Old Testament
Jeremiah 50:2
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 commands His people to announce the fall of Babylon, a powerful nation known for its false gods and idols.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Announce among the nations, proclaim it, and raise a signal; do not hide it: 'Babylon is taken, Bel is confounded, Merodach is broken in pieces; her idols are confounded, her images are broken in pieces.'
Declare ye among the nations, and publish, and set up a standard; publish, and conceal not: say, Babylon is taken, Bel is confounded, Merodach is broken in pieces; her idols are confounded, her images are broken in pieces.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God commands His people to announce the fall of Babylon, a powerful nation known for its false gods and idols. The message emphasizes that Babylon has been defeated, and its gods, Bel and Merodach, are powerless. This proclamation is meant to be shared widely among the nations, highlighting the futility of relying on idols and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all nations. The act of raising a signal or standard signifies a call to attention, urging people to recognize the truth about Babylon's downfall. This verse serves as a reminder that no earthly power can stand against God's will, and it encourages believers to trust in Him rather than in worldly systems or false deities. The destruction of Babylon's idols symbolizes the triumph of God's truth over falsehood, reinforcing the idea that God will ultimately prevail over all forms of evil and idolatry.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 50:2 to your life
This verse encourages us to boldly share the truth about God's power and the futility of false idols in our lives. We should not shy away from proclaiming God's sovereignty and the victory He has over all forms of evil, reminding ourselves and others to place our trust in Him alone.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 50:2 mean?
Jeremiah 50:2 means that God is commanding His people to announce the fall of Babylon, emphasizing that its false gods, Bel and Merodach, are powerless. This verse highlights God's sovereignty over nations and the futility of relying on idols.
What is the significance of Babylon in Jeremiah 50:2?
In Jeremiah 50:2, Babylon represents a powerful nation known for its idolatry and opposition to God. The verse signifies its defeat and serves as a warning against the reliance on false gods.
What does the phrase 'Bel is confounded' mean in Jeremiah 50:2?
The phrase 'Bel is confounded' in Jeremiah 50:2 indicates that the Babylonian god Bel has been defeated and shown to be powerless. It underscores the message that no idol can withstand God's authority.
How can we apply Jeremiah 50:2 in our lives today?
We can apply Jeremiah 50:2 by boldly sharing the truth about God's power and recognizing the futility of false idols in our lives. It encourages us to trust in God alone and proclaim His sovereignty.

The Book of Jeremiah
Jeremiah 1: The Call of Jeremiah
The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, a priest from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, are recorded. The word of the LORD comes to him in the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign over Judah. It continues to come to him through the reign of King Jehoiakim and until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, when Jerusalem is carried into captivity. The LORD states that before He formed Jeremiah in the womb, He knew him and ordained him as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah responds that he cannot speak because he is a child. The LORD commands him not to say he is a child, for he will go where the LORD sends him and speak what the LORD commands.
Unlock the full Jeremiah summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Jeremiah — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 52 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Jeremiah summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.