Jeremiah 50:40

KJV

As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbour [cities] thereof, saith the LORD; [so] shall no man abide there, neither shall any son of man dwell therein.

KJV (with Strong's)

As God {H430} overthrew {H4114} Sodom {H5467} and Gomorrah {H6017} and the neighbour {H7934} cities thereof, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}; so shall no man {H376} abide {H3427} there, neither shall any son {H1121} of man {H120} dwell {H1481} therein.

Complete Jewish Bible

as when God overthrew S'dom, 'Amora and their neighboring towns," says ADONAI. "No one will settle there any more, no human being will live there again.

Berean Standard Bible

As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah along with their neighbors,” declares the LORD, “no one will dwell there; no man will abide there.

American Standard Version

As when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbor cities thereof, saith Jehovah, so shall no man dwell there, neither shall any son of man sojourn therein.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 50:40 delivers a stark prophecy concerning the utter and permanent desolation of Babylon, likening its future destruction to the catastrophic overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah. This divine declaration, spoken by the Lord Himself, underscores the absolute nature of Babylon's impending judgment, asserting that it will become a desolate wasteland, utterly devoid of human habitation, a testament to God's unwavering justice against pride and oppression.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 50:40 is situated within a significant prophetic oracle against Babylon, spanning chapters 50 and 51 of the Book of Jeremiah. While much of Jeremiah focuses on God's judgment against Judah and Jerusalem, these chapters mark a dramatic shift, turning the prophetic gaze upon Babylon, the very empire God used as an instrument of His wrath against His own people. This section details Babylon's impending downfall, not merely as a political defeat but as a divinely orchestrated act of retribution for its arrogance, idolatry, and excessive cruelty, particularly towards Judah and the temple. The verse in question serves as a climactic statement within this oracle, emphasizing the irreversible and absolute nature of Babylon's destruction, drawing a parallel to one of the most severe judgments in biblical history.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this prophecy, Babylon stood as the preeminent world power, having conquered Judah and exiled its inhabitants. Its capital, Babylon, was renowned for its immense walls, Hanging Gardens, and perceived invincibility. Culturally, Babylon was a center of idolatry, astrology, and imperial pride, often boasting of its own strength rather than acknowledging divine sovereignty. The comparison to Sodom and Gomorrah would have resonated deeply with Jeremiah's audience. These ancient cities, located in the Jordan plain, were utterly annihilated by divine fire and brimstone (as recorded in [Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "Genesis 19 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah")), serving as a perpetual warning of God's judgment against profound wickedness and rebellion. This historical precedent underscored the severity and permanence of the judgment now pronounced upon Babylon, a city far greater in power and influence than its ancient predecessors.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Retributive Justice**, demonstrating that even the mightiest human empires are subject to God's ultimate authority and righteous judgment. Babylon, despite its role as God's temporary instrument, would not escape accountability for its pride and cruelty, a theme echoed in passages like [Isaiah 13:11](/isaiah/13-11 "Isaiah 13:11 - God's Judgment on Babylon"). Secondly, the comparison to Sodom and Gomorrah emphasizes **Utter and Permanent Desolation**. Just as those cities were rendered uninhabitable forever, so too would Babylon become a desolate ruin, a vivid illustration of the consequences of defying the living God. This theme of irreversible destruction is further developed in prophetic visions concerning ultimate judgment, such as the fall of "Babylon the Great" in [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon the Great"). Finally, the verse speaks to God's **Faithfulness to His Covenant and His People**, assuring Judah that their oppressor would not go unpunished, thereby offering a future hope amidst their present suffering and exile.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Overthrew (Hebrew, _mahpêkâh'_):** From H4114, this term signifies a "destruction" or "overthrow." It implies a violent, complete, and catastrophic turning upside down, not merely a conquest or defeat. Its use here immediately evokes the imagery of the divine judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah, where the land was literally overturned and destroyed, emphasizing the unparalleled nature of Babylon's coming ruin. This is not just a change of power, but an absolute obliteration.
