And all the army of the Chaldeans, that were with the captain of the guard, brake down all the walls of Jerusalem round about.

JEREMIAH 52:14KJV
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Jeremiah 52:14 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 52:14 mean?

Jeremiah 52:14 describes how the entire army of the Chaldeans, under the command of their captain of the guard, completely destroyed all the walls surrounding Jerusalem. This verse shows the thoroughness of the destruction carried out by the Babylonian forces after they captured the city.

The verse is part of a historical account at the end of the book of Jeremiah, describing the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon. The Chaldeans (another name for the Babylonians) are acting on orders from their leaders, and the breaking down of the city walls marks the total defeat and vulnerability of Jerusalem. This event fulfilled earlier warnings from Jeremiah about the consequences of the nation’s choices.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 52:14

  • "army" (חַיִל, ḥayil): This word often means "strength" or "force," emphasizing the might and organization of the Babylonian military present at Jerusalem’s destruction.
  • "down" (נָתַץ, nātaṣ): This verb means to break down or tear down completely, highlighting that the destruction of the walls was total, not just partial damage.
  • "walls" (חוֹמָה, ḥomah): Refers specifically to the defensive walls of Jerusalem, which were a symbol of the city’s security and independence. Their destruction meant Jerusalem was left defenseless.
  • "Jerusalem" (יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם, Yerushalayim): Naming the city directly underscores the gravity of the event, as Jerusalem was the religious and political center of Judah.

Why Jeremiah 52:14 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the destruction of Jerusalem was not just a defeat in battle, but a complete dismantling of the city’s defenses, leaving it exposed and powerless.
  • The mention of the Chaldeans and their captain of the guard connects this event to the broader Babylonian conquest, showing it was a coordinated military campaign rather than random violence.
  • Jeremiah 52:14 helps readers see the fulfillment of Jeremiah’s prophecies about Jerusalem’s fall, tying the historical event to the warnings given earlier in the book.