Jeremiah 51:13

KJV

O thou that dwellest upon many waters, abundant in treasures, thine end is come, [and] the measure of thy covetousness.

KJV (with Strong's)

O thou that dwellest {H7931}{H7931} upon many {H7227} waters {H4325}, abundant {H7227} in treasures {H214}, thine end {H7093} is come {H935}, and the measure {H520} of thy covetousness {H1215}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You who live near plenty of water, so rich in treasure - your end has come, your time for being cut off!

Berean Standard Bible

You who dwell by many waters, rich in treasures, your end has come; the thread of your life is cut.

American Standard Version

O thou that dwellest upon many waters, abundant in treasures, thine end is come, the measure of thy covetousness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 51:13 delivers a powerful prophetic indictment against Babylon, portraying its immense material wealth and strategic geographical advantage as ultimately powerless before divine judgment. The verse declares that Babylon's self-assured prosperity, rooted in its extensive waterways and accumulated riches, has reached its divinely appointed end, directly attributing its downfall to the full measure of its insatiable greed and unjust acquisition. It profoundly underscores God's absolute sovereignty over even the most formidable empires, demonstrating that no earthly power can escape accountability for its wickedness and covetousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 51:13 is deeply embedded within a comprehensive and detailed oracle against Babylon, spanning chapters 50 and 51 of the book of Jeremiah. This extensive prophecy serves as a crucial theological counterpoint to the earlier pronouncements of judgment against Judah and the surrounding nations. While Judah endured the harsh reality of exile under Babylonian dominion, these chapters provide divine assurance to God's people that their oppressor will not go unpunished. The oracle systematically dismantles Babylon's perceived invincibility, vividly detailing its future destruction by a northern foe (implicitly the Medes and Persians, though not explicitly named in this immediate context) and emphasizing that this impending judgment is a direct, righteous act of Yahweh. Verse 13 specifically contributes to the vivid imagery of Babylon's immense wealth and formidable strategic position, setting the stage for the dramatic declaration of its imminent "end," thereby making its eventual fall all the more striking and indicative of divine justice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time this prophecy was delivered, Babylon stood as the preeminent superpower of the ancient Near East, having decisively defeated the Assyrian and Egyptian empires and subsequently conquered Judah, initiating the Babylonian exile (beginning in [605 BC](/2_kings/24 "2 Kings 24 - Jehoiakim's Rebellion and Nebuchadnezzar's Invasion")). Its capital city, Babylon, was legendary for its immense wealth, monumental architecture (including the famed Hanging Gardens and the Etemenanki ziggurat, believed to be the Tower of Babel), and formidable defensive fortifications. The evocative phrase "upon many waters" directly references Babylon's unique geography: the city was built directly on the Euphrates River and crisscrossed by an intricate network of canals, which served as both formidable defensive moats and a vital system for irrigation, extensive trade, and transportation. This strategic and economic advantage allowed the city to accumulate "abundant in treasures" through aggressive conquest, tribute exacted from numerous vassal states, and extensive mercantile activities that leveraged its unparalleled position. This wealth and perceived impregnability fostered a deep-seated spirit of pride, self-sufficiency, and hubris within Babylon, which the prophet Jeremiah directly challenges and condemns.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent within Jeremiah's prophecy and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, unequivocally demonstrating that God is not merely the God of Israel but the supreme sovereign Lord over all nations and empires, possessing the power and authority to raise up and cast down earthly kingdoms according to His righteous will. Babylon's meteoric rise and inevitable fall are presented as integral parts of His overarching divine plan, a truth powerfully echoed in the prophetic visions of Daniel (e.g., [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream and Daniel's Interpretation")). Secondly, the explicit mention of "the measure of thy covetousness" introduces the profound theme of **Moral Accountability and the Peril of Greed**. Babylon's downfall is directly linked not merely to its military might but to its unjust acquisition of wealth and its rapacious, insatiable spirit. This serves as a timeless and universal warning against unchecked avarice and exploitation, a theme extensively explored in other prophetic books like [Isaiah 14](/isaiah/14 "Isaiah 14 - Prophecy Against Babylon") and [Habakkuk 2](/habakkuk/2 "Habakkuk 2 - Woe to the Oppressor"). Finally, the verse underscores the **Fleeting Nature of Earthly Power and Wealth**. Despite Babylon's immense resources and strategic advantages, its "end is come," illustrating with stark clarity that material abundance and human might offer no ultimate protection against divine reckoning, a concept frequently articulated in wisdom literature such as [Proverbs 11:4](/proverbs/11-4 "Proverbs 11:4 - Riches Do Not Profit in the Day of Wrath").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **dwellest (Hebrew, _shâkan'_):** From H7931, meaning "to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively); abide, continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-er), have habitation, inhabit, lay, place, (cause to) remain, rest, set (up)." This word emphasizes Babylon's established, seemingly unassailable presence and perceived security. It conveys a sense of fixed, enduring habitation upon its watery foundations, highlighting the empire's self-assured permanence. The divine declaration of its "end" directly contradicts this false sense of security and stability.
* **waters (Hebrew, _mayim'_):** From H4325, meaning "water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen; [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring))." In this specific context, "many waters" (Hebrew: _mayim rabbim_) refers literally to the Euphrates River and its extensive, intricate canal system that both fortified and enriched the city of Babylon. Figuratively, as is common in biblical prophecy, "many waters" can also symbolize the vast multitude of peoples, nations, and languages over whom Babylon held sway, representing its extensive dominion and global influence.
