King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 50:46 Mean?

Jeremiah 50:46 in the King James Version says “At the noise of the taking of Babylon the earth is moved, and the cry is heard among the nations.” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 50 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“At the noise of the taking of Babylon the earth is moved, and the cry is heard among the nations.”

Jeremiah 50:46 · KJV

Context

44

Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan unto the habitation of the strong: but I will make them suddenly run away from her: and who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who is that shepherd that will stand before me? appoint me: or, convent me to plead?

45

Therefore hear ye the counsel of the LORD, that he hath taken against Babylon; and his purposes, that he hath purposed against the land of the Chaldeans: Surely the least of the flock shall draw them out: surely he shall make their habitation desolate with them.

46

At the noise of the taking of Babylon the earth is moved, and the cry is heard among the nations.

Read Jeremiah 50 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
At the noise of the taking of Babylon the earth is moved (מִקּוֹל נִתְפְּשָׂה בָבֶל נִרְעֲשָׁה הָאָרֶץ, miqqol nitpesah Bavel nir'ashah ha'arets)—Babylon's capture causes seismic response. The verb ra'ash (quake) suggests cosmic significance: this isn't merely political shift but theologically decisive event. Babylon represented human autonomy, imperial pride, idolatrous system—its fall vindicates God's justice and signals the eventual downfall of all anti-God systems.

And the cry is heard among the nations (וּזְעָקָה בַגּוֹיִם נִשְׁמָעָה, uz'aqah vaggoyim nishma'ah)—Nations hear Babylon's death shriek. This fulfilled historically (Babylon's fall reverberated through ancient world, liberating subject peoples) and typologically (Revelation 18:9-19 depicts worldwide mourning at eschatological Babylon's destruction). The fall of archetypal oppressor becomes paradigm for final judgment. Thus Jeremiah 50-51 isn't merely history but prophecy with ongoing significance: every tyranny will fall; every proud system will crumble; only God's kingdom stands forever.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Cyrus's conquest of Babylon (539 BC) was epochal: it ended Neo-Babylonian Empire, began Persian Empire, liberated Jewish exiles, and enabled temple rebuilding (Ezra 1:1-4). The 'cry among nations' was literal—vassals from Egypt to India learned of Babylon's fall and adjusted policies accordingly.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Scripture use cosmic language (earth shaking) for historical events like Babylon's fall?
  2. How does Babylon's fall in 539 BC prefigure the final fall of 'Babylon' in Revelation 18?
  3. What does the 'cry heard among nations' teach about the public, visible nature of God's judgments?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
מִקּוֹל֙1 of 8

“At the noise”

H6963

a voice or sound

נִתְפְּשָׂ֣ה2 of 8

“of the taking”

H8610

to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably

בָבֶ֔ל3 of 8

“of Babylon”

H894

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

נִרְעֲשָׁ֖ה4 of 8

“is moved”

H7493

to undulate (as the earth, the sky, etc.; also a field of grain), particularly through fear; specifically, to spring (as a locust)

הָאָ֑רֶץ5 of 8

“the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וּזְעָקָ֖ה6 of 8

“and the cry”

H2201

a shriek or outcry

בַּגּוֹיִ֥ם7 of 8

“among the nations”

H1471

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

נִשְׁמָֽע׃8 of 8

“is heard”

H8085

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

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 50:46 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 50:46 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 49:21Ezekiel 26:18Revelation 18:9-19Ezekiel 31:16Ezekiel 32:10Isaiah 14:9-10

Places in This Verse

Babylon 1Settlement · Modern: Babylon · 32.54°N, 44.42°E296 verses across 15 books
View all places in Jeremiah 50 →

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