* **Abide (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** From H3427, meaning "to sit down," "to dwell," or "to remain." In this context, it speaks to the cessation of any form of settled habitation. The declaration "shall no man abide there" signifies that no one will be able to establish a permanent residence or even temporarily settle in the once-mighty city. It underscores the utter desolation and the impossibility of recovery or repopulation.
* **Dwell (Hebrew, _gûwr'_)::** From H1481, meaning "to turn aside for a lodging," "to sojourn (as a guest)," or "to inhabit." This word reinforces the previous term, emphasizing that not only will permanent residents be absent, but even transient visitors or temporary inhabitants will not be found. The combination of "abide" and "dwell" creates a powerful literary device of merism, indicating the complete absence of any human presence whatsoever, from the long-term resident to the passing sojourner.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbour [cities] thereof, saith the LORD;":** This opening clause establishes a profound and terrifying parallel. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (and the "cities of the plain" like Admah and Zeboiim, which were their neighbors) was the archetype of divine, irreversible judgment, characterized by fire and brimstone from heaven, leaving the land utterly desolate. By invoking this historical event, the prophet under divine inspiration signals that Babylon's judgment will be of a similar nature—total, catastrophic, and divinely initiated. The phrase "saith the LORD" authenticates the prophecy as a direct, authoritative oracle from Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God, leaving no doubt about its certainty and divine origin.
* **"[so] shall no man abide there, neither shall any son of man dwell therein.":** This second clause pronounces the specific outcome of the judgment, directly applying the severity of the Sodom and Gomorrah precedent to Babylon. The double negation ("no man... neither shall any son of man") serves as an emphatic declaration of absolute depopulation. "Man" (Hebrew: *'îysh*) refers to an individual male, while "son of man" (Hebrew: *ben 'adam*) is a more general term for humanity. Together, they signify that no human being, regardless of status or origin, will ever again inhabit Babylon. This is a prophecy of complete and permanent abandonment, transforming the once-proud capital into a desolate wilderness, a haunting monument to divine wrath.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 50:40 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of irreversible judgment. The most prominent is **Simile** (or **Analogy**), directly comparing Babylon's fate to that of Sodom and Gomorrah. This comparison is not merely illustrative but predictive, setting a precedent for the absolute nature of the coming destruction. The use of "As... so..." explicitly links the two events, leveraging the known horror of Sodom's demise to underscore the severity of Babylon's. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Hyperbole** and **Merism** in the phrase "no man abide there, neither shall any son of man dwell therein." While the prophecy of Babylon's desolation was indeed fulfilled, the emphatic language of "no man... neither any son of man" serves to stress the utter and absolute nature of the abandonment, encompassing every conceivable type of inhabitant. This powerful negation creates a vivid image of a truly uninhabited wasteland. Finally, the inclusion of the **Divine Oracle Formula**, "saith the LORD," functions as an authoritative stamp, emphasizing that this is not a human prediction but a certain, divinely decreed judgment, adding immense weight and finality to the prophecy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 50:40 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering justice and His ultimate sovereignty over all nations. It reveals that no empire, however mighty or seemingly invincible, can escape accountability for its actions, particularly when those actions involve pride, idolatry, and the oppression of God's people. The judgment on Babylon, paralleled with the archetypal destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, underscores the biblical principle that divine retribution is certain and, in cases of profound wickedness, can lead to complete and irreversible desolation. This verse reassures the suffering remnant of Judah that God sees their affliction and will bring justice upon their oppressors, demonstrating that His moral order will ultimately prevail, and every kingdom that exalts itself against Him will be brought low.

