King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 51:60 Mean?

Jeremiah 51:60 in the King James Version says “So Jeremiah wrote in a book all the evil that should come upon Babylon, even all these words that are written against Ba... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 51 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

So Jeremiah wrote in a book all the evil that should come upon Babylon, even all these words that are written against Babylon.

Jeremiah 51:60 · KJV


Context

58

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The broad walls of Babylon shall be utterly broken, and her high gates shall be burned with fire; and the people shall labour in vain, and the folk in the fire, and they shall be weary. The broad: or, The walls of broad Babylon broken: or, made naked

59

The word which Jeremiah the prophet commanded Seraiah the son of Neriah, the son of Maaseiah, when he went with Zedekiah the king of Judah into Babylon in the fourth year of his reign. And this Seraiah was a quiet prince. with: or, on the behalf of quiet: or, prince of Menucha, or, chief chamberlain

60

So Jeremiah wrote in a book all the evil that should come upon Babylon, even all these words that are written against Babylon.

61

And Jeremiah said to Seraiah, When thou comest to Babylon, and shalt see, and shalt read all these words;

62

Then shalt thou say, O LORD, thou hast spoken against this place, to cut it off, that none shall remain in it, neither man nor beast, but that it shall be desolate for ever. desolate: Heb. desolations


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So Jeremiah wrote in a book all the evil that should come upon Babylon (וַיִּכְתֹּב יִרְמְיָהוּ אֶת כָּל־הָרָעָה אֲשֶׁר־תָּבוֹא אֶל־בָּבֶל אֶל־סֵפֶר אֶחָד, vayyikhtov Yirmeyahu et-kol-hara'ah asher-tavo el-Bavel el-sefer echad)—Jeremiah compiled Babylon oracles (chapters 50-51) into a single scroll. Even all these words that are written against Babylon—emphasizing comprehensiveness. This written prophecy served multiple purposes: (1) witness against Babylon; (2) encouragement for exiles; (3) testimony to God's sovereignty; (4) historical record for vindication when fulfilled.

The act of writing codifies and preserves God's word. Unlike oral tradition, the written scroll can be transported, referenced, and verified. This underscores Scripture's authority—God's words inscribed, not merely transmitted. The scroll's journey into Babylon's heart, then its ritual destruction (vv. 63-64), dramatizes Babylon's eventual fate. Prophetic symbolism often enacts future reality in miniature, calling it into existence by faith.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This scroll was distinct from Jeremiah's other writings (see chapter 36's scroll). It specifically contained anti-Babylon oracles. Its dramatic disposal in the Euphrates (v. 63) was subversive political theater—treason if discovered, but God protected His messenger.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the significance of writing prophecy versus merely speaking it—why does inscription matter?
  2. How does the scroll's journey into Babylon demonstrate faith in God's word even when circumstances contradict it?
  3. In what ways do prophetic symbolic acts participate in and announce the realities they represent?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
הַכְּתֻבִ֖ים1 of 19

that are written

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

יִרְמְיָ֗הוּ2 of 19

So Jeremiah

H3414

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

אֵ֧ת3 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל4 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָרָעָ֛ה5 of 19

all the evil

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

אֲשֶׁר6 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תָּב֥וֹא7 of 19

that should come

H935

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

אֶל8 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בָּבֶֽל׃9 of 19

against Babylon

H894

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

אֶל10 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

סֵ֣פֶר11 of 19

book

H5612

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

אֶחָ֑ד12 of 19

in a

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

אֵ֚ת13 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל14 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַדְּבָרִ֣ים15 of 19

even all these words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הָאֵ֔לֶּה16 of 19
H428

these or those

הַכְּתֻבִ֖ים17 of 19

that are written

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

אֶל18 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בָּבֶֽל׃19 of 19

against Babylon

H894

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


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 51:60 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 51:60 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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