When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens; and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth: he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures.

JEREMIAH 51:16KJV
Know the Bible

Jeremiah 51:16 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 51:16 mean?

Jeremiah 51:16 describes God’s power over nature, saying that when God speaks, great waters move in the heavens, vapors rise from the earth, lightning and rain are made, and the wind comes from His storehouses. The verse highlights God as the one who controls the forces of creation, showing His unmatched authority.

In this part of Jeremiah, the prophet is speaking about God’s greatness to people living in Babylon, a nation proud of its own gods and power. Jeremiah is reminding his audience that the true God is the one who commands the weather and the world itself—unlike idols, which are powerless. The verse uses vivid, everyday images (water, clouds, lightning, wind) to show how God’s voice sets the world in motion.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 51:16

  • "Voice" (קוֹל, qol): This word means more than just a sound; it often refers to a commanding or powerful utterance. Here, it emphasizes that God’s spoken word is active and effective, not empty.
  • "Vapours" (נְשִׁיאִים, nesi'im): This word refers to mist or clouds rising up. The image is of water evaporating and forming clouds, showing God’s control over even the unseen parts of nature.
  • "Treasures" (אוֹצָר, otzar): This word means a storehouse or treasury. The verse pictures the wind as something God can bring out from His own storerooms, stressing how completely He manages creation.

Why Jeremiah 51:16 matters

  • Jeremiah 51:16 clears up any idea that natural events happen by chance or by the power of idols; it insists that God alone is behind the forces of nature.
  • The verse connects to the larger message of Jeremiah 51, which is about the downfall of Babylon and the emptiness of its idols compared to the living God.
  • By describing God’s control over creation in such detail, Jeremiah 51:16 helps readers see the difference between the living God and man-made gods, making the prophet’s warning against idolatry more vivid.

Where else these words appear

“lightnings” Hebrew H1300 · used in 21 verses

  • Exodus 19:16 And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.
  • Psalms 77:18 The voice of thy thunder was in the heaven: the lightnings lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook.
  • Ezekiel 21:15 I have set the point of the sword against all their gates, that their heart may faint, and their ruins be multiplied: ah! it is made bright, it is wrapped up for the slaughter.

“rain” Hebrew H4306 · used in 36 verses

  • Exodus 9:33 And Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh, and spread abroad his hands unto the LORD: and the thunders and hail ceased, and the rain was not poured upon the earth.
  • 2 Samuel 23:4 And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.
  • Job 37:6 For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength.

“treasures” Hebrew H214 · used in 70 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:12 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.
  • 1 Chronicles 29:8 And they with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of the LORD, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite.
  • Proverbs 21:20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

“multitude” Hebrew H1995 · used in 78 verses

  • Genesis 17:4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.
  • Psalms 37:16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.
  • Ezekiel 7:14 They have blown the trumpet, even to make all ready; but none goeth to the battle: for my wrath is upon all the multitude thereof.