Old Testament
Jeremiah 50:12
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But your mother will be utterly disgraced — the nation that gave you birth will be put to shame. She will become the least of all nations — a wilderness, a dry and barren desert.
Compare translations
Your mother shall be sore confounded; she that bare you shall be ashamed: behold, the hindermost of the nations shall be a wilderness, a dry land, and a desert.
What Jeremiah 50:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is speaking about the impending disgrace of Babylon, symbolized as a mother to its people. The imagery of a barren wilderness highlights the total desolation that will come upon the nation. Babylon, once powerful and influential, will be reduced to nothing, reflecting the consequences of its actions and rebellion against God. The shame and confusion that will come upon Babylon serve as a warning about the fate of nations that turn away from righteousness. This verse emphasizes the idea that no nation is beyond the reach of God's judgment, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and obedience to divine authority.
How to apply Jeremiah 50:12 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our actions, both individually and as a community. It serves as a reminder to remain humble and aligned with God's will, as pride and rebellion can lead to downfall. We should strive to build a foundation of righteousness in our lives and societies.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Jeremiah 50:12
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Jeremiah 50:12
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 50:12 mean?
Jeremiah 50:12 speaks about the disgrace of Babylon, depicted as a mother to its people. It highlights the nation's impending desolation and serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God.
What is the significance of Babylon being called a mother in Jeremiah 50:12?
In Jeremiah 50:12, Babylon is referred to as a mother to symbolize its role as the origin of its people and its former power. The disgrace and shame it faces reflect the downfall of a once-great nation due to its rebellion against God.
What does the imagery of a wilderness mean in Jeremiah 50:12?
The imagery of a wilderness in Jeremiah 50:12 signifies total desolation and barrenness. It illustrates the complete ruin that will come upon Babylon as a result of its actions and serves as a metaphor for the consequences of sin.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 50:12?
Jeremiah 50:12 encompasses themes of judgment, desolation, and shame. It emphasizes the consequences of sin and the importance of humility and obedience to God.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.