Jeremiah 50:27

KJV

Slay all her bullocks; let them go down to the slaughter: woe unto them! for their day is come, the time of their visitation.

KJV (with Strong's)

Slay {H2717} all her bullocks {H6499}; let them go down {H3381} to the slaughter {H2874}: woe {H1945} unto them! for their day {H3117} is come {H935}, the time {H6256} of their visitation {H6486}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Kill all her bulls! let them go down to be slaughtered! Woe to them! for their day has come, the time for them to be punished."

Berean Standard Bible

Kill all her young bulls; let them go down to the slaughter. Woe to them, for their day has come— the time of their punishment.

American Standard Version

Slay all her bullocks; let them go down to the slaughter: woe unto them! for their day is come, the time of their visitation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 50:27 delivers a stark prophetic declaration of God's impending and decisive judgment against Babylon, portraying its mighty warriors and leaders as "bullocks" destined for slaughter. This verse underscores the certainty and severity of divine retribution, proclaiming that Babylon's appointed "day" of reckoning and "visitation" for its pride, idolatry, and cruelty against God's people has irrevocably arrived, sealing its fate as a once-dominant empire now facing utter desolation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 50:27 is situated within a lengthy and detailed prophetic oracle against Babylon, spanning chapters 50 and 51. This "burden of Babylon" (Jeremiah 50:1) stands in stark contrast to the preceding prophecies concerning Judah's destruction and subsequent restoration. After detailing Judah's seventy-year exile and promising their return, Jeremiah shifts focus to the instrument of their punishment, Babylon, declaring its inevitable downfall. This literary placement highlights God's sovereign control over all nations and His ultimate justice, demonstrating that even those used for His purposes are not exempt from judgment when they exceed their commission and act in unrighteousness. The imagery of slaughter and desolation in this verse is consistent with the pervasive theme of destruction that runs throughout these two chapters, painting a picture of complete annihilation for the Babylonian empire.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this prophecy, Babylon, under King Nebuchadnezzar II, was the dominant world power, having conquered Judah and destroyed Jerusalem in 586 BC, leading to the Babylonian exile. The Babylonians were renowned for their military might, architectural prowess, and advanced civilization, yet they were also known for their brutal conquest tactics and widespread idolatry. The term "bullocks" (Hebrew: *parim*) in ancient Near Eastern cultures often symbolized strength, virility, and sacrificial offerings. Leading them to "slaughter" evokes the practice of animal sacrifice or the merciless butchering of livestock, a powerful and demeaning metaphor for the fate of Babylon's elite warriors and leaders. This imagery would have been particularly shocking given Babylon's perceived invincibility, emphasizing the complete reversal of its fortunes by divine decree. The "visitation" refers to a time of divine reckoning, a concept deeply rooted in Israelite understanding of God's active involvement in human history, bringing either blessing or judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Justice and Retribution**, asserting that God holds even the most powerful nations accountable for their actions, particularly their oppression of His people and their defiance of His moral law. Babylon's "visitation" is a direct consequence of its pride and cruelty, echoing the principle found in [Psalm 9:16](/psalms/9-16 "Psalm 9:16 - The Lord is known by the judgment He executes"). Secondly, it highlights the **Inevitable and Appointed Nature of God's Judgment**. The phrase "their day is come, the time of their visitation" underscores the certainty and precise timing of divine judgment, indicating that no human power can avert God's decreed punishment once its hour has arrived. This concept is a recurring motif in prophetic literature, often associated with the "Day of the Lord" as seen in [Isaiah 13:6](/isaiah/13-6 "Isaiah 13:6 - The Day of the Lord"). Thirdly, the verse reinforces **God's Absolute Sovereignty Over Nations**. Despite Babylon's immense power, it is ultimately a mere instrument in God's hand, subject to His will and judgment. This theme is central to Jeremiah's message, demonstrating that the Lord raises up and casts down empires according to His divine plan, as articulated in [Jeremiah 18:7-10](/jeremiah/18-7 "Jeremiah 18:7-10 - The Potter and the Clay").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Slay (Hebrew, _chârab'_):** This primitive root signifies to parch, desolate, destroy, or kill. In this context, it conveys a sense of utter destruction and laying waste, indicating that the command to "slay" is not merely about killing but about completely annihilating Babylon's strength, reducing it to a desolate state. It reflects the severity and totality of the impending judgment.
* **Bullocks (Hebrew, _par'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to break forth in wild strength," *par* refers to a young bull or ox. Symbolically, these represent the prime, strong, and virile elements of Babylon's military, its elite warriors, or perhaps even its influential leaders and vital resources. Their designation as "bullocks" destined for slaughter emphasizes their vulnerability and the ease with which they will be overcome by divine decree.
* **Visitation (Hebrew, _pᵉquddâh'_):** This feminine passive participle carries the sense of an appointed time of inspection, reckoning, or official charge. While it can imply a positive oversight, in contexts of judgment, it refers to a punitive visitation, a time when God intervenes to hold someone or a nation accountable for their actions. Here, it denotes the precise, divinely appointed moment for Babylon's judgment and punishment to commence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Slay all her bullocks;":** This is a divine command, likely addressed to the instruments of God's judgment (e.g., the Medes and Persians). "Bullocks" metaphorically represent Babylon's most powerful military forces, its strong young warriors, or even its ruling elite. The command to "slay all" emphasizes the comprehensive and merciless nature of the impending destruction, leaving no strength or leadership intact.
* **"let them go down to the slaughter:":** This clause reinforces the previous command, depicting the complete and inevitable demise of Babylon's strength. The imagery of "slaughter" (Hebrew: *ṭebach*) evokes the brutal and systematic killing of animals, highlighting the lack of resistance and the ignominious end awaiting Babylon's once-proud forces. It implies a total defeat where the mighty are led passively to their doom.
* **"woe unto them!":** This is an exclamation of lament and impending doom. "Woe" (Hebrew: *hôwy*) is a prophetic interjection signifying deep sorrow, distress, and a pronouncement of judgment. It underscores the severity of the coming calamity and expresses the divine condemnation of Babylon's actions, indicating that their suffering is deserved.
* **"for their day is come, the time of their visitation.":** This final clause provides the justification and timing for the preceding pronouncements. "Their day" and "the time of their visitation" refer to a divinely appointed moment of reckoning. It signifies that Babylon's period of unchecked power and sin has reached its limit, and God's patience has run out. This "visitation" is not for blessing but for punitive judgment, a precise and unavoidable divine intervention to settle accounts.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 50:27 masterfully employs several **literary devices** to convey its powerful message of judgment. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where Babylon's strong warriors and leaders are likened to "bullocks" being led to "slaughter." This vivid imagery strips Babylon of its perceived power and dignity, reducing its formidable military to helpless livestock, emphasizing the ease and totality of its destruction by divine hand. The phrase "let them go down to the slaughter" also functions as **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the extent of the defeat to convey the absolute and overwhelming nature of the coming judgment. Furthermore, the declaration "woe unto them!" serves as a **Divine Pronouncement** or **Oracle of Judgment**, a common prophetic device that signals the certainty and severity of God's wrath. The personification of "their day" and "the time of their visitation" coming suggests an inevitable, predetermined moment, almost as if time itself is an active agent bringing about their doom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 50:27 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering justice and His ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers. It reveals that no nation, however mighty or seemingly invincible, is beyond the reach of divine accountability. Babylon, used by God as an instrument of judgment against Judah, ultimately faced its own reckoning for its excessive cruelty, pride, and idolatry. This principle underscores a foundational biblical truth: God is not only the Lord of Israel but the King of all creation, actively involved in the rise and fall of empires, ensuring that justice will ultimately prevail and that the oppressed will find vindication. The "visitation" signifies a meticulously timed divine intervention, demonstrating God's perfect control over history and His commitment to upholding righteousness.

