King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 50:2 Mean?

Jeremiah 50:2 in the King James Version says “Declare ye among the nations, and publish, and set up a standard; publish, and conceal not: say, Babylon is taken, Bel i... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 50 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Declare ye among the nations, and publish, and set up a standard; publish, and conceal not: say, Babylon is taken, Bel is confounded, Merodach is broken in pieces; her idols are confounded, her images are broken in pieces. set up: Heb. lift up

Jeremiah 50:2 · KJV


Context

1

The word that the LORD spake against Babylon and against the land of the Chaldeans by Jeremiah the prophet. by: Heb. by the hand of Jeremiah

2

Declare ye among the nations, and publish, and set up a standard; publish, and conceal not: say, Babylon is taken, Bel is confounded, Merodach is broken in pieces; her idols are confounded, her images are broken in pieces. set up: Heb. lift up

3

For out of the north there cometh up a nation against her, which shall make her land desolate, and none shall dwell therein: they shall remove, they shall depart, both man and beast.

4

In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together, going and weeping: they shall go, and seek the LORD their God.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God commands the proclamation of Babylon's fall throughout the earth. Babylon, instrument of God's judgment on other nations, now faces judgment itself. The specific mention of Bel and Merodach (chief Babylonian deities) emphasizes the futility of idol worship. When Babylon falls, her gods fall with her - exposing their powerlessness. Only YAHWEH stands eternally; all false gods are 'confounded' and 'broken in pieces.'

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy came while Babylon was at its zenith of power. Speaking of its fall seemed impossible, yet God decreed it. Cyrus conquered Babylon in 539 BC, fulfilling this word.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's judgment on Babylon (His own instrument) display His justice?
  2. What modern 'Babylons' trust in idols that will ultimately fall?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
הַגִּ֨ידוּ1 of 19

Declare

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

בַגּוֹיִ֤ם2 of 19

ye among the nations

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

הַשְׁמִ֖יעוּ3 of 19

and publish

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

וּֽשְׂאוּ4 of 19

and set up

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

נֵ֔ס5 of 19

a standard

H5251

a flag; also a sail; by implication, a flagstaff; generally a signal; figuratively, a token

הַשְׁמִ֖יעוּ6 of 19

and publish

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אַל7 of 19
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תְּכַחֵ֑דוּ8 of 19

and conceal

H3582

to secrete, by act or word; hence (intensively) to destroy

אִמְרוּ֩9 of 19

not say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

נִלְכְּדָ֨ה10 of 19

is taken

H3920

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

בָבֶ֜ל11 of 19

Babylon

H894

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

הֹבִ֣ישׁוּ12 of 19

are confounded

H3001

to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)

בֵּל֙13 of 19

Bel

H1078

bel, the baal of the babylonians

חַ֖תּוּ14 of 19

are broken in pieces

H2865

properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear

מְרֹדָ֔ךְ15 of 19

Merodach

H4781

merodak, a babylonian idol

הֹבִ֣ישׁוּ16 of 19

are confounded

H3001

to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)

עֲצַבֶּ֔יהָ17 of 19

her idols

H6091

an (idolatrous) image

חַ֖תּוּ18 of 19

are broken in pieces

H2865

properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear

גִּלּוּלֶֽיהָ׃19 of 19

her images

H1544

properly, a log (as round); by implication, an idol


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 50:2 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 50:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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