Jeremiah 50:13

KJV

Because of the wrath of the LORD it shall not be inhabited, but it shall be wholly desolate: every one that goeth by Babylon shall be astonished, and hiss at all her plagues.

KJV (with Strong's)

Because of the wrath {H7110} of the LORD {H3068} it shall not be inhabited {H3427}, but it shall be wholly desolate {H8077}: every one that goeth {H5674} by Babylon {H894} shall be astonished {H8074}, and hiss {H8319} at all her plagues {H4347}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Because of the anger of ADONAI, no one will live there any more; all of it will be desolate. Everyone passing Bavel will whistle in shock at all her plagues.

Berean Standard Bible

Because of the wrath of the LORD, she will not be inhabited; she will become completely desolate. All who pass through Babylon will be horrified and will hiss at all her wounds.

American Standard Version

Because of the wrath of Jehovah she shall not be inhabited, but she shall be wholly desolate: every one that goeth by Babylon shall be astonished, and hiss at all her plagues.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 50:13 serves as a profound prophetic declaration, foretelling the utter and irreversible destruction of Babylon. This once-mighty imperial city, a symbol of human pride and oppressive power, is pronounced by the LORD to be rendered completely uninhabited and desolate. Its catastrophic downfall is presented as a direct, inevitable consequence of divine wrath, so severe and absolute that all who witness its ruins will be struck with astonishment and express profound contempt at the overwhelming scale of its judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within a substantial prophetic oracle against Babylon, encompassing Jeremiah chapters 50 and 51. This extended prophecy marks a significant shift in Jeremiah's message; previously, Babylon was portrayed as God's instrument for disciplining Judah. Now, the focus pivots dramatically, positioning Babylon itself as the object of divine wrath due to its egregious pride, rampant idolatry, and particularly its merciless cruelty toward God's chosen people. Jeremiah 50:9-12 immediately precedes this verse, detailing the mobilization of nations against Babylon, the swiftness of its impending overthrow, and the extensive plundering of its vast wealth. This sets the grim stage for the absolute desolation proclaimed in verse 13. The subsequent verses (Jeremiah 50:14ff) further elaborate on the comprehensive nature of Babylon's ruin, contrasting it with the promised liberation and restoration of Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's prophetic ministry unfolded during a period of immense geopolitical upheaval, specifically witnessing the ascendance of the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar, the siege and fall of Jerusalem, and the subsequent Babylonian exile of Judah (circa 605-586 BCE). At its zenith, Babylon was the undisputed superpower of the ancient Near East, celebrated for its unparalleled wealth, formidable military might, and awe-inspiring architectural marvels such as the Hanging Gardens and the Ishtar Gate. Its culture was deeply entrenched in polytheism, characterized by a pervasive sense of imperial supremacy and a brutal, unyielding approach to conquered peoples. For contemporaries, the prophecy of Babylon's utter desolation would have appeared utterly improbable, given its perceived invincibility. Yet, this divine pronouncement powerfully underscored the ultimate sovereignty of Yahweh over all earthly powers, no matter how seemingly unconquerable, simultaneously offering a beacon of future hope and vindication to the exiled Israelites.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 50:13 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Book of Jeremiah and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Inescapable Judgment**, emphasizing that even the most formidable and seemingly impregnable nations are unequivocally subject to God's ultimate authority and righteous justice. Babylon, having served as God's instrument to chastise Judah, now faces its own inevitable reckoning for its arrogance and oppression, illustrating that God holds all nations accountable for their actions, a principle echoed in prophecies like [Isaiah 13:1-22](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon") and the woes pronounced in [Habakkuk 2:6-20](/habakkuk/2 "Habakkuk 2 - Woes Against the Oppressor"). Another significant theme is **Total Desolation and Reversal of Fortune**, where the once-proud conqueror is utterly conquered, and the mighty city is transformed into an uninhabitable wasteland. This serves as a potent testament to the transient nature of all human empires when contrasted with the eternal, enduring kingdom of God. Implicitly, the verse also touches upon the **Vindication and Restoration of God's People**, as Babylon's catastrophic fall signifies the eventual liberation and promised return of Israel, a hope woven throughout Jeremiah's prophecies, particularly in passages such as [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - Hope for the Exiles").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wrath (Hebrew, _qetseph'_):** (H7110) Derived from a root meaning "to splinter" or "to chip off," _qetseph_ denotes a fierce, often violent, indignation or rage. In this context, it refers to the righteous and consuming anger of the LORD, which is not an uncontrolled outburst but a just, measured, and inevitable response to Babylon's profound sins against God and His covenant people. It signifies the divine impetus and ultimate cause behind Babylon's complete and irreversible destruction.
