Old Testament
Jeremiah 50:38
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 declares that a drought will affect Babylon's waters, leading to their drying up.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
A drought is coming against her waters — they will dry up. For Babylon is a land obsessed with carved images; her people have gone mad over their idols.
A drought is upon her waters; and they shall be dried up: for it is the land of graven images, and they are mad upon their idols.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God declares that a drought will affect Babylon's waters, leading to their drying up. This symbolizes the impending judgment on Babylon, a city known for its idolatry and obsession with carved images. The people of Babylon are described as being mad over their idols, indicating their irrational devotion to false gods. This verse highlights the futility of worshiping man-made objects instead of the true God. The drying up of waters can also represent a loss of life and sustenance, emphasizing the consequences of turning away from God. Babylon's downfall is a warning against the dangers of idolatry and the consequences of rejecting divine authority. The imagery of drought serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual barrenness that results from misplaced priorities and devotion to falsehoods.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 50:38 to your life
This verse reminds us to examine our own lives for any idols that may distract us from our relationship with God. It encourages us to prioritize our faith and avoid the pitfalls of materialism or false beliefs. By focusing on God, we can find true fulfillment and purpose.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 50:38 mean?
Jeremiah 50:38 describes a coming drought that will dry up Babylon's waters, symbolizing God's judgment on the city known for its idolatry. The verse highlights the irrational devotion of the people to their carved images and serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God.
What is the significance of drought in Jeremiah 50:38?
The drought in Jeremiah 50:38 symbolizes spiritual barrenness and the consequences of idolatry. It represents a loss of sustenance and life, illustrating the futility of worshiping false gods instead of the true God.
What does 'mad upon their idols' mean in Jeremiah 50:38?
The phrase 'mad upon their idols' in Jeremiah 50:38 indicates that the people of Babylon are irrationally devoted to their carved images. This reflects their misguided priorities and the dangers of placing faith in man-made objects rather than in God.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 50:38?
Jeremiah 50:38 presents themes of judgment, idolatry, spiritual barrenness, and the consequences of sin. It emphasizes the importance of divine authority and the dangers of misplaced devotion.
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