King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 51:14 Mean?

Jeremiah 51:14 in the King James Version says “The LORD of hosts hath sworn by himself, saying, Surely I will fill thee with men, as with caterpillers; and they shall ...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 51 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Jeremiah 51:14 · KJV

Context

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.

16

When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens; and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth: he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures. multitude: or, noise

Read Jeremiah 51 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The LORD of hosts hath sworn by himself—the divine oath's strongest possible form, since no higher authority exists (Hebrews 6:13). God's self-oath guarantees absolute certainty. The title "LORD of hosts" (יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת, YHWH Tseva'ot) emphasizes sovereign command over heavenly and earthly armies—Babylon faces the Commander of all forces.

Surely I will fill thee with men, as with caterpillers—the imagery of locust swarms (יֶלֶק, yeleq, swarming locust) depicts invading armies' overwhelming numbers and destructive capacity. Just as locusts devour everything, so conquering armies will consume Babylon. And they shall lift up a shout against thee—the battle cry (הֵידָד, heidad, shout, war cry) celebrates victory. The shout raised against Babylon reverses her previous triumph shouts over conquered nations. The oppressor becomes oppressed; the destroyer, destroyed. Divine justice includes measure-for-measure retribution.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Medo-Persian coalition included vast multinational forces—Medes, Persians, Elamites, and others—fulfilling the prophecy of being filled with men like locusts. Ancient Near Eastern armies often numbered in tens of thousands; the imagery of locust swarms aptly describes these massive forces. The 'shout' of victory was customary ancient warfare practice—conquering armies proclaimed triumph. When Babylon fell, those she had oppressed celebrated her downfall, fulfilling this prophecy precisely.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God's self-oath teach about the absolute certainty of His prophetic declarations?
  2. How does the locust imagery warn about the consuming, unstoppable nature of divine judgment?
  3. In what ways does measure-for-measure justice (Babylon hearing victory shouts as she had raised them) reveal God's fairness in judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
נִשְׁבַּ֛ע1 of 12

“hath sworn”

H7650

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

יְהוָ֥ה2 of 12

“The LORD”

H3068

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

צְבָא֖וֹת3 of 12

“of hosts”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

בְּנַפְשׁ֑וֹ4 of 12

“by himself”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

כִּ֣י5 of 12
H3588

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

אִם6 of 12
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

מִלֵּאתִ֤יךְ7 of 12

“saying Surely I will fill”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

אָדָם֙8 of 12

“thee with men”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

כַּיֶּ֔לֶק9 of 12

“as with caterpillers”

H3218

a devourer; specifically, the young locust

וְעָנ֥וּ10 of 12

“and they shall lift up”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

עָלַ֖יִךְ11 of 12
H5921

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

הֵידָֽד׃12 of 12

“a shout”

H1959

acclamation

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 51:14 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 51:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 49:13Jeremiah 50:15Joel 2:25Amos 6:8Jeremiah 46:23Joel 2:3-4

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