* **desolate (Hebrew, _shᵉmâmâh'_):** (H8077) This feminine noun, stemming from the root _shâmêm_ (to stun, devastate, or stupefy), describes a state of utter ruin, emptiness, and abandonment. It conveys more than mere uninhabitedness; it implies a horrifying, awe-inspiring waste. The emphatic declaration "wholly desolate" underscores the totality and permanence of Babylon's destruction, transforming it into a monument of terrifying emptiness and a stark warning of divine judgment.
* **plagues (Hebrew, _makkâh'_):** (H4347) While literally referring to a blow or wound, _makkâh_ here extends metaphorically to the severe, divinely inflicted calamities and judgments that would befall Babylon. It encompasses the full scope of the devastation—military defeat, famine, pestilence, and the general ruin—that would render the city a spectacle of divine retribution. The term emphasizes the severity, comprehensiveness, and divinely ordained nature of God's judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because of the wrath of the LORD it shall not be inhabited":** This opening clause unequivocally establishes the divine causality of Babylon's impending destruction. The "wrath of the LORD" is presented as the ultimate, non-negotiable, and righteous reason for its devastating fate. The consequence is absolute: the once-thriving metropolis will cease to function as a dwelling place for humanity. This is not a temporary evacuation but a permanent cessation of habitation, underscoring the severity and finality of God's judgment against its pride and wickedness.
* **"but it shall be wholly desolate":** This phrase serves as an intensification and emphatic reinforcement of the preceding declaration, solidifying the completeness and permanence of Babylon's ruin. "Wholly desolate" (using _shᵉmâmâh_) conveys an extreme state of emptiness, a terrifying waste that evokes both astonishment and horror. It signifies that the city will not merely be empty but will become a lasting monument to ruin, a stark and enduring warning against human rebellion and arrogance.
* **"every one that goeth by Babylon shall be astonished, and hiss at all her plagues":** This concluding clause vividly describes the universal and visceral reaction to Babylon's catastrophic downfall. Passersby, whether contemporary travelers or future generations, will be struck with profound shock and awe (_shâmêm_) at the sheer extent of its ruin. To "hiss" (_shâraq_) at her plagues suggests a sound of scorn, contempt, or even a mournful, whistling lament, indicating utter disdain and horror at the spectacle of a once-mighty empire reduced to such a state by the overwhelming force of divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 50:13 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment and comprehensive desolation. **Hyperbole** is powerfully evident in the declaration that Babylon "shall be wholly desolate," emphasizing the extreme and absolute nature of its destruction, far beyond mere abandonment. The phrase "every one that goeth by Babylon shall be astonished, and hiss" utilizes vivid **Sensory Imagery** to portray the public and visceral reaction to Babylon's ruin, engaging the reader's sight and hearing. The act of "hissing" also functions as **Onomatopoeia**, mimicking the sound of scorn, lament, or even the chilling sound of a desolate wind. Furthermore, the entire verse serves as a compelling example of **Prophetic Foreshadowing**, predicting an event that, at the time of its utterance, seemed utterly improbable given Babylon's immense power, yet eventually came to pass, thereby affirming the reliability and authority of God's word. The stark contrast between Babylon's former glory and its prophesied state of utter ruin also creates a profound sense of **Irony**, where the oppressor becomes the object of scorn and a testament to divine justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the immutable biblical principle that divine justice is both inevitable and comprehensive, extending even to the most formidable earthly powers. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to bringing righteous retribution upon those who defiantly oppose His will and oppress His people. Babylon's desolation serves as a profound theological statement, declaring that no empire, no matter how grand, self-sufficient, or seemingly invincible, can ultimately withstand the righteous wrath of the LORD. This judgment is not arbitrary but a just and proportionate response to the cumulative sin of pride, idolatry, and cruelty. The public spectacle of its ruin ensures that God's justice is visibly and undeniably demonstrated, serving as a solemn warning to all who witness it across generations.

