Old Testament

Jeremiah 51:47

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 time will come when He will bring judgment upon Babylon for its idolatry.

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

"The days are surely coming when I will punish Babylon's carved idols. Her whole land will be put to shame, and all her dead will lie scattered within her."

KJVKing James Version

Therefore, behold, the days come, that I will do judgment upon the graven images of Babylon: and her whole land shall be confounded, and all her slain shall fall in the midst of her.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, God declares that a time will come when He will bring judgment upon Babylon for its idolatry. The carved images that the Babylonians worshipped will be punished, leading to shame for the entire nation. The imagery of the dead lying scattered suggests a complete defeat and destruction of Babylon, highlighting the consequences of turning away from God and relying on false gods. This serves as a warning about the futility of idol worship and the inevitable judgment that follows such actions. The verse emphasizes that no matter how powerful a nation may seem, it cannot escape divine justice when it engages in practices that are contrary to God's will. The fate of Babylon serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God and the dangers of idolatry, both in ancient times and today.

Key themes

Related topics

judgment, idolatry, repentance

How to apply Jeremiah 51:47 to your life

This verse encourages us to examine our own lives for any forms of idolatry, whether they be material possessions, relationships, or ambitions that take precedence over our relationship with God. It reminds us to prioritize our faith and avoid distractions that lead us away from Him.

Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Jeremiah 51:47 mean?

Jeremiah 51:47 means that God will bring judgment on Babylon for its idolatry, leading to shame and destruction. The verse highlights the consequences of worshipping false gods and serves as a warning about the futility of such practices.

What is the significance of Babylon's carved idols in Jeremiah 51:47?

The carved idols of Babylon represent the false gods that the people worshipped, which ultimately lead to their downfall. This verse emphasizes that reliance on these idols will result in divine judgment and shame for the nation.

What themes are present in Jeremiah 51:47?

The themes in Jeremiah 51:47 include judgment, idolatry, shame, destruction, and divine justice. These themes illustrate the consequences of turning away from God and the inevitable punishment that follows.

How does Jeremiah 51:47 relate to idolatry today?

Jeremiah 51:47 serves as a reminder that idolatry is not just an ancient issue but a relevant concern today. It encourages individuals to reflect on what they prioritize in their lives and to avoid letting anything take precedence over their relationship with God.

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.

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