Old Testament
Jeremiah 50:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Raise the war cry against her from every side! She has surrendered! Her defenses have crumbled, and her walls have been torn down. This is the LORD's vengeance — so take your vengeance on her! Do to her exactly what she has done to others.
Compare translations
Shout against her round about: she hath given her hand: her foundations are fallen, her walls are thrown down: for it is the vengeance of the LORD: take vengeance upon her; as she hath done, do unto her.
What Jeremiah 50:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Jeremiah 50:15, the prophet calls for a loud proclamation against Babylon, symbolizing its impending destruction. The verse emphasizes that Babylon has surrendered, indicating its defeat and vulnerability. The imagery of crumbling defenses and torn-down walls illustrates the total collapse of its power. This destruction is portrayed as the Lord's vengeance, suggesting that Babylon's actions against others have led to its own downfall. The call to take vengeance reflects the principle of retribution, where Babylon is to be treated as it has treated others. This passage serves as a reminder of divine justice and the consequences of wrongdoing, highlighting that nations and individuals will ultimately face the repercussions of their actions.
How to apply Jeremiah 50:15 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our actions and their consequences. It serves as a reminder that unjust actions can lead to eventual judgment. We should strive to treat others with fairness and compassion, understanding that our choices have lasting impacts on our lives and the lives of others.
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 50:15
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 50:15
Related Bible verses
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 50:15 mean?
Jeremiah 50:15 calls for a proclamation against Babylon, indicating its defeat and vulnerability. It highlights the destruction of Babylon as a form of divine vengeance for its wrongdoings against others.
What is the significance of Babylon's surrender in Jeremiah 50:15?
Babylon's surrender signifies its total defeat and loss of power, illustrating that its defenses have crumbled. This serves as a warning that even the mightiest can fall due to their actions.
What does the phrase 'the vengeance of the LORD' mean in Jeremiah 50:15?
The phrase 'the vengeance of the LORD' indicates that the destruction of Babylon is a response to its injustices. It emphasizes the concept of divine justice where wrongdoers face consequences for their actions.
How does Jeremiah 50:15 relate to the theme of retribution?
Jeremiah 50:15 embodies the theme of retribution by calling for Babylon to be treated as it has treated others. This reflects the principle that actions have consequences, particularly in the context of justice.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.