Jeremiah 50:46

KJV

At the noise of the taking of Babylon the earth is moved, and the cry is heard among the nations.

KJV (with Strong's)

At the noise {H6963} of the taking {H8610} of Babylon {H894} the earth {H776} is moved {H7493}, and the cry {H2201} is heard {H8085} among the nations {H1471}.

Complete Jewish Bible

At the sound of Bavel's capture the earth quakes; their cry is heard throughout the nations.

Berean Standard Bible

At the sound of Babylon’s capture the earth will quake; a cry will be heard among the nations.

American Standard Version

At the noise of the taking of Babylon the earth trembleth, and the cry is heard among the nations.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 50:46 vividly portrays the cataclysmic downfall of Babylon, depicting it not as a localized event but as a global tremor. The verse emphasizes the immense "noise" and "cry" that accompany its collapse, signifying a profound upheaval that resonates across the entire earth and elicits widespread reaction among the nations. It underscores the sovereign hand of God in history, bringing judgment upon even the mightiest empires and demonstrating the far-reaching consequences of His divine decree.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 50-51 constitutes a monumental prophetic oracle dedicated entirely to the judgment and destruction of Babylon. This extended prophecy stands in stark contrast to the earlier chapters of Jeremiah, which primarily focus on Judah's sin and impending exile. Chapters 50 and 51 serve as a divine assurance to the exiled Judahites that their oppressor, Babylon, would not escape God's justice. Jeremiah 50:46 specifically concludes a section detailing the military campaign against Babylon and its devastating effects, acting as a climactic summary of the global impact of this divine judgment. The preceding verses [Jeremiah 50:43-45](/jeremiah/50-43-45 "Jeremiah 50:43-45 - The King of Babylon's Terror") describe the king of Babylon's terror and the Lord's determined plan against the city, making verse 46 a powerful capstone to this immediate narrative.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Jeremiah's prophecy, Babylon, under the Neo-Babylonian Empire, was the dominant superpower of the ancient Near East. Led by Nebuchadnezzar II, Babylon had conquered Judah, destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple in 586 BC, and exiled its people. The city of Babylon itself was renowned for its immense fortifications, Hanging Gardens, and advanced civilization, making its fall seem improbable to many. The prophecy of its destruction, therefore, was a radical declaration against the prevailing world order, challenging the perceived invincibility of human power. The "nations" mentioned in the verse would include those subjugated by Babylon, those allied with it, and those who simply witnessed its unprecedented rise and fall, all of whom would be affected by such a monumental shift in geopolitical power.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes found throughout Jeremiah and the broader prophetic corpus. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, demonstrating that no earthly power, however mighty, can withstand God's ultimate decree. Babylon's fall is not merely a political event but a direct act of God's justice against its pride, idolatry, and cruelty towards His people, echoing the principle found in [Psalm 75:7](/psalms/75-7 "Psalm 75:7 - God's Sovereignty in Judgment"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Universal Impact of God's Actions**, showing that divine judgment has far-reaching consequences that reverberate across the entire known world, affecting "the earth" and "the nations." This signifies a seismic shift in global power dynamics. Finally, it speaks to the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, serving as a testament to God's faithfulness to His word, whether in judgment or blessing. The detailed predictions concerning Babylon's demise, also seen in [Isaiah 13](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon") and [Isaiah 21](/isaiah/21 "Isaiah 21 - The Fall of Babylon"), underscore that God is in control of history and His revealed word will always come to pass.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **noise (Hebrew, _qôwl'_):** From an unused root meaning "to call aloud," this word denotes a "voice" or "sound." In this context, it refers to the tumultuous clamor associated with a catastrophic event – the sounds of battle, the shouts of conquerors, the cries of the vanquished, and the general din of a city being overthrown. It suggests a cacophony of destruction, far from a quiet or unnoticed demise.
* **moved (Hebrew, _râʻash'_):** A primitive root meaning "to undulate," "tremble," or "shake," often used to describe the earth quaking or a physical tremor. Here, it conveys the idea of a violent, disruptive event that causes a literal and metaphorical shaking of the foundations of the world order. It implies a profound disturbance, akin to an earthquake, that destabilizes the entire geopolitical landscape.
* **cry (Hebrew, _zaʻaq'_):** This word refers to a "shriek" or "outcry," typically associated with distress, alarm, or deep anguish. It highlights the profound reaction of astonishment, fear, or even relief among those who witnessed or heard of Babylon's catastrophic collapse, signifying a widespread lamentation or a desperate appeal.
* **nations (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This term refers to a "foreign nation" or "Gentile," often used collectively for the peoples of the world outside of Israel. Its use here underscores the global scope of Babylon's fall, indicating that the news and its implications would not be confined to the immediate region but would be disseminated and felt by peoples across the known world.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"At the noise of the taking of Babylon":** This phrase immediately sets the scene, focusing on the auditory impact of Babylon's capture. The "noise" is not just a sound but a descriptor of the overwhelming, chaotic, and violent nature of its fall. It encompasses the sounds of war – the clash of armies, the breaching of walls, the screams of the dying, and the triumphant roars of the victors. The "taking of Babylon" refers to its military conquest, specifically by the Medes and Persians under Cyrus the Great in 539 BC, fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecy.
* **"the earth is moved":** This is a powerful hyperbolic statement, emphasizing the monumental impact of Babylon's collapse. It suggests that the fall of such a dominant empire was so significant that it caused a literal shaking of the ground, implying a disruption of the very stability of the world. Metaphorically, it signifies a profound shift in the geopolitical order, sending shockwaves across all nations and disrupting established power structures.
* **"and the cry is heard among the nations":** This clause further extends the scope of Babylon's fall, indicating that the news and its accompanying lamentation or alarm would not be confined to Babylon itself but would spread far and wide. The "cry" could be one of distress from those who relied on Babylon, or one of astonishment and fear from those who witnessed the demise of such a formidable power, or even a cry of relief from those who had been oppressed by it. It signifies a universal awareness and reaction to this unprecedented event.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 50:46 employs several potent literary devices to convey the magnitude of Babylon's fall. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "the earth is moved," which exaggerates the physical impact to emphasize the profound, world-altering significance of the event. While not a literal earthquake, the collapse of such a dominant empire would indeed send tremors through the geopolitical landscape. **Auditory Imagery** is central, with "noise" and "cry" vividly engaging the reader's sense of hearing, making the event immediate and visceral. The "noise" suggests the chaos of battle and destruction, while the "cry" evokes widespread lamentation or alarm. Furthermore, a subtle form of **Personification** is present in "the earth is moved," as the earth itself is depicted as reacting to the event, trembling as if in fear or shock. This device elevates the event from a mere military conquest to a cosmic, divinely orchestrated upheaval.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 50:46 stands as a profound testament to God's absolute sovereignty over human history and the destinies of nations. It underscores the biblical truth that no empire, however mighty or seemingly invincible, is beyond the reach of divine judgment. Babylon, which had served as God's instrument of judgment against Judah, now faces its own reckoning, demonstrating that God holds all nations accountable for their actions, particularly their pride, idolatry, and oppression of His people. This verse reinforces the eschatological hope that God will ultimately bring justice to the earth, dismantle oppressive systems, and vindicate His people, assuring believers that His plans will always prevail over the temporary dominance of worldly powers.

