Old Testament
Jeremiah 50:16
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
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.
Compare translations
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.
What Jeremiah 50:16 means
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.
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
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 50:16
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 50:16
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 50:16 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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.