King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 50:13 Mean?

Jeremiah 50:13 in the King James Version says “Because of the wrath of the LORD it shall not be inhabited, but it shall be wholly desolate: every one that goeth by Bab... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 50 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Jeremiah 50:13 · KJV


Context

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.

14

Put yourselves in array against Babylon round about: all ye that bend the bow, shoot at her, spare no arrows: for she hath sinned against the LORD.

15

Shout against her round about: she hath given her hand: her foundations are fallen, her walls are thrown down: for it is the vengeance of the LORD: take vengeance upon her; as she hath done, do unto her.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Because of the wrath of the LORD it shall not be inhabited—the cause is explicitly divine wrath (qetseph, קֶצֶף), God's intense anger against sin. Unlike natural disasters or military misfortunes, this desolation comes directly from Yahweh's judgment. The permanence is emphasized: 'it shall not be inhabited'—Babylon would never be rebuilt to its former glory.

Every one that goeth by Babylon shall be astonished, and hiss at all her plagues—travelers will express shock (shamem, שָׁמֵם, astonished/appalled) and scornful contempt (hissing, sharaq, שָׁרַק, a gesture of derision). The great city becomes a cautionary tale, object lesson in divine judgment. Her 'plagues' (makkah, מַכָּה, wounds/blows) are visible evidence of God's retribution. This language anticipates Revelation 18:9-19, where merchants and kings mourn Babylon's fall, astonished that such power could collapse so completely. The reversal is complete: from object of fear to object of pity and mockery.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern travelers would indeed have passed the ruins of Babylon with astonishment. Classical historians like Herodotus (450 BC) described its former glory. By the Christian era, Strabo and others described its desolation. Medieval Arab geographers noted the ruins were avoided as haunted. Modern archaeology confirms the site was never substantially rebuilt—it remains desolate ruins, a testimony to the accuracy of prophetic Scripture and the reality of divine judgment on proud empires.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the permanence of Babylon's desolation teach about the finality of God's judgment on systems that oppose Him?
  2. How should the visible evidence of historical judgments (like Babylon's ruins) strengthen our confidence in God's promises about future judgment?
  3. In what ways do 'Babylon-like' systems today seem invincible, and how does this prophecy challenge that perception?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
מִקֶּ֤צֶף1 of 16

Because of the wrath

H7110

a splinter (as chipped off)

יְהוָה֙2 of 16

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לֹ֣א3 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תֵשֵׁ֔ב4 of 16

it shall not be inhabited

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

וְהָיְתָ֥ה5 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

שְׁמָמָ֖ה6 of 16

but it shall be wholly desolate

H8077

devastation; figuratively, astonishment

כֻּלָּ֑הּ7 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

כֹּ֚ל8 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֹבֵ֣ר9 of 16

every one that goeth

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

עַל10 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בָּבֶ֔ל11 of 16

by Babylon

H894

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

יִשֹּׁ֥ם12 of 16

shall be astonished

H8074

to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)

וְיִשְׁרֹ֖ק13 of 16

and hiss

H8319

properly, to be shrill, i.e., to whistle or hiss (as a call or in scorn)

עַל14 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּל15 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מַכּוֹתֶֽיהָ׃16 of 16

at all her plagues

H4347

a blow (in 2 chronicles 2:10, of the flail); by implication, a wound; figuratively, carnage, also pestilence


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 50:13 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 50:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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