Jeremiah 50:30

KJV

Therefore shall her young men fall in the streets, and all her men of war shall be cut off in that day, saith the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore shall her young men {H970} fall {H5307} in the streets {H7339}, and all her men {H582} of war {H4421} shall be cut off {H1826} in that day {H3117}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is why her young men will fall in her open places, why all her warriors will be silenced on that day," says ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore, her young men will fall in the streets, and all her warriors will be silenced in that day,” declares the LORD.

American Standard Version

Therefore shall her young men fall in her streets, and all her men of war shall be brought to silence in that day, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 50:30 delivers a potent prophetic declaration of the certain and devastating judgment awaiting Babylon. It foretells the complete incapacitation of Babylon's military strength, with its young, vigorous soldiers and seasoned warriors falling in the very streets of their city, utterly cut off on a divinely appointed day of reckoning. This verse powerfully underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His righteous commitment to execute justice against the pride, idolatry, and oppression embodied by the Babylonian empire, thereby assuring His exiled people of ultimate vindication.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 50, paired with chapter 51, forms the most extensive and detailed oracle against Babylon within the book of Jeremiah, strategically positioned after prophecies concerning Judah and other surrounding nations. These chapters serve as a climactic pronouncement, fulfilling God's long-standing promise to punish those who oppressed His chosen people, even though He had used Babylon as an instrument of His own judgment. Jeremiah 50:30 is embedded within a series of pronouncements detailing the specific nature of Babylon's downfall, emphasizing the total collapse of its military power and the widespread devastation that would engulf the city. It follows earlier verses that describe Babylon's profound pride and pervasive idolatry, setting the stage for the severe consequences outlined in this verse, which highlights the public and comprehensive nature of its impending destruction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This prophecy emerged during a period of profound geopolitical upheaval in the ancient Near East. Babylon, under the formidable leadership of Nebuchadnezzar, had ascended to become the dominant world power, culminating in its conquest of Judah and the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, initiating the traumatic Babylonian Exile. For the Jewish exiles, living under the seemingly invincible might of the Babylonian Empire, Jeremiah's prophecy offered a radical counter-narrative, challenging the perceived invincibility of their oppressor. Culturally, Babylon was renowned for its formidable military, its heavily fortified cities, and its vast pantheon of gods. The "young men" (Hebrew: _bâchûwr_) represented the prime, vibrant, and future generation of soldiers, while "men of war" (Hebrew: _ʼĕnôwsh milchâmâh_) signified the experienced, professional fighting force. The "streets" (Hebrew: _rᵉchôb_) refer to the broad public squares and avenues of the city, indicating that the slaughter would be public, pervasive, and not confined to distant battlefields, but rather occurring within the very heart of Babylon. This message would have provided profound hope and vindication for the exiled Israelites, assuring them that their oppressor would not escape divine retribution.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 50:30 contributes significantly to several overarching themes prominent in Jeremiah and the broader prophetic corpus. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, unequivocally demonstrating that God holds even the most powerful nations accountable for their actions, particularly their pride, idolatry, and their treatment of His chosen people. Babylon's fall is presented as a direct consequence of its arrogance and its excessive cruelty in executing God's judgment against Judah, as detailed in passages like [Jeremiah 50:17-18](/jeremiah/50-17-18 "Jeremiah 50:17-18 - Israel's Redemption and Babylon's Punishment"). Another crucial theme is the **Certainty of Prophecy and God's Sovereignty**. The repeated prophetic formula "saith the LORD" (Hebrew: _nᵉʼum Yᵉhôvâh_) throughout Jeremiah, and specifically here, underscores that these are not mere human predictions but authoritative declarations from the sovereign God, who orchestrates history and brings His word to pass, a truth echoed in [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning"). Finally, the verse powerfully conveys the theme of **Total Devastation**, painting a vivid picture of complete military collapse and widespread death, signifying the definitive end of Babylon's oppressive reign and foreshadowing the ultimate triumph of God's justice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **young men (Hebrew, _bâchûwr'_):** From a root meaning "to select," this term refers to those who are chosen or selected, specifically young men, often implying those in the prime of their physical strength and fit for military service. Their falling in the streets signifies not merely casualties, but the decimation of the very demographic that constitutes the future strength and vitality of a society's military and workforce. It points to a profound, irreversible, and generational loss for Babylon.
* **fall (Hebrew, _nâphal'_):** A primitive root meaning "to fall," this verb is used in a wide variety of applications, including to cease, die, be cut down, or perish. In this context, it denotes a violent, decisive, and fatal end, emphasizing the complete defeat, death, and collapse of Babylon's soldiers. It conveys not merely a retreat or surrender, but an overwhelming and deadly overthrow.
* **cut off (Hebrew, _dâmam'_):** This primitive root carries the meaning "to be dumb," "to be astonished," "to stop," and by implication, "to perish" or "be put to silence." When applied to men of war, it signifies their complete incapacitation, their voices silenced, their actions ceased, and their very existence brought to an end. It implies not just defeat, but an utter cessation of their military function, their might silenced forever.
* **saith (Hebrew, _nᵉʼum'_):** This term signifies an oracle or a divine utterance. Often paired with "the LORD" (Yᵉhôvâh), it serves as an authoritative stamp, indicating that the preceding declaration is a direct pronouncement from God Himself, guaranteeing its certainty, infallibility, and ultimate fulfillment. It elevates the prophecy beyond human prediction to divine decree.
* **the LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenant name of God, emphasizing His self-existent, eternal nature ("the self-Existent or Eternal") and His unique relationship with His people. When YHWH "saith," it carries the full weight of His omnipotence, His unwavering faithfulness to His word, and His righteous character, ensuring that His declared judgment against Babylon will undoubtedly come to pass.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore shall her young men fall in the streets,"**: This opening clause establishes a direct consequence ("Therefore") for Babylon's actions and character. The "young men," representing the vigor, strength, and future military potential of Babylon, are prophesied to perish in the very public spaces of their city. This signifies a widespread, inescapable, and humiliating defeat, not on a distant battlefield, but within the heart of their own domain, exposing their vulnerability and the extent of their demise.
* **"and all her men of war shall be cut off in that day,"**: This expands upon the previous clause, emphasizing the totality of the military's destruction. "All her men of war," encompassing the entire fighting force, from the experienced to the newly enlisted, will be "cut off," meaning utterly destroyed, silenced, or brought to a complete end. "That day" refers to a specific, divinely appointed time of judgment, a decisive day of reckoning for Babylon when its military might will be definitively broken.
* **"saith the LORD."**: This concluding phrase serves as a divine affirmation and an unalterable seal upon the prophecy. It underscores the absolute certainty and divine authority behind the declaration. It is not merely a human prediction or a wishful thought, but the unalterable word of Yahweh, the sovereign God who controls the destiny of nations and whose word never returns void.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 50:30 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of impending doom for Babylon. **Hyperbole** is powerfully evident in the declaration that "all her men of war shall be cut off," suggesting a complete and utter annihilation of Babylon's military strength, emphasizing the devastating and comprehensive scale of the divine judgment. The imagery of "young men fall in the streets" is a potent form of **Vivid Imagery** and **Synecdoche**, where "young men" represent the entire fighting force and the future generation of the nation, and "streets" symbolize the entire city, indicating a pervasive, public, and inescapable slaughter within Babylon itself. This imagery evokes a chilling sense of chaos, public humiliation, and inescapable death. The recurring phrase "saith the LORD" functions as a powerful **Divine Attestation** or **Prophetic Formula**, lending absolute authority and certainty to the prophecy. It transforms the human words of Jeremiah into the infallible, unalterable decree of God, reinforcing the central theme of divine sovereignty and the inevitability of the pronouncement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 50:30 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering justice and His ultimate sovereignty over all nations. It demonstrates that no empire, however mighty, proud, or seemingly invincible, can escape divine judgment when it acts in pride, idolatry, and oppression against God's purposes or His people. Babylon, which God had paradoxically used as an instrument of judgment against Judah, ultimately faced its own severe reckoning for its excessive cruelty, its self-exalting arrogance, and its failure to acknowledge the true God. This prophecy serves as a timeless reminder that God is the one who raises up and brings down kingdoms, ensuring that justice will ultimately prevail and that His people will be vindicated. It underscores the biblical principle that pride precedes a fall, and that those who oppress God's people will face severe, divinely ordained consequences.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "God Changes Times and Seasons")
* [Isaiah 13:6-9](/isaiah/13-6-9 "The Day of the Lord Against Babylon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 50:30, while a specific prophecy against ancient Babylon, carries profound and timeless implications for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is utterly sovereign over all earthly powers and that no nation, system, or individual can ultimately defy His righteous decrees. In a world often dominated by seemingly insurmountable forces of injustice, oppression, and secular pride, this verse offers immense comfort and hope. It assures us that God sees, hears, and will ultimately act to bring justice, vindicating His people and dismantling systems that oppose His will. This should foster a deep trust in God's ultimate control, even when circumstances seem chaotic or unjust, and encourage patient endurance in the face of adversity. Furthermore, it calls us to profound humility, recognizing that pride and self-sufficiency, whether in individuals or nations, inevitably lead to a fall. It challenges us to align our lives and our societies with God's justice and righteousness, knowing that divine accountability is certain for all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment against Babylon encourage your faith in God's justice in the face of present-day injustices or oppressive systems?**
* **In what ways might the "pride" of ancient Babylon be mirrored in contemporary societies or even in our own personal lives, and what warnings does this verse offer us today?**
* **How does the emphatic phrase "saith the LORD" impact your understanding of the authority, reliability, and ultimate fulfillment of biblical prophecy in your life?**

### FAQ

**What was the historical fulfillment of Jeremiah 50:30?**

Answer: Jeremiah's prophecy against Babylon was historically fulfilled when the city fell to Cyrus the Great of Persia in 539 BC. While the exact details of the conquest are debated among historians, accounts suggest that Babylon was conquered with remarkable ease, possibly through a strategic diversion of the Euphrates River, allowing Persian forces to enter the city through the riverbed. The "young men" and "men of war" were indeed "cut off," as Babylon's military power was decisively broken, leading to the swift and definitive end of its empire. This pivotal event directly paved the way for the return of the Jewish exiles to Judah, as prophesied elsewhere in Jeremiah and Isaiah, most notably in [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Promise of Return from Exile") and [Isaiah 44:28](/isaiah/44-28 "Isaiah 44:28 - Cyrus as God's Shepherd").

**Does this prophecy have any relevance beyond ancient Babylon?**

Answer: Yes, absolutely. While specifically targeting ancient Babylon, the principles embedded in Jeremiah 50:30 are timeless and universal, extending far beyond its immediate historical context. It powerfully illustrates God's unchanging character as a righteous judge who holds all nations and powers accountable for their pride, idolatry, and oppression. It serves as a profound theological archetype for God's judgment against any system, empire, or power that sets itself against Him or oppresses His people throughout history. The "Day of the LORD" concept, though applied to Babylon here, is a broader prophetic theme referring to any time of decisive divine intervention and reckoning, as seen in passages like [Joel 2:1-2](/joel/2-1-2 "Joel 2:1-2 - The Day of the LORD is Coming"). Thus, this prophecy reminds us that God remains sovereign over all human affairs and that ultimate justice will always prevail, offering both a warning to the proud and hope to the oppressed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 50:30 directly prophesies the fall of literal Babylon, its deeper Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over all opposing spiritual and worldly powers, which are often personified by the "Babylon" of the New Testament. Just as ancient Babylon represented the pinnacle of human pride, idolatry, and systemic opposition to God and His people, the prophetic "Babylon" in the book of Revelation symbolizes the entire system of worldly rebellion against God and His Christ. The "young men" and "men of war" of this spiritual Babylon, representing its strength, influence, and military might, are ultimately "cut off" and "fall in the streets" through the decisive and righteous victory of Christ. Revelation vividly portrays the ultimate downfall of this spiritual Babylon, not by human armies, but by the righteous judgment emanating from the [Lamb of God, who is called Faithful and True](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - The Rider on the White Horse"), whose word is a sharp sword that strikes down the nations (cf. [Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - Christ's Judgment and Authority")). The "day" of judgment foretold in Jeremiah finds its ultimate and final consummation in the glorious return of Christ, who will bring all earthly kingdoms to an end and establish His eternal reign, where there will be no more oppression, injustice, or unrighteousness (cf. [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")). Thus, Jeremiah 50:30 foreshadows the complete and final victory of Christ over all forces that oppose God, bringing perfect justice and an everlasting peace to 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 49:26

Therefore her young men shall fall in her streets, and all the men of war shall be cut off in that day, saith the LORD of hosts.

Jeremiah 18:21

Therefore deliver up their children to the famine, and pour out their [blood] by the force of the sword; and let their wives be bereaved of their children, and [be] widows; and let their men be put to death; [let] their young men [be] slain by the sword in battle.

Jeremiah 9:21

For death is come up into our windows, [and] is entered into our palaces, to cut off the children from without, [and] the young men from the streets.

Revelation 19:18

That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all [men, both] free and bond, both small and great.

Jeremiah 51:56

Because the spoiler is come upon her, [even] upon Babylon, and her mighty men are taken, every one of their bows is broken: for the LORD God of recompences shall surely requite.

Jeremiah 51:57

And I will make drunk her princes, and her wise [men], her captains, and her rulers, and her mighty men: and they shall sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake, saith the King, whose name [is] the LORD of hosts.

Jeremiah 51:3

Against [him that] bendeth let the archer bend his bow, and against [him that] lifteth himself up in his brigandine: and spare ye not her young men; destroy ye utterly all her host.