Old Testament
Jeremiah 50:29
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"Call up the archers against Babylon — everyone who can draw a bow! Set up camp around her on every side. Don't let anyone escape. Pay her back for what she has done. Do to her exactly as she did to others, because she acted with arrogance against the LORD, against the Holy One of Israel.
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Call together the archers against Babylon: all ye that bend the bow, camp against it round about; let none thereof escape: recompense her according to her work; according to all that she hath done, do unto her: for she hath been proud against the LORD, against the Holy One of Israel.
What Jeremiah 50:29 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God commands the archers to surround Babylon, a symbol of pride and rebellion against Him. The call to arms signifies a divine judgment against Babylon for its arrogance and mistreatment of others. The instruction to not let anyone escape emphasizes the totality of this judgment. The phrase 'pay her back for what she has done' indicates that Babylon will face consequences for its actions, reflecting the principle of retribution. This verse highlights the seriousness of opposing God and the inevitable consequences that follow such defiance. It serves as a reminder that pride and arrogance against the Lord lead to downfall, and justice will ultimately prevail. The reference to the 'Holy One of Israel' underscores God's sovereignty and holiness, reinforcing that He will defend His honor and execute justice against those who oppose Him.
How to apply Jeremiah 50:29 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own attitudes and actions. It serves as a warning against pride and arrogance, reminding us that we are accountable for how we treat others. We should strive to act with humility and integrity, recognizing God's authority in our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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Keep studying Jeremiah 50:29
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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 50:29 mean for Babylon?
Jeremiah 50:29 conveys God's command for judgment against Babylon, symbolizing its pride and rebellion. The verse illustrates that Babylon's arrogance towards the Lord and its mistreatment of others will lead to severe consequences. The call for archers to surround Babylon signifies a total and unavoidable divine retribution, emphasizing that pride against God results in downfall.
How does this verse relate to the theme of divine judgment?
This verse exemplifies the theme of divine judgment by illustrating how God responds to pride and arrogance. Babylon's actions have provoked God's wrath, and the instruction to pay her back for her deeds highlights the principle of retribution. It serves as a reminder that God is just and will hold nations and individuals accountable for their actions, particularly when they oppose His authority.
What lessons can we learn from Jeremiah 50:29?
Jeremiah 50:29 teaches us the importance of humility and the dangers of pride. It reminds us that our actions have consequences, especially when we act against God's will. By reflecting on this verse, we can strive to treat others with respect and integrity, recognizing that arrogance can lead to our own downfall. It encourages us to align our attitudes with God's sovereignty and justice.
Why does God emphasize not letting anyone escape Babylon?
The emphasis on not letting anyone escape Babylon in Jeremiah 50:29 underscores the totality of God's judgment. It signifies that no one will evade the consequences of their actions, reinforcing the seriousness of opposing God. This serves as a warning that divine justice is comprehensive and inevitable, highlighting the importance of accountability for both individuals and nations.
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