A sound of a cry cometh from Babylon, and great destruction from the land of the Chaldeans:

JEREMIAH 51:54KJV
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Jeremiah 51:54 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 51:54 mean?

Jeremiah 51:54 describes a loud cry and the sound of great destruction coming from Babylon, signaling disaster in the land of the Chaldeans. The verse paints a vivid picture of turmoil and ruin overtaking this powerful city.

In this part of Jeremiah, the prophet is speaking about the downfall of Babylon, a major enemy of Israel. The "cry" and "destruction" show that Babylon, once strong and feared, is now experiencing judgment and devastation. This is part of a larger prophecy where Jeremiah warns that Babylon will fall because of its actions against other nations, including Israel.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 51:54

  • "Sound" (קוֹל, qol): This word often means a voice, noise, or sound. Here, it emphasizes the intensity and public nature of the disaster—something that cannot be hidden.
  • "Cry" (זְעָקָה, ze‘aqah): This word refers to a cry for help or a loud lament. It signals distress and desperation among the people of Babylon.
  • "Destruction" (שֶׁבֶר, shever): This word means a breaking or shattering, highlighting the completeness of the ruin facing Babylon.
  • "Babylon" (בָּבֶל, Bavel) and "Chaldeans" (כַּשְׂדִּים, Kasdim): These names specify the location and the people affected, making it clear that the prophecy targets the heart of the Babylonian empire.

Why Jeremiah 51:54 matters

  • Jeremiah 51:54 makes clear that even the mightiest empires are not immune to judgment and downfall, a theme running throughout the chapter.
  • The verse connects to the broader prophecy against Babylon, showing that the destruction is not random but a response to Babylon’s actions.
  • By describing the noise and chaos, Jeremiah 51:54 helps readers imagine the real fear and upheaval that would come with the fall of such a powerful city.

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.

“destruction” Hebrew H7667 · used in 41 verses

  • Leviticus 21:19 Or a man that is brokenfooted, or brokenhanded,
  • Isaiah 30:26 Moreover the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the LORD bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke of their wound.
  • Jeremiah 30:12 For thus saith the LORD, Thy bruise is incurable, and thy wound is grievous.

“Chaldeans” Hebrew H3778 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 11:28 And Haran died before his father Terah in the land of his nativity, in Ur of the Chaldees.
  • Jeremiah 32:4 And Zedekiah king of Judah shall not escape out of the hand of the Chaldeans, but shall surely be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon, and shall speak with him mouth to mouth, and his eyes shall behold his eyes;
  • Jeremiah 43:3 But Baruch the son of Neriah setteth thee on against us, for to deliver us into the hand of the Chaldeans, that they might put us to death, and carry us away captives into Babylon.