* [Isaiah 13:19-22](/isaiah/13-19 "Isaiah 13:19-22 - Babylon's Utter Desolation")
* [Revelation 18:2-3](/revelation/18-2 "Revelation 18:2-3 - The Fall of Babylon the Great")
* [Nahum 1:2-3](/nahum/1-2 "Nahum 1:2-3 - God's Vengeance and Justice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 50:13 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers, serving as a powerful reminder that God remains eternally sovereign over all human affairs and that His perfect justice will ultimately prevail. In a world where powerful systems, nations, and even individuals often appear to operate with impunity, this prophecy provides profound reassurance that no earthly power is beyond divine accountability. It challenges us to critically examine our own lives, our communities, and our societies for any vestiges of Babylon's characteristic pride, self-sufficiency, or oppressive tendencies, urging us to consciously align ourselves with God's righteous standards rather than pursuing the fleeting glories and corrupting influences of the world. The prophesied desolation of Babylon stands as a stark and sobering warning against idolatry, arrogance, and injustice, prompting us to place our unreserved trust solely in the eternal God, whose kingdom alone endures and whose judgments are always true and just. Furthermore, it offers immense comfort and hope to those who feel oppressed, marginalized, or unjustly treated, affirming that God sees their suffering and will, in His perfect timing and sovereign wisdom, bring forth justice and ultimate vindication.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the prophecy of Babylon's fall challenge our contemporary perceptions of earthly power, national security, and global stability?**
* **In what subtle or overt ways might we, as individuals or as a collective, exhibit characteristics akin to Babylon's pride, self-sufficiency, or oppressive attitudes, and how can we actively repent of these?**
* **How does the certainty of God's righteous judgment on Babylon strengthen our faith in His ultimate justice, His unwavering faithfulness to His promises, and His sovereign control over history?**

### FAQ
**Was Babylon's destruction truly "wholly desolate" as prophesied, or did it recover?**

Answer: While Babylon was not immediately and completely annihilated after its conquest by Cyrus the Great in 539 BC (an event vividly described in [Daniel 5](/daniel/5 "Daniel 5 - The Fall of Babylon")), its subsequent decline was gradual yet ultimately fulfilled the prophecy of profound desolation. It never regained its former glory or status as a dominant imperial capital. Successive empires—Persian, Greek, and Parthian—utilized parts of it, but the city progressively diminished in importance and population. By the Roman era, it was largely a ruin, and by the medieval period, it had indeed become truly desolate, a vast expanse of uninhabited mounds and scattered ruins. The prophecy of Jeremiah 50:13, alongside similar pronouncements in [Isaiah 13](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon"), spoke of an *ultimate* and *permanent* desolation, not necessarily an immediate, single-event annihilation. The long-term historical trajectory of Babylon unequivocally confirms this irreversible abandonment, serving as a powerful and enduring testament to the accuracy and divine origin of biblical prophecy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 50:13 directly concerns the historical judgment of ancient Babylon, its profound theological principles find their ultimate and most comprehensive Christ-centered fulfillment. The "wrath of the LORD" against sin, rebellion, and human arrogance, so powerfully displayed against the oppressive empire of Babylon, is ultimately and perfectly borne by Christ on the cross. He, the sinless Son of God, became the object of divine wrath, suffering the "plagues"—the full consequences and penalty of humanity's sin—that we deserved, as foretold in [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - The Suffering Servant"). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus definitively takes away the sin of the world, offering a glorious escape from the ultimate desolation of eternal judgment for all who believe in Him ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Furthermore, Babylon in Scripture often functions as a potent symbol of the world system in active rebellion against God, characterized by its pride, pervasive idolatry, and systemic oppression, vividly depicted as "Babylon the Great" in [Revelation 17-18](/revelation/17 "Revelation 17 - The Great Prostitute and the Beast"). Christ's ultimate and decisive victory over this spiritual Babylon, culminating in His glorious second coming, ensures that all oppressive systems and every form of unrighteousness will be brought to complete and eternal desolation. In their place, His eternal kingdom will be established, a realm where righteousness dwells forever, as promised in [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Triumphant Return"). Thus, the judgment on ancient Babylon serves as a powerful foreshadowing of Christ's redemptive work in bearing sin's penalty and His final, triumphant reign over all evil, securing a future free from desolation for His redeemed people.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 18:16

To make their land desolate, [and] a perpetual hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished, and wag his head.

Jeremiah 49:17

Also Edom shall be a desolation: every one that goeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss at all the plagues thereof.

Zephaniah 2:15

This [is] the rejoicing city that dwelt carelessly, that said in her heart, I [am], and [there is] none beside me: how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in! every one that passeth by her shall hiss, [and] wag his hand.

Zechariah 1:15

And I am very sore displeased with the heathen [that are] at ease: for I was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction.

Jeremiah 25:12

And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, [that] I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the LORD, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations.

Job 27:23

[Men] shall clap their hands at him, and shall hiss him out of his place.

Lamentations 2:15

All that pass by clap [their] hands at thee; they hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, [saying, Is] this the city that [men] call The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?