Jeremiah 50:31 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 50:31 mean?

Jeremiah 50:31 is a warning from God against a nation or ruler described as "most proud," declaring that their time of judgment has arrived and that God Himself will confront them. The verse emphasizes that the moment has come for God to hold this proud power accountable for its actions.

In the context of Jeremiah 50, the prophet is speaking God's message against Babylon, a powerful empire known for its arrogance and oppression. God, through Jeremiah, announces that Babylon's pride will lead to its downfall, and the time has come for divine intervention. The verse uses strong language to show that God's opposition is personal and decisive.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 50:31

• "most proud" (זָדוֹן, zadon): This word means arrogance or pride, highlighting Babylon's attitude of self-importance and defiance against God.
• "saith" (נְאֻם, ne'um): This term is often used to introduce a solemn declaration from God, marking these words as a direct and authoritative statement.
• "Lord" (אֲדֹנָי, Adonai) and "GOD" (יְהוִה, Yahweh): The combination stresses God's supreme authority and covenant relationship with His people.
• "hosts" (צְבָאוֹת, tseva'ot): This title means "armies" or "heavenly forces," underlining God's power over all spiritual and earthly powers.
• "visit" (פָּקַד, paqad): This word often means to "attend to" or "punish," so when God says He will "visit," it signals a time of reckoning or judgment.

Why Jeremiah 50:31 matters

• The verse clarifies that Babylon's downfall is not just due to political shifts but is directly tied to its pride and God's decision to act against it.
• By using titles like "Lord GOD of hosts," the verse stresses that no earthly power, no matter how proud, is beyond God's reach or authority.
• This warning is part of a larger prophecy showing that even the mightiest empires are accountable to God, setting the stage for the rest of Jeremiah 50, which describes Babylon's coming destruction.