I have laid a snare for thee, and thou art also taken, O Babylon, and thou wast not aware: thou art found, and also caught, because thou hast striven against the LORD.

JEREMIAH 50:24KJV
Know the Bible

Jeremiah 50:24 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 50:24 mean?

Jeremiah 50:24 describes how God set a trap for Babylon, catching the nation by surprise because it opposed Him. The verse explains that Babylon was unaware of the danger, was found and captured, and this happened specifically because it fought against the LORD.

In context, Jeremiah is delivering a message from God to Babylon, a powerful empire known for conquering other nations, including Judah. The verse uses the image of a snare to show that Babylon’s downfall is not by accident but by God’s deliberate action in response to its pride and hostility toward Him. This is part of a larger prophecy announcing Babylon’s coming judgment and defeat.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 50:24

  • "snare" (פַּח pach, H3369): This word means a trap or a net used for catching animals. The use of this word shows that Babylon’s fall is unexpected and unavoidable, like an animal caught off guard.
  • "striven" (גָּדַד gadad, H1624): This word means to attack, oppose, or contend. The verse points out that Babylon’s capture is a direct result of its active opposition against the LORD (יְהוָה YHWH, H3068), not just general wrongdoing.

Why Jeremiah 50:24 matters

  • This verse makes clear that Babylon’s defeat is not random or due to human weakness, but is a direct act of God responding to Babylon’s arrogance and opposition.
  • The verse highlights a reversal: the nation known for setting traps for others is itself trapped by God, showing a theme of justice and accountability.
  • Jeremiah 50:24 connects to the broader prophecy in this chapter, where God promises to bring down Babylon as part of restoring justice for the nations it oppressed.

Where else these words appear

“snare” Hebrew H3369 · used in 8 verses

  • Deuteronomy 7:25 The graven images of their gods shall ye burn with fire: thou shalt not desire the silver or gold that is on them, nor take it unto thee, lest thou be snared therein: for it is an abomination to the LORD thy God.
  • Psalms 141:9 Keep me from the snares which they have laid for me, and the gins of the workers of iniquity.
  • Ecclesiastes 9:12 For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.

“striven” Hebrew H1624 · used in 13 verses

  • Deuteronomy 2:5 Meddle not with them; for I will not give you of their land, no, not so much as a foot breadth; because I have given mount Seir unto Esau for a possession.
  • 2 Kings 14:10 Thou hast indeed smitten Edom, and thine heart hath lifted thee up: glory of this, and tarry at home: for why shouldest thou meddle to thy hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee?
  • Proverbs 28:25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

“caught” Hebrew H8610 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 4:21 And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ.
  • 2 Kings 14:13 And Jehoash king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash the son of Ahaziah, at Bethshemesh, and came to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim unto the corner gate, four hundred cubits.
  • Jeremiah 49:16 Thy terribleness hath deceived thee, and the pride of thine heart, O thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, that holdest the height of the hill: though thou shouldest make thy nest as high as the eagle, I will bring thee down from thence, saith the LORD.

“taken” Hebrew H3920 · used in 112 verses

  • Numbers 21:32 And Moses sent to spy out Jaazer, and they took the villages thereof, and drove out the Amorites that were there.
  • Judges 9:45 And Abimelech fought against the city all that day; and he took the city, and slew the people that was therein, and beat down the city, and sowed it with salt.
  • Psalms 59:12 For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak.