King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 51:54 Mean?
“A sound of a cry cometh from Babylon, and great destruction from the land of the Chaldeans:”
Jeremiah 51:54 · KJV
Context
52
Wherefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will do judgment upon her graven images: and through all her land the wounded shall groan.
53
Though Babylon should mount up to heaven, and though she should fortify the height of her strength, yet from me shall spoilers come unto her, saith the LORD.
54
A sound of a cry cometh from Babylon, and great destruction from the land of the Chaldeans:
55
Because the LORD hath spoiled Babylon, and destroyed out of her the great voice; when her waves do roar like great waters, a noise of their voice is uttered:
56
Because the spoiler is come upon her, even upon Babylon, and her mighty men are taken, every one of their bows is broken: for the LORD God of recompences shall surely requite.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryA sound of a cry cometh from Babylon (קוֹל זְעָקָה מִבָּבֶל, qol z'aqah miBavel)—The z'aqah (outcry/shriek) is Babylon's death wail. This cry contrasts with Babylon's earlier arrogant boasts (Isaiah 47:8, 'I am, and none else beside me'). Pride's voice becomes terror's shriek. And great destruction from the land of the Chaldeans (וְשֶׁבֶר גָּדוֹל מֵאֶרֶץ כַּשְׂדִּים, v'shever gadol me'erets Kasdim)—shever (breaking/ruin) of catastrophic proportions engulfs Chaldea.
The brevity is poignant: two clauses capture civilization's collapse. This compression suggests suddenness—Babylon fell in a night (Daniel 5:30). The 'sound' (auditory) and 'destruction' (visual) engage multiple senses, creating vivid picture of calamity. Revelation 18:10, 15, 19 echo this with 'Alas, alas, that great city!' The archetypal oppressor's cry becomes paradigm for all future judgments. Every rebel system will eventually emit this same death-shriek.
The brevity is poignant: two clauses capture civilization's collapse. This compression suggests suddenness—Babylon fell in a night (Daniel 5:30). The 'sound' (auditory) and 'destruction' (visual) engage multiple senses, creating vivid picture of calamity. Revelation 18:10, 15, 19 echo this with 'Alas, alas, that great city!' The archetypal oppressor's cry becomes paradigm for all future judgments. Every rebel system will eventually emit this same death-shriek.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
October 12, 539 BC: Cyrus's general Ugbaru entered Babylon. Belshazzar was slain (Daniel 5:30). The 'cry' was literal—chaos as regime fell and new order began. Later destructions (revolts and reprisals under Xerxes, etc.) added to the 'great destruction' chorus.
Reflection Questions
- Why does Scripture record the 'cry' of judged powers—what purpose does documenting their distress serve?
- How does Babylon's cry prefigure the lament over eschatological Babylon in Revelation 18?
- What does the contrast between pride's boast and judgment's shriek teach about the trajectory of human autonomy?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 7 wordsמִבָּבֶ֑ל3 of 7
“cometh from Babylon”
H894babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
וְשֶׁ֥בֶר4 of 7
“destruction”
H7667a fracture, figuratively, ruin; specifically, a solution (of a dream)
כַּשְׂדִּֽים׃7 of 7
“of the Chaldeans”
H3778a kasdite, or descendant of kesed; by implication, a chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people
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 51:54 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 51:54 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge