Old Testament
Jeremiah 51:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Babylon, you who live by many waters and are rich in treasures, your end has come, and the extent of your greed is measured.
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O thou that dwellest upon many waters, abundant in treasures, thine end is come, and the measure of thy covetousness.
What Jeremiah 51:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God addresses Babylon, a powerful city known for its wealth and location by many rivers. The phrase 'you who live by many waters' symbolizes Babylon's prosperity and abundance. However, God declares that Babylon's time is up, indicating impending judgment. The mention of 'the extent of your greed is measured' highlights that their excessive desire for wealth and power has been noted and will lead to their downfall. This serves as a warning about the consequences of unchecked ambition and materialism. Babylon's riches, once a source of pride, will not save them from destruction. This verse emphasizes that no matter how strong or wealthy a nation or individual may seem, they are not beyond God's judgment, especially when driven by greed and selfishness. It serves as a reminder that true security and value come from a relationship with God, not from material possessions or status.
How to apply Jeremiah 51:13 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and the role that greed plays. It reminds us to prioritize spiritual wealth over material possessions. By focusing on generosity and contentment, we can avoid the pitfalls of excessive desire and find true fulfillment in our relationship with God.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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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 51:13 mean?
Jeremiah 51:13 addresses Babylon, highlighting its wealth and prosperity by many waters. However, it warns that Babylon's time has come due to its greed, indicating that their excessive desire for riches will lead to their downfall.
What is the significance of 'many waters' in Jeremiah 51:13?
The phrase 'many waters' symbolizes Babylon's prosperity and abundance, as the city was located near rivers that contributed to its wealth. It emphasizes the city's resources but also serves as a backdrop for the impending judgment.
What does the phrase 'the extent of your greed is measured' mean?
This phrase indicates that God has taken note of Babylon's excessive greed and ambition. It serves as a warning that their insatiable desire for wealth and power will ultimately lead to their destruction.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 51:13?
Key themes in Jeremiah 51:13 include judgment, greed, wealth, destruction, and divine warning. The verse illustrates the consequences of unchecked ambition and materialism.
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