At the noise of the taking of Babylon the earth is moved, and the cry is heard among the nations.

JEREMIAH 50:46KJV
Know the Bible

Jeremiah 50:46 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 50:46 mean?

Jeremiah 50:46 describes how the fall of Babylon will be so dramatic and far-reaching that the whole earth will seem shaken, and the news of its downfall will be heard and cause alarm among all the nations. The verse uses vivid language to show the global impact and shock that Babylon’s defeat will bring.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking about the future destruction of Babylon, a powerful empire known for its dominance and pride. The “noise” refers to the uproar or commotion caused by Babylon’s capture, and the “cry” is the outcry or wailing that spreads to other peoples. The verse emphasizes that Babylon’s fall is not just a local event but one that will send shockwaves across the world, affecting many nations who hear of its fate.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 50:46

  • “Noise” (קוֹל, qol) often means a loud sound, voice, or commotion. Here, it highlights the overwhelming uproar caused by Babylon’s capture, suggesting something that cannot be ignored.
  • “Moved” (רָעַשׁ, ra‘ash) means to quake or shake. This word paints a picture of the earth itself trembling, which is a common way in Hebrew poetry to describe a world-changing event.
  • “Cry” (זַעֲקָה, za‘aqah) refers to a loud outcry or wailing, often linked with distress or disaster. The use of this word shows the emotional and fearful reaction among the nations.
  • “Nations” (גּוֹיִם, goyim) means peoples or nations other than Israel. The verse stresses that Babylon’s fall will be noticed and feared by all the surrounding peoples, not just those nearby.

Why Jeremiah 50:46 matters

  • Jeremiah 50:46 makes clear that Babylon’s fall is not just a political shift but a world-shaking event, showing how significant Babylon was in the ancient world.
  • The verse helps the reader see that God’s judgment on Babylon is meant to be a warning and a lesson to all nations, not just Israel or Babylon itself.
  • By describing the earth as “moved” and the “cry” spreading among the nations, Jeremiah 50:46 connects the fate of Babylon to the larger themes of justice and the rise and fall of empires throughout the Bible.

Where else these words appear

“cry” Hebrew H2201 · used in 18 verses

  • Genesis 18:20 And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;
  • Job 16:18 O earth, cover not thou my blood, and let my cry have no place.
  • Jeremiah 18:22 Let a cry be heard from their houses, when thou shalt bring a troop suddenly upon them: for they have digged a pit to take me, and hid snares for my feet.

“moved” Hebrew H7493 · used in 30 verses

  • Judges 5:4 LORD, when thou wentest out of Seir, when thou marchedst out of the field of Edom, the earth trembled, and the heavens dropped, the clouds also dropped water.
  • Isaiah 13:13 Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of the LORD of hosts, and in the day of his fierce anger.
  • Ezekiel 27:28 The suburbs shall shake at the sound of the cry of thy pilots.

“taking” 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.