Slay all her bullocks; let them go down to the slaughter: woe unto them! for their day is come, the time of their visitation.

JEREMIAH 50:27KJV
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Jeremiah 50:27 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 50:27 mean?

Jeremiah 50:27 describes a call for the destruction of Babylon’s leaders and people, using the image of slaughtering “bullocks” to symbolize those who will be killed. The verse announces that Babylon’s time of judgment has arrived, and those in the city will face consequences for their actions.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking God’s message about Babylon’s coming downfall. The “bullocks” represent Babylon’s strong men or leaders, who are to be led to slaughter like animals. The phrase “the time of their visitation” means the moment when God holds Babylon accountable for its deeds. This is part of a larger prophecy where Jeremiah warns that Babylon, once a powerful empire, will soon face destruction as punishment for its pride and cruelty.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 50:27

  • “Slay” (חָרַם, ḥāram) means to completely destroy or devote to destruction, emphasizing the totality of the judgment being pronounced.
  • “Bullocks” (פַּר, par) refers to young bulls, often used as symbols of strength or leaders; here, it points to Babylon’s prominent people being singled out for judgment.
  • “Visitation” (פְּקֻדָּה, pəquddāh) is often used for a time when God intervenes—either to bless or to punish. In this context, it clearly signals a time of reckoning and divine judgment.

Why Jeremiah 50:27 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Babylon’s destruction is not random violence but a specific, divinely appointed judgment for its actions.
  • The use of sacrificial language (“bullocks” and “slaughter”) highlights how complete and inescapable the coming judgment will be for Babylon’s leaders.
  • Understanding this verse helps connect the prophecy to the larger biblical theme of God’s justice against oppressive empires, showing that even the mightiest nations are accountable to God.

Where else these words appear

“slaughter” Hebrew H2874 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 43:16 And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the ruler of his house, Bring these men home, and slay, and make ready; for these men shall dine with me at noon.
  • Isaiah 34:2 For the indignation of the LORD is upon all nations, and his fury upon all their armies: he hath utterly destroyed them, he hath delivered them to the slaughter.
  • Jeremiah 48:15 Moab is spoiled, and gone up out of her cities, and his chosen young men are gone down to the slaughter, saith the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts.

“visitation” Hebrew H6486 · used in 31 verses

  • Numbers 3:32 And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be chief over the chief of the Levites, and have the oversight of them that keep the charge of the sanctuary.
  • 2 Chronicles 23:18 Also Jehoiada appointed the offices of the house of the LORD by the hand of the priests the Levites, whom David had distributed in the house of the LORD, to offer the burnt offerings of the LORD, as it is written in the law of Moses, with rejoicing and with singing, as it was ordained by David.
  • Jeremiah 11:23 And there shall be no remnant of them: for I will bring evil upon the men of Anathoth, even the year of their visitation.

“Slay” Hebrew H2717 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 8:13 And it came to pass in the six hundredth and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth: and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and, behold, the face of the ground was dry.
  • Isaiah 34:10 It shall not be quenched night nor day; the smoke thereof shall go up for ever: from generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever.
  • Jeremiah 51:36 Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will plead thy cause, and take vengeance for thee; and I will dry up her sea, and make her springs dry.

“woe” Hebrew H1945 · used in 48 verses

  • Ruth 4:1 Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down.
  • Isaiah 29:1 Woe to Ariel, to Ariel, the city where David dwelt! add ye year to year; let them kill sacrifices.
  • Ezekiel 13:18 And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe to the women that sew pillows to all armholes, and make kerchiefs upon the head of every stature to hunt souls! Will ye hunt the souls of my people, and will ye save the souls alive that come unto you?