King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 50:11 Mean?

Jeremiah 50:11 in the King James Version says “Because ye were glad, because ye rejoiced, O ye destroyers of mine heritage, because ye are grown fat as the heifer at g...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 50 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Because ye were glad, because ye rejoiced, O ye destroyers of mine heritage, because ye are grown fat as the heifer at grass , and bellow as bulls; fat: Heb. big, or, corpulent bellow: or, neigh as steeds”

Jeremiah 50:11 · KJV

Context

9

For, lo, I will raise and cause to come up against Babylon an assembly of great nations from the north country: and they shall set themselves in array against her; from thence she shall be taken: their arrows shall be as of a mighty expert man ; none shall return in vain. expert: or, destroyer

10

And Chaldea shall be a spoil: all that spoil her shall be satisfied, saith the LORD.

11

Because ye were glad, because ye rejoiced, O ye destroyers of mine heritage, because ye are grown fat as the heifer at grass , and bellow as bulls; fat: Heb. big, or, corpulent bellow: or, neigh as steeds

12

Your mother shall be sore confounded; she that bare you shall be ashamed: behold, the hindermost of the nations shall be a wilderness, a dry land, and a desert.

13

Because of the wrath of the LORD it shall not be inhabited, but it shall be wholly desolate: every one that goeth by Babylon shall be astonished, and hiss at all her plagues.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Because ye were glad, because ye rejoiced, O ye destroyers of mine heritage—Babylon's sin was not merely conquering Judah but rejoicing in Israel's downfall. The Hebrew samach (שָׂמַח, glad) and alaz (עָלַז, rejoiced) describe exultant, gloating celebration over God's people. Calling Israel mine heritage (nachalah, נַחֲלָה) emphasizes Babylon attacked not merely a nation but Yahweh's covenant possession. God used Babylon as His instrument of judgment (25:9), but their excessive cruelty and arrogant rejoicing made them guilty.

Because ye are grown fat as the heifer at grass, and bellow as bulls—vivid agricultural imagery portrays Babylon's arrogant prosperity. The heifer fattened on grain represents self-indulgent luxury gained from plundering nations. Abah (אָבָה, grown fat) suggests abundance that produces pride rather than gratitude. Their bellowing like bulls depicts boastful, aggressive power—making loud claims of invincibility. This echoes Isaiah's critique of nations that forgot they were merely God's instruments (Isaiah 10:5-15). Babylon's judgment illustrates that God holds accountable even the powers He uses for discipline.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written around 594-580 BC, this oracle predicted Babylon's fall—stunning when Babylon was at its zenith under Nebuchadnezzar. Babylon had conquered Jerusalem in 586 BC, destroyed the temple, and exiled God's people. Their arrogance is documented in Babylonian records boasting of conquests. Yet within decades, the Medo-Persian empire under Cyrus would conquer Babylon (539 BC), fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecy. Daniel 5 records Babylon's final night of feasting before its fall—they were indeed 'fat as heifers' celebrating when judgment came.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Babylon's accountability despite being God's instrument of judgment reveal both divine sovereignty and human moral responsibility?
  2. What does this passage teach about the danger of rejoicing in others' suffering, even when that suffering is deserved judgment?
  3. In what ways might prosperity and power lead to the kind of arrogant 'bellowing' God condemns here?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
כִּ֤י1 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תִשְׂמְחיּ֙2 of 12

“Because ye were glad”

H8055

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

כִּ֣י3 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תַֽעַלְז֔יּ4 of 12

“because ye rejoiced”

H5937

to jump for joy, i.e., exult

שֹׁסֵ֖י5 of 12

“O ye destroyers”

H8154

to plunder

נַחֲלָתִ֑י6 of 12

“of mine heritage”

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

כִּ֚י7 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תָפ֙וּשׁיּ֙8 of 12

“because ye are grown fat”

H6335

to spread; figuratively, act proudly

כְּעֶגְלָ֣ה9 of 12

“as the heifer”

H5697

a (female) calf, especially one nearly grown (i.e., a heifer)

דָשָׁ֔ה10 of 12

“at grass”

H1877

a sprout; by analogy, grass

וְתִצְהֲל֖יּ11 of 12

“and bellow”

H6670

to gleam, i.e., (figuratively) be cheerful

כָּאֲבִּרִֽים׃12 of 12

“as bulls”

H47

a valiant one

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 50:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 50:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 47:6Ezekiel 25:3-8Deuteronomy 32:15Hosea 10:11Jeremiah 5:28Amos 4:1

Places in This Verse

BabyloniaRegion · Modern: Babylon · 32.54°N, 44.42°E15 verses across 2 books
View all places in Jeremiah 50 →

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