* [Isaiah 13:1-22](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon") - A broader prophetic oracle against Babylon, detailing its destruction and portraying it as a desolate wasteland, reinforcing the theme of divine judgment against proud nations.
* [Daniel 5:25-28](/daniel/5-25 "Daniel 5:25-28 - The Writing on the Wall") - The account of Belshazzar's feast and the "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin" prophecy, which literally foretold Babylon's immediate fall, serving as a powerful historical fulfillment of prophecies like Jeremiah 50:27.
* [Revelation 18:2-8](/revelation/18-2 "Revelation 18:2-8 - The Fall of Babylon the Great") - The New Testament echoes the judgment on ancient Babylon, applying similar imagery and themes to "Babylon the Great," representing a future oppressive world system that will likewise face God's decisive and complete judgment.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 50:27 serves as a profound reminder that all individuals and nations are ultimately accountable to a righteous God. For those who wield power, it is a sober warning against pride, oppression, and self-sufficiency, urging humility and a recognition of divine authority. It challenges us to examine our own lives and societies, asking whether we are aligning with God's justice and compassion or succumbing to the temptations of worldly power and self-interest. For those who feel oppressed or witness injustice, this verse offers immense hope and comfort. It assures us that God sees every wrong, hears every cry, and will, in His perfect timing, bring about justice and vindication for His people. This divine promise encourages perseverance in faith, knowing that God's ultimate plan for righteousness will prevail, and no earthly power can thwart His purposes. It calls us to trust in His sovereignty, even when circumstances seem bleak, and to participate in His work of justice and mercy in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "bullocks going down to the slaughter" challenge our perceptions of worldly power and invincibility?**
* **In what ways might we, individually or collectively, be prone to the same pride and self-sufficiency that led to Babylon's downfall?**
* **How does the concept of God's "visitation" (for judgment) encourage us to live lives of greater accountability and righteousness?**
* **What hope does this prophecy offer to those who are currently experiencing oppression or injustice in the world?**

