They shall hold the bow and the lance: they are cruel, and will not shew mercy: their voice shall roar like the sea, and they shall ride upon horses, every one put in array, like a man to the battle, against thee, O daughter of Babylon.

JEREMIAH 50:42KJV
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Jeremiah 50:42 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 50:42 mean?

Jeremiah 50:42 describes a fierce and organized army coming against Babylon, armed with bows and lances, showing no mercy, making a noise like the sea, and riding in formation on horses as they prepare for battle. The verse paints a picture of overwhelming force and terror directed at the "daughter of Babylon," meaning the people or city of Babylon.

In this part of the book, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking God's message to Babylon, warning of its coming destruction by a powerful enemy. The verse uses vivid language to show how unstoppable and frightening this invading army will be, emphasizing their cruelty and the fear they will bring. This is part of a larger prophecy about Babylon's fall as judgment for its actions.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 50:42

  • "Cruel" (אַכְזָרִי, 'akzari): This word means harsh or merciless, stressing that the invaders will not show compassion or pity to Babylon, highlighting the severity of the coming judgment.
  • "Roar" (הָמָה, hamah): This word is often used for the loud, tumultuous sound of the sea or a crowd, emphasizing the overwhelming and frightening noise of the approaching army.
  • "Array" (עָרַךְ, 'arakh): This word means to arrange or set in order, often for battle, showing that the attackers are not a chaotic mob but a disciplined, well-prepared force.

Why Jeremiah 50:42 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Babylon, once a powerful empire, will face a terrifying and organized enemy, reversing its usual role as conqueror.
  • The vivid description of the army's cruelty and noise helps readers grasp the total fear and helplessness Babylon will experience.
  • Jeremiah 50:42 connects to the larger theme of divine justice in the book, showing that even the mightiest nations are not beyond accountability.

Where else these words appear

“lance” Hebrew H3591 · used in 8 verses

  • Joshua 8:18 And the LORD said unto Joshua, Stretch out the spear that is in thy hand toward Ai; for I will give it into thine hand. And Joshua stretched out the spear that he had in his hand toward the city.
  • 1 Samuel 17:6 And he had greaves of brass upon his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders.
  • Job 39:23 The quiver rattleth against him, the glittering spear and the shield.

“cruel” Hebrew H394 · used in 8 verses

  • Proverbs 5:9 Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel:
  • Proverbs 12:10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
  • Isaiah 13:9 Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.

“roar” Hebrew H1993 · used in 32 verses

  • 1 Kings 1:41 And Adonijah and all the guests that were with him heard it as they had made an end of eating. And when Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, Wherefore is this noise of the city being in an uproar?
  • Psalms 77:3 I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah.
  • Isaiah 51:15 But I am the LORD thy God, that divided the sea, whose waves roared: The LORD of hosts is his name.

“mercy” Hebrew H7355 · used in 43 verses

  • Exodus 33:19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.
  • Isaiah 30:18 And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.
  • Jeremiah 33:26 Then will I cast away the seed of Jacob, and David my servant, so that I will not take any of his seed to be rulers over the seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: for I will cause their captivity to return, and have mercy on them.