed by the "earth" signifies relief for all nations that had suffered under Babylon's oppressive dominion. The verse attributes the impending doom to forces rising from the north, historically identified with the Medo-Persian army. This fulfillment of prophecy highlights God's omnipotence and His role as the ultimate judge of earthly kingdoms. Ultimately, the LORD Himself is declared to be the agent of Babylon's destruction, confirming His sovereign plan to liberate His people and vindicate His name among the nations.