Jeremiah 50:15 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 50:15 mean?

Jeremiah 50:15 describes the downfall of Babylon, calling for its attackers to surround the city, shout against it, and destroy its defenses as an act of God's vengeance, repaying Babylon for what it has done to others. The verse emphasizes that Babylon's punishment is a direct response to its own actions, carried out under God's judgment.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking God's message to the nations who will attack Babylon. The historical setting is the coming conquest of Babylon by enemy armies, likely referring to the Medes and Persians. The language paints a vivid picture of Babylon's collapse—its foundations and walls falling—making clear that this is not just a military defeat but a divinely ordered act of justice.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 50:15

• "Shout" (רָנַע, rûa‘): This word means to raise a loud cry or battle shout. It signals not just noise but an aggressive, triumphant call, highlighting the intensity of the attack on Babylon.
• "Vengeance" (נְקָמָה, neqāmāh and נָקַם, nāqam): Both the noun and verb for vengeance are used, stressing that this is a deliberate act of retribution, not random violence. The repetition underlines that Babylon is being repaid in kind for its own actions.
• "Given her hand" (נָתַן, nathan + יָד, yad): This phrase often means surrender or making peace, suggesting Babylon has been forced to yield or submit, a striking image for such a powerful city.

Why Jeremiah 50:15 matters

• Jeremiah 50:15 clarifies that Babylon's fall is not just the result of human warfare but is portrayed as God's direct response to Babylon's own wrongdoings.
• The verse connects Babylon's punishment to the principle of retribution—"as she hath done, do unto her"—which is a recurring theme in prophetic literature.
• This verse helps the reader see the larger context of Jeremiah 50, where Babylon, once an instrument of judgment, now becomes the object of judgment itself, showing a reversal of roles in God's plan.