Jeremiah 50:10 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 50:10 mean?

Jeremiah 50:10 says that Chaldea (Babylon) will be conquered and plundered, and those who take its goods will be fully satisfied, as declared by the LORD. This verse is a prophecy of Babylon’s downfall, promising that its enemies will benefit from its defeat.

In context, Jeremiah is speaking God’s message to the people of Israel and Judah about the coming judgment on Babylon, which had been a powerful oppressor. The verse uses strong language to show that Babylon, once the conqueror, will itself be conquered and stripped of its wealth. The promise that those who "spoil her shall be satisfied" emphasizes the completeness of Babylon’s loss and the certainty of God’s judgment.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 50:10

• חַשְּׂדִים (Kasdim, "Chaldea"): This word refers specifically to the region and people of Babylon, highlighting that the prophecy targets the heart of the Babylonian empire.
• שָׁלָל (shalal, "spoil"): This word means "plunder" or "loot," pointing to the total stripping away of Babylon’s possessions by its conquerors.
• שָׁלַל (shalal, "spoil" as a verb): The verb form here stresses the action of taking away goods by force, underlining the violence and thoroughness of Babylon’s defeat.
• שָׂבַע (sava, "satisfied"): This word means to be filled or have enough, showing that the conquerors will not leave empty-handed but will be fully rewarded for their efforts.
• נְאֻם (ne’um, "saith"): This is a prophetic formula meaning "declares," marking the statement as a direct message from God.
• יְהוָה (YHWH, "LORD"): This is the personal name of God, underscoring that this promise comes with divine authority.

Why Jeremiah 50:10 matters

• Jeremiah 50:10 clarifies that Babylon’s fall is not just a political event but a fulfillment of God’s judgment, showing that no nation is beyond God’s reach.
• The verse highlights a reversal of fortunes: the nation that once plundered others will itself be plundered, which ties into the broader biblical theme of justice.
• By stating that the conquerors will be "satisfied," the verse emphasizes the completeness of Babylon’s defeat and the certainty of God’s word coming to pass.