Therefore, behold, the days come, that I will do judgment upon the graven images of Babylon: and her whole land shall be confounded, and all her slain shall fall in the midst of her.

JEREMIAH 51:47KJV
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Jeremiah 51:47 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 51:47 mean?

Jeremiah 51:47 says that a time is coming when God will punish Babylon for its carved idols, causing the whole land to be put to shame and many people to be killed within it. The verse announces a coming judgment against Babylon, specifically targeting its false gods and the destruction that will follow.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking God’s message to the people about Babylon, a powerful empire known for its idolatry and oppression of Israel. The verse is part of a larger prophecy warning that Babylon’s pride and trust in idols will lead to its downfall, and that its land and people will experience confusion and defeat as a result.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 51:47

  • "Judgment" (פָּקַד, pāqad): This word often means to "visit," "attend to," or "punish." Here, it emphasizes that God is taking deliberate action to hold Babylon accountable for its actions, especially its idolatry.
  • "Images" (פֶּסֶל, pesel): This refers to carved idols or statues. The focus on "graven images" highlights that Babylon’s downfall is tied to its worship of false gods, not just its political actions.
  • "Confounded" (בּוּשׁ, bosh): This word means to be put to shame or disgraced. The verse stresses that Babylon, once proud and powerful, will be humiliated in front of others because of God’s judgment.
  • "Slain" (חָלָל, chalal): This word refers to those killed, often in battle. The mention of the slain falling "in the midst of her" shows that the destruction will be widespread and internal, not just from outside attack.

Why Jeremiah 51:47 matters

  • Jeremiah 51:47 clarifies that Babylon’s judgment is not just political but spiritual, directly tied to its idolatry and rejection of the true God.
  • The verse connects Babylon’s shame and downfall to its reliance on idols, showing that what a nation worships shapes its fate.
  • This verse fits into a larger section where Jeremiah warns that even the mightiest empires are accountable to God, and their pride and false worship will ultimately lead to their ruin.

Where else these words appear

“images” Hebrew H6456 · used in 23 verses

  • Deuteronomy 7:5 But thus shall ye deal with them; ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire.
  • 2 Chronicles 33:22 But he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as did Manasseh his father: for Amon sacrificed unto all the carved images which Manasseh his father had made, and served them;
  • Isaiah 30:22 Ye shall defile also the covering of thy graven images of silver, and the ornament of thy molten images of gold: thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth; thou shalt say unto it, Get thee hence.

“slain” Hebrew H2491 · used in 85 verses

  • Genesis 34:27 The sons of Jacob came upon the slain, and spoiled the city, because they had defiled their sister.
  • 1 Chronicles 5:22 For there fell down many slain, because the war was of God. And they dwelt in their steads until the captivity.
  • Ezekiel 11:6 Ye have multiplied your slain in this city, and ye have filled the streets thereof with the slain.

“confounded” Hebrew H954 · used in 100 verses

  • Genesis 2:25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
  • Psalms 109:28 Let them curse, but bless thou: when they arise, let them be ashamed; but let thy servant rejoice.
  • Isaiah 65:13 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed: