Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this is the time of the LORD'S vengeance; he will render unto her a recompence.

JEREMIAH 51:6KJV
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Jeremiah 51:6 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 51:6 mean?

Jeremiah 51:6 warns people to escape from Babylon so they can save their own lives, telling them not to be destroyed along with the city because God’s time of judgment and payback against Babylon has come. The verse urges individuals to separate themselves from Babylon’s wrongdoing to avoid sharing in its punishment.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking God’s message to the people living in Babylon, both Israelites in exile and possibly others. The historical setting is the coming fall of Babylon, a powerful empire known for its pride and cruelty. Jeremiah’s words emphasize urgency and personal responsibility: each person must act to avoid being caught up in Babylon’s fate, because God is about to bring justice for the city’s sins.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 51:6

  • "Deliver" (נָצַל, natsal): This word means to rescue or save, often used for escaping danger. Here, it highlights the need for each person to actively seek safety, not just hope for rescue.
  • "Soul" (נֶפֶשׁ, nefesh): This word can mean life, self, or soul. The focus is on saving one’s whole being, not just physical survival.
  • "Iniquity" (עָוֹן, avon): This word refers to guilt or wrongdoing. The warning is not just about physical destruction but about being caught up in the consequences of Babylon’s moral failures.
  • "Recompence" (גְּמוּל, gemul): This word means repayment or payback. The verse stresses that what is coming to Babylon is a fair response to its actions, not random disaster.

Why Jeremiah 51:6 matters

  • Jeremiah 51:6 clarifies that God’s judgment on Babylon is not accidental but a deliberate act of justice, making it clear that those who stay share in its guilt.
  • The verse highlights the importance of personal choice and responsibility, showing that even in a time of national crisis, individuals can act to save themselves.
  • This warning connects to the larger message of Jeremiah 50–51, where Babylon’s fall is described as certain and deserved, and God’s people are urged to separate themselves from corrupt systems before judgment comes.

Where else these words appear

“recompence” Hebrew H1576 · used in 17 verses

  • Judges 9:16 Now therefore, if ye have done truly and sincerely, in that ye have made Abimelech king, and if ye have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his house, and have done unto him according to the deserving of his hands;
  • Psalms 137:8 O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.
  • Isaiah 59:18 According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompence.

“vengeance” Hebrew H5360 · used in 22 verses

  • Numbers 31:2 Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people.
  • Psalms 94:1 O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.
  • Jeremiah 50:28 The voice of them that flee and escape out of the land of Babylon, to declare in Zion the vengeance of the LORD our God, the vengeance of his temple.

“off” Hebrew H1826 · used in 29 verses

  • Exodus 15:16 Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.
  • Psalms 4:4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
  • Jeremiah 25:37 And the peaceable habitations are cut down because of the fierce anger of the LORD.

“deliver” Hebrew H4422 · used in 85 verses

  • Genesis 19:17 And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.
  • 2 Chronicles 16:7 And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand.
  • Isaiah 37:38 And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Armenia: and Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.