King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 51:13 Mean?

Jeremiah 51:13 in the King James Version says “O thou that dwellest upon many waters, abundant in treasures, thine end is come, and the measure of thy covetousness.” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 51 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“O thou that dwellest upon many waters, abundant in treasures, thine end is come, and the measure of thy covetousness.”

Jeremiah 51:13 · KJV

Context

11

Make bright the arrows; gather the shields: the LORD hath raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes: for his device is against Babylon, to destroy it; because it is the vengeance of the LORD, the vengeance of his temple. bright: Heb. pure

12

Set up the standard upon the walls of Babylon, make the watch strong, set up the watchmen, prepare the ambushes: for the LORD hath both devised and done that which he spake against the inhabitants of Babylon. ambushes: Heb. liers in wait

13

O thou that dwellest upon many waters, abundant in treasures, thine end is come, and the measure of thy covetousness.

14

The LORD of hosts hath sworn by himself, saying, Surely I will fill thee with men, as with caterpillers; and they shall lift up a shout against thee. by himself: Heb. by his soul lift up: Heb. utter

15

He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heaven by his understanding.

Read Jeremiah 51 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
O thou that dwellest upon many waters—Babylon's location on the Euphrates River and extensive canal system provided agricultural prosperity, transportation, and defensive moats. The "many waters" (מַיִם רַבִּים, mayim rabbim) represent both literal geography and symbolic prosperity. Revelation 17:1, 15 uses this imagery: "the great whore that sitteth upon many waters... The waters... are peoples, and multitudes."

Abundant in treasures—Babylon's wealth from tribute, plunder, and trade made her the ancient world's richest city. Archaeological evidence confirms vast treasuries. Thine end is come, and the measure of thy covetousness—the "end" (קֵץ, qets, termination, limit) arrives when the "measure" (אַמַּת, ammat, cubit, measure, standard) of greed is filled. God tolerates sin to a point, then judgment falls. The word "covetousness" (בֶּצַע, betsa', unjust gain, greed) indicts Babylon's rapacious accumulation through conquest and exploitation. Wealth gained through injustice brings judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Babylon's location where the Tigris and Euphrates rivers converge made it exceptionally prosperous. The city's canal system irrigated vast agricultural lands, generating wealth. Nebuchadnezzar's building projects consumed tribute from conquered nations. The 'treasures' included gold vessels from Jerusalem's temple (Daniel 5:2-4). When Cyrus conquered Babylon, he seized its vast treasury. Archaeological excavations reveal immense wealth—gold, silver, precious stones—confirming biblical descriptions. Yet all this wealth could not prevent divine judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the image of dwelling 'upon many waters' warn against false security based on natural resources or geographic advantages?
  2. What does the 'measure of covetousness' teach about God's patience having limits when societies embrace systematic injustice?
  3. In what ways does contemporary society 'dwell upon many waters' and abound in treasures while filling the measure of greed?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
שֹׁכַנְתְּ֙י1 of 10

“O thou that dwellest”

H7931

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

עַל2 of 10
H5921

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

מַ֣יִם3 of 10

“waters”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

רַבַּ֖ת4 of 10

“abundant”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

רַבַּ֖ת5 of 10

“abundant”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

אֽוֹצָרֹ֑ת6 of 10

“in treasures”

H214

a depository

בָּ֥א7 of 10

“is come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

קִצֵּ֖ךְ8 of 10

“thine end”

H7093

an extremity; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after

אַמַּ֥ת9 of 10

“and the measure”

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

בִּצְעֵֽךְ׃10 of 10

“of thy covetousness”

H1215

plunder; by extension, gain (usually unjust)

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 51:13 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 51:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 17:1Isaiah 45:3Revelation 17:15Genesis 6:13Jeremiah 51:36Jeremiah 50:27

Places in This Verse

Babylon 1Settlement · Modern: Babylon · 32.54°N, 44.42°E296 verses across 15 books
View all places in Jeremiah 51 →

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