Old Testament

Jeremiah 51:13

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 addresses Babylon, a powerful city known for its wealth and location by many rivers.

Author
Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
Written
Around 600 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
CBTClear Bible Translation

Babylon, you who live by many waters and are rich in treasures, your end has come, and the extent of your greed is measured.

KJVKing James Version

O thou that dwellest upon many waters, abundant in treasures, thine end is come, and the measure of thy covetousness.

Verse Analysis

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.

Key themes

Related topics

judgment, materialism, wealth

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

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.

The Book of Jeremiah
Book Summary

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.

Premium

Unlock the full Jeremiah summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Jeremiah — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 52 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Jeremiah summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.