Old Testament
Jeremiah 50:43
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The king of Babylon has heard the reports about them, and his hands go limp. Anguish grips him — pain like a woman in labor.
Compare translations
The king of Babylon hath heard the report of them, and his hands waxed feeble: anguish took hold of him, and pangs as of a woman in travail.
What Jeremiah 50:43 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the king of Babylon is depicted as being overwhelmed by fear and anxiety upon hearing news about the impending judgment against his kingdom. The imagery of his hands going limp suggests a loss of strength and control, while the anguish he feels is compared to the intense pain of childbirth. This metaphor highlights the severity of his distress and the inevitability of the consequences he faces. The king, who once held power and authority, is now reduced to a state of helplessness, illustrating how even the mightiest can be brought low by their circumstances. This verse serves as a reminder of the futility of pride and the reality of divine judgment, emphasizing that no one, regardless of their status, can escape the consequences of their actions.
How to apply Jeremiah 50:43 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and the consequences of our actions. It reminds us that pride can lead to downfall and that we should remain humble before God. In times of distress, we can find comfort in knowing that God is in control, even when we feel powerless.
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 50:43
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 50:43
Related Bible verses
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 50:43 mean for the king of Babylon?
Jeremiah 50:43 illustrates the king of Babylon's overwhelming fear and anxiety upon hearing news of impending judgment. His hands going limp symbolizes a loss of strength and control, while the anguish he experiences is likened to the intense pain of childbirth. This imagery emphasizes the severity of his distress and the reality that even powerful leaders can be brought low by their circumstances.
How can Jeremiah 50:43 apply to our lives today?
This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of pride and the importance of humility before God. It encourages us to reflect on our actions and their potential outcomes. In moments of distress, we can find solace in the knowledge that God is ultimately in control, even when we feel powerless or overwhelmed by our situations.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 50:43?
Key themes in Jeremiah 50:43 include judgment, fear, helplessness, divine authority, and the consequences of sin. The verse highlights how pride can lead to downfall and underscores the inevitability of divine judgment, reminding us that no one, regardless of their status, can escape the repercussions of their actions.
Why does the verse compare anguish to childbirth?
The comparison of anguish to childbirth in Jeremiah 50:43 serves to illustrate the intense and overwhelming nature of the king's fear and distress. Childbirth is often associated with extreme pain and struggle, which effectively conveys the depth of the king's emotional turmoil as he faces the impending judgment against his kingdom.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.