Old Testament

Jeremiah 52:9

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

They captured the king and brought him to Nebuchadrezzar at Riblah in the land of Hamath, where the king of Babylon pronounced judgment on him.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

Then they took the king, and carried him up unto the king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Hamath; where he gave judgment upon him.

What Jeremiah 52:9 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the fate of King Zedekiah of Judah is described after the fall of Jerusalem. He is captured by the Babylonian forces and taken to Riblah, a location where Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, is stationed. There, Nebuchadnezzar pronounces judgment on Zedekiah. This moment signifies the end of Zedekiah's reign and the consequences of his rebellion against Babylon. The judgment likely includes punishment for his failure to submit to Babylonian authority and for leading the people of Judah into further disobedience. This event illustrates the seriousness of defying God's will and the consequences that follow. It serves as a reminder of the sovereignty of God over nations and leaders, as well as the importance of obedience to divine authority. The capture and judgment of Zedekiah mark a pivotal moment in the history of Judah, emphasizing the dire consequences of turning away from God's commands and the inevitable judgment that follows such actions.

How to apply Jeremiah 52:9 to your life

This verse reminds us of the importance of obedience to God and the consequences of turning away from His guidance. It encourages us to seek God's will in our lives and to remain faithful, as disobedience can lead to dire outcomes. Reflecting on our choices can help us align with God's purpose.

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.

A painting of Lamech holding his newborn son Noah outside a tent, with a plow and tools lying on the ground nearby

Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Noah

An old color photograph of Nablus in a green valley below Mount Gerizim, with people resting on rocks in front.

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. 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.

Shechem

Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.

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 Plans

Ask AI about Jeremiah 52:9

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 52:9

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 52:9 mean?

Jeremiah 52:9 describes the capture of King Zedekiah of Judah by Babylonian forces. He is taken to Riblah, where Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, pronounces judgment on him, marking the end of Zedekiah's reign.

What is the significance of Riblah in Jeremiah 52:9?

Riblah is significant as the location where King Zedekiah is taken after his capture. It is where Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king, delivers judgment, highlighting the authority of Babylon over Judah.

What does the judgment on Zedekiah in Jeremiah 52:9 represent?

The judgment on Zedekiah represents the consequences of his rebellion against Babylon and his failure to follow God's commands. It illustrates the serious repercussions of disobedience to divine authority.

What themes are present in Jeremiah 52:9?

Key themes in Jeremiah 52:9 include judgment, captivity, the sovereignty of God, and the consequences of rebellion. This verse emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's will.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.