* [Isaiah 13:1-22](/isaiah/13-1-22 "Isaiah 13:1-22 - The Burden Against Babylon")
* [Daniel 5:1-31](/daniel/5-1-31 "Daniel 5:1-31 - Belshazzar's Feast and Babylon's Fall")
* [Revelation 18:1-24](/revelation/18-1-24 "Revelation 18:1-24 - The Fall of Babylon the Great")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 50:46 serves as a powerful reminder that God remains sovereign over all nations and history. In a world often dominated by seemingly insurmountable powers and complex geopolitical forces, this verse offers both a solemn warning and a profound message of hope. It warns against national pride, injustice, and idolatry, reminding us that even the most formidable human constructs are fragile before the Almighty. For the oppressed and those who feel overwhelmed by the forces of this world, it offers assurance that God sees, hears, and will ultimately act to bring justice. Our trust should not be placed in fleeting human strength, political systems, or economic might, but in the eternal power of God, who "removeth kings, and setteth up kings" [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"). This calls us to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that all earthly kingdoms are temporary, but God's kingdom is everlasting.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the fall of Babylon, as described here, challenge our modern assumptions about power, security, and national invincibility?**
* **What "noises" or "cries" in our contemporary world might be indicative of God's ongoing work of judgment or justice among nations?**
* **How can we, as believers, live with a greater awareness of God's sovereignty over global events, rather than succumbing to fear or despair?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to place our ultimate trust in human systems or leaders, and how can this verse reorient our priorities?**

