Old Testament
Jeremiah 50:40
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 compares the destruction of Babylon to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, two cities known for their wickedness.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Just as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and the towns around them," says the LORD, "no one will live there. No human being will ever settle in it again.
As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbour cities thereof, saith the LORD; so shall no man abide there, neither shall any son of man dwell therein.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God compares the destruction of Babylon to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, two cities known for their wickedness. Just as those cities were completely devastated and left uninhabitable, God declares that Babylon will face a similar fate. The imagery emphasizes the totality of God's judgment against sin and the consequences of turning away from Him. The phrase 'no human being will ever settle in it again' signifies that Babylon will be desolate, serving as a warning to others about the seriousness of rebellion against God. This verse highlights God's sovereignty and His ability to bring about justice, ensuring that places of great sin will not stand forever. It serves as a reminder of the ultimate accountability that all nations and individuals have before God, reinforcing the idea that divine judgment is inevitable for those who persist in wrongdoing.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 50:40 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our actions and the importance of living righteously. It serves as a reminder that God holds nations and individuals accountable for their choices. We should strive to align our lives with God's will, avoiding the pitfalls of sin and rebellion.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 50:40 mean?
Jeremiah 50:40 compares the destruction of Babylon to that of Sodom and Gomorrah, indicating that Babylon will be completely devastated and uninhabitable due to God's judgment against its wickedness.
What is the significance of Sodom and Gomorrah in Jeremiah 50:40?
Sodom and Gomorrah serve as historical examples of total destruction due to sin, illustrating the severity of God's judgment and the consequences of turning away from Him.
What does 'no human being will ever settle in it again' mean in Jeremiah 50:40?
This phrase emphasizes that Babylon will be left desolate and uninhabitable, highlighting the finality of God's judgment and serving as a warning against rebellion.
How does Jeremiah 50:40 relate to the theme of divine judgment?
The verse underscores the theme of divine judgment by showing that God holds nations accountable for their actions, ensuring that places of great sin will not endure.

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.
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