Old Testament
Jeremiah 50:16
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God is declaring judgment on Babylon, symbolizing the end of its power and prosperity.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Cut off the farmers who plant in Babylon and those who use the sickle at harvest time. Because of the oppressing sword, everyone will return to their own people and flee to their own land.
Cut off the sower from Babylon, and him that handleth the sickle in the time of harvest: for fear of the oppressing sword they shall turn every one to his people, and they shall flee every one to his own land.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is declaring judgment on Babylon, symbolizing the end of its power and prosperity. The farmers and harvesters, who represent the economy and productivity of the land, will be cut off. This signifies that the fear of an invading army, referred to as the 'oppressing sword,' will cause people to abandon their work and return to their own nations. The imagery of sowers and harvesters highlights the disruption of daily life and the consequences of oppression. The verse emphasizes the urgency of fleeing from danger and the inevitable collapse of Babylon's influence, as people prioritize their safety and return to their roots. It serves as a warning about the fragility of security in a land marked by violence and oppression, illustrating how fear can drive people away from their livelihoods and homes.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 50:16 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of recognizing when we are in harmful situations. Just as the people of Babylon were urged to flee for their safety, we should be aware of environments that threaten our well-being and take action to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 50:16 mean?
Jeremiah 50:16 conveys God's judgment against Babylon, indicating that its agricultural productivity will cease due to fear of an invading army. The verse illustrates how oppression disrupts daily life, forcing people to abandon their work and return to their homeland for safety.
What is the significance of the 'oppressing sword' in Jeremiah 50:16?
The 'oppressing sword' symbolizes the threat of violence and invasion that instills fear in the people of Babylon. This fear leads them to flee their land and abandon their livelihoods, highlighting the impact of external threats on a society.
What does the imagery of farmers and harvesters represent in this verse?
The farmers and harvesters in Jeremiah 50:16 represent the economic stability and productivity of Babylon. Their removal signifies the collapse of Babylon's prosperity due to the impending judgment and chaos.
How does Jeremiah 50:16 relate to the theme of fear?
Jeremiah 50:16 illustrates how fear of violence can disrupt lives and force people to abandon their homes. It emphasizes that fear can lead to drastic actions, such as fleeing for safety, which ultimately affects the community and economy.
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