* [Genesis 19:24-25](/genesis/19-24 "Genesis 19:24-25 - The Lord Rains Fire on Sodom and Gomorrah")
* [Isaiah 13:19-22](/isaiah/13-19 "Isaiah 13:19-22 - Prophecy of Babylon's Desolation")
* [Revelation 18:21](/revelation/18-21 "Revelation 18:21 - The Symbolic Fall of Babylon the Great")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 50:40 offers enduring lessons for believers across generations. Firstly, it serves as a powerful reminder of God's unyielding justice. While His patience is great, His judgment is certain and will ultimately fall upon all forms of wickedness, oppression, and pride, whether in individuals, institutions, or nations. This truth provides immense comfort to those who suffer under injustice, assuring them that God sees and will act. Secondly, the verse underscores the accountability of all human power structures before God. No earthly empire, no matter how formidable, is beyond His reach or immune to His righteous decrees. This calls us to discern and critique worldly systems that defy God's standards, rather than placing our ultimate hope or trust in them. Finally, the utter desolation of Babylon, once the "glory of kingdoms," should instill a sobering perspective on the transience of worldly power and the futility of building kingdoms apart from God. It encourages us to invest in the eternal kingdom of God, whose foundations are unshakable and whose King reigns forever.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment against Babylon, as depicted here, provide comfort or challenge to your own understanding of divine justice in the world today?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or communities, be tempted to build "Babylons" of pride, self-sufficiency, or worldly power, and how does this verse warn against such endeavors?**
* **Considering the ultimate desolation prophesied for Babylon, what does this teach us about where our true hope and security should lie?**

### FAQ
**Why is Babylon's destruction compared specifically to Sodom and Gomorrah?**

Answer: The comparison to Sodom and Gomorrah is highly significant because these cities represented the ultimate biblical archetype of divine, catastrophic, and irreversible judgment. Recorded in [Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "Genesis 19 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"), their destruction by fire and brimstone from heaven was total, leaving the land desolate and uninhabitable. By drawing this parallel, Jeremiah emphasizes that Babylon's downfall would not be a mere conquest or a temporary setback, but a complete and permanent annihilation, a divinely orchestrated act of retribution so severe that the city would be rendered utterly devoid of human life, just as Sodom and Gomorrah were. It underscores the unparalleled nature of God's wrath against Babylon's profound wickedness and pride.

**Has the prophecy of Babylon's complete desolation been literally fulfilled?**

Answer: Yes, the prophecy of Babylon's utter desolation, as described in [Jeremiah 50-51](/jeremiah/50 "Jeremiah 50-51 - Prophecy Against Babylon") and [Isaiah 13](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - The Burden of Babylon"), has been remarkably fulfilled over time. While Babylon was initially conquered by the Persians under Cyrus the Great (539 BC) and continued to exist for a period, its glory steadily declined. Subsequent empires like the Greeks and Parthians attempted to revive it, but none succeeded in restoring its former prominence. Over centuries, the city fell into ruin, becoming a desolate wasteland, inhabited only by wild animals, just as prophesied (e.g., [Isaiah 13:20-22](/isaiah/13-20 "Isaiah 13:20-22 - Babylon's Future Desolation")). Today, the ancient site of Babylon in modern-day Iraq remains largely in ruins, a stark testament to the precision and fulfillment of God's prophetic word, confirming that "no man abide there, neither shall any son of man dwell therein."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 50:40, while a prophecy of historical judgment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the triumph of God's kingdom over all opposing earthly powers and the finality of Christ's victory over sin and death. Babylon, in its pride, oppression, and idolatry, serves as a type of the world system that stands in rebellion against God. Just as ancient Babylon faced irreversible divine judgment, so too will all systems and strongholds of evil ultimately be overthrown by Christ. The New Testament's "Babylon the Great" in [Revelation 17-18](/revelation/17 "Revelation 17-18 - The Judgment of Babylon") symbolizes the spiritual and moral corruption of the world that opposes God, and its ultimate fall mirrors the desolation prophesied for ancient Babylon, signifying the complete and permanent destruction of all that stands against God's righteous rule. Jesus, through His death and resurrection, disarmed the powers and authorities (as seen in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), and He will return as the conquering King to execute final judgment and establish His eternal kingdom (foretold in [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ the Victorious Rider")). Thus, the desolation of Babylon foreshadows the ultimate triumph of Christ, ensuring that no opposing power or "son of man" will "abide" or "dwell" in rebellion against His eternal reign, bringing forth a new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells (as promised in [2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")).

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

Genesis 19:24

¶ Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;

Genesis 19:25

And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground.

Jude 1:7

Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

Isaiah 13:19

¶ And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.

Isaiah 13:20

It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make their fold there.

2 Peter 2:6

And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned [them] with an overthrow, making [them] an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;

Luke 17:28

Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;