### FAQ
**When did Babylon actually fall, and was it as dramatic as described?**

Answer: Babylon fell to Cyrus the Great of Persia in 539 BC, roughly 47 years after Jerusalem's destruction. Historical accounts suggest that the city was taken relatively easily, possibly through a strategic diversion of the Euphrates River, allowing Persian troops to enter through the riverbed. While the immediate military conquest might not have been as audibly "noisy" in terms of a protracted siege, the *impact* of its fall was indeed dramatic and far-reaching. The prophecy in [Jeremiah 50:46](/jeremiah/50-46 "Jeremiah 50:46 - The Fall of Babylon") uses hyperbolic language to emphasize the *significance* of the event – the collapse of the world's superpower – which sent shockwaves across all nations and marked a monumental shift in geopolitical power, fulfilling the prophetic word.

**Is "Babylon" in the Bible always referring to the literal ancient city?**

Answer: While [Jeremiah 50:46](/jeremiah/50-46 "Jeremiah 50:46 - The Fall of Babylon") and much of the Old Testament refer to the literal ancient city and empire of Babylon, the term "Babylon" also takes on a symbolic meaning, particularly in later prophetic literature. In the New Testament, especially in the book of [Revelation](/revelation/17 "Revelation 17 - The Great Prostitute and Babylon the Great"), "Babylon the Great" symbolizes a global system of spiritual idolatry, economic oppression, and rebellion against God. This symbolic "Babylon" embodies the characteristics of the ancient city – pride, luxury, persecution of God's people – and is also prophesied to suffer a dramatic and universal fall, echoing the language and themes of Jeremiah's prophecy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic fall of Babylon, depicted in [Jeremiah 50:46](/jeremiah/50-46 "Jeremiah 50:46 - The Fall of Babylon"), finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the triumph of Jesus Christ over all the oppressive powers of sin, death, and the devil. While ancient Babylon represented a formidable earthly empire that stood in opposition to God's people, its collapse foreshadows the definitive victory of God's kingdom over every spiritual and earthly force that exalts itself against Him. Just as the "noise" and "cry" of Babylon's fall reverberated across the nations, so too does the cosmic victory of Christ's cross and resurrection send shockwaves through the spiritual realm, declaring the decisive defeat of the "prince of this world" [John 12:31](/john/12-31 "John 12:31 - The Judgment of the World"). The "earth is moved" not merely by a geopolitical shift, but by the inauguration of a new creation, where Christ's reign establishes a kingdom that "shall never be destroyed" [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Everlasting Kingdom"). The ultimate "cry" heard among the nations will be one of either lamentation for those who reject Christ, or joyous acclamation for those who embrace Him as Lord, as every knee will one day bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow"). The prophetic judgment against Babylon prefigures Christ's final judgment of all evil, culminating in the establishment of His perfect and eternal kingdom, where all injustice is vanquished and God's righteous rule prevails forever [Revelation 19:11-21](/revelation/19-11-21 "Revelation 19:11-21 - Christ's Triumphant Return and Judgment").

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 49:21

The earth is moved at the noise of their fall, at the cry the noise thereof was heard in the Red sea.

Ezekiel 31:16

I made the nations to shake at the sound of his fall, when I cast him down to hell with them that descend into the pit: and all the trees of Eden, the choice and best of Lebanon, all that drink water, shall be comforted in the nether parts of the earth.

Ezekiel 26:18

Now shall the isles tremble in the day of thy fall; yea, the isles that [are] in the sea shall be troubled at thy departure.

Revelation 18:9

¶ And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,

Revelation 18:19

And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.

Isaiah 14:9

Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet [thee] at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, [even] all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations.

Isaiah 14:10

All they shall speak and say unto thee, Art thou also become weak as we? art thou become like unto us?