### FAQ
**What does "bullocks" symbolize in this verse?**

Answer: In Jeremiah 50:27, "bullocks" (Hebrew: *parim*) is a powerful **metaphor** for Babylon's strongest and most vital elements. It symbolizes their elite warriors, their military might, their prominent leaders, or even their most valuable resources. The choice of "bullocks" emphasizes their strength and virility, but also their vulnerability when faced with God's judgment, as they are portrayed as being led passively to their demise, much like cattle to a slaughterhouse. This imagery underscores the complete and merciless nature of the impending destruction of Babylon.

**What is meant by "their day is come, the time of their visitation"?**

Answer: This phrase signifies that a divinely appointed and inevitable moment of reckoning has arrived for Babylon. "Their day" refers to a specific, predetermined time for judgment, while "visitation" (Hebrew: *pᵉquddâh*) denotes a divine inspection or intervention that, in this context, is punitive. It means that God's patience with Babylon's pride, idolatry, and cruelty has run out, and the time for their punishment has been set. This concept is common in prophetic literature, indicating that God actively intervenes in human history to bring about justice, as seen in other prophecies concerning the "Day of the Lord" (e.g., [Amos 5:18](/amos/5-18 "Amos 5:18 - The Day of the Lord")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 50:27 directly prophesies the historical downfall of ancient Babylon, its theological implications find profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the broader narrative of God's redemptive plan. The judgment upon Babylon, a symbol of oppressive worldly power and rebellion against God, foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory over all forces of evil, sin, and spiritual "Babylon." Just as Babylon's "day of visitation" came, so too does the New Testament speak of a final reckoning, a "Day of the Lord" (e.g., [1 Thessalonians 5:2](/1_thessalonians/5-2 "1 Thessalonians 5:2 - The Day of the Lord Comes Like a Thief")), when Christ will return to judge the living and the dead. Jesus, the true King, came not only to offer salvation but also to dismantle the spiritual strongholds that enslave humanity. His crucifixion and resurrection represent the decisive "slaughter" of sin and death, rendering powerless the spiritual "bullocks" of this world (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Through His atoning work, Christ has already secured the ultimate "visitation" of God's justice, not only against the forces of darkness but also providing the path for humanity's reconciliation. The final "woe" pronounced upon Babylon finds its ultimate echo in the judgment that awaits all who reject God's gracious offer of salvation through [Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who willingly went to the slaughter to save His people from their sins, ensuring that for those in Him, the day of visitation is a day of salvation, not condemnation (cf. [Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")).

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

Isaiah 34:7

And the unicorns shall come down with them, and the bullocks with the bulls; and their land shall be soaked with blood, and their dust made fat with fatness.

Jeremiah 46:21

Also her hired men [are] in the midst of her like fatted bullocks; for they also are turned back, [and] are fled away together: they did not stand, because the day of their calamity was come upon them, [and] the time of their visitation.

Psalms 22:12

Many bulls have compassed me: strong [bulls] of Bashan have beset me round.

Psalms 37:13

The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.

Jeremiah 48:44

He that fleeth from the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that getteth up out of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for I will bring upon it, [even] upon Moab, the year of their visitation, saith the LORD.

Ezekiel 39:17

And, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD; Speak unto every feathered fowl, and to every beast of the field, Assemble yourselves, and come; gather yourselves on every side to my sacrifice that I do sacrifice for you, [even] a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel, that ye may eat flesh, and drink blood.

Ezekiel 39:20

Thus ye shall be filled at my table with horses and chariots, with mighty men, and with all men of war, saith the Lord GOD.