* **covetousness (Hebrew, _betsaʻ'_):** From H1215, meaning "plunder; by extension, gain (usually unjust); covetousness, (dishonest) gain, lucre, profit." This term is profoundly crucial to understanding the verse's indictment, as it defines the inherent nature of Babylon's accumulated wealth. It signifies that Babylon's abundance was not merely vast but was acquired through unjust means—through rapacious conquest, exploitation, and dishonest practices. The "measure" of this ill-gotten gain has been filled, signifying that God's patience has been exhausted and divine judgment is now irrevocably due.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O thou that dwellest upon many waters":** This opening clause directly addresses Babylon, employing a vivid and descriptive epithet. It refers to the city's literal geographical placement on the mighty Euphrates River and its intricate network of canals, which provided both formidable defense and unparalleled prosperity. Beyond the literal, "many waters" also metaphorically represents the vast array of nations, peoples, and tributaries under Babylon's dominion, symbolizing its extensive reach, overwhelming influence, and perceived invincibility.
* **"abundant in treasures":** This phrase further characterizes Babylon, highlighting its immense material wealth and accumulated riches. This abundance was amassed through aggressive conquest, the collection of tribute from conquered lands, and extensive, strategic trade, establishing Babylon as the quintessential symbol of earthly prosperity, power, and opulence. It underscores the perceived strength and self-sufficiency that Babylon proudly enjoyed and relied upon.
* **"thine end is come":** This is the stark, unequivocal declaration of divine judgment. Despite Babylon's formidable defenses, vast resources, and global influence, God unequivocally declares that its divinely appointed time of dominance and wickedness has reached its culmination. This "end" signifies not merely a cessation of power but a divinely orchestrated, decisive destruction and comprehensive downfall, demonstrating God's ultimate control over history.
* **"and the measure of thy covetousness":** This final, pivotal clause provides the explicit and profound reason for Babylon's demise. The "measure" (Hebrew: _ʼammâh_, a unit of measure, often a cubit) implies that Babylon's unjust gain and insatiable greed (Hebrew: _betsaʻ_) have filled a divine quota or reached a predetermined limit. Its rapaciousness, exploitation, and dishonest acquisition of wealth have reached a point where divine justice can no longer be withheld, thereby sealing its irreversible fate and underscoring the moral basis of God's judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 51:13 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of impending and inescapable judgment. **Apostrophe** is prominently featured as the prophet directly addresses Babylon ("O thou"), personifying the empire and making the declaration of judgment intensely immediate and personal. **Symbolism** is richly employed, particularly in the phrase "many waters," which literally refers to Babylon's unique geography but also profoundly symbolizes the vastness of its empire, the multitude of peoples it controlled, and, paradoxically, the overwhelming nature of the judgment that is about to engulf it. The "treasures" symbolize Babylon's immense material wealth and the hubris and false security derived from it. The concept of "the measure of thy covetousness" functions as a powerful **metaphor**, likening Babylon's accumulated unjust gain to a container or vessel that has been filled to its absolute capacity, signaling that its wickedness has reached its divine limit and now overflows into inevitable divine retribution. This also carries a profound element of **irony**, as the very sources of Babylon's perceived strength—its strategic waterways and its vast treasures—are implicitly linked to the "covetousness" that will ultimately lead to its catastrophic downfall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 51:13 stands as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty over human history and His unwavering commitment to justice. It asserts with undeniable clarity that no nation, however powerful, wealthy, or strategically positioned, is beyond the reach of divine accountability. Babylon, the very epitome of worldly might and material abundance, is brought low not merely by geopolitical forces but by the direct, righteous decree of God, whose patience with its systemic injustice, oppression, and insatiable greed has finally run its course. This verse serves as a powerful and timeless reminder that true security, lasting prosperity, and genuine peace are not found in accumulated riches, military strength, or strategic advantage, but solely in righteousness, justice, and faithful obedience to God. It highlights the inherently destructive nature of avarice, demonstrating that unchecked covetousness, especially when it leads to the oppression and plunder of others, inevitably invites severe divine judgment.

* [Psalm 10:3](/psalm/10-3 "Psalm 10:3 - The Wicked Boast of Their Desires")
* [Habakkuk 2:9](/habakkuk/2-9 "Habakkuk 2:9 - Woe to Him Who Gets Evil Gain")
* [Revelation 17:15](/revelation/17-15 "Revelation 17:15 - The Meaning of the Waters")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 51:13 offers timeless and profound lessons for individuals and societies alike, urging a critical and honest examination of our ultimate priorities and the true sources of our security. It powerfully challenges the pervasive human tendency to place ultimate trust and confidence in material wealth, strategic advantage, or political power. The swift and decisive end of Babylon, despite its apparent invincibility and overwhelming resources, serves as a stark and sobering reminder that all earthly empires, personal fortunes, and human achievements are transient, ephemeral, and ultimately accountable to a higher, divine authority. For believers, this verse calls for a radical reorientation of values, away from the insatiable pursuit of "treasures" and toward a life marked by contentment, justice, generosity, and a deep reliance on God. It compels us to consider the source and the ethical use of our resources, warning that wealth acquired or used unjustly will inevitably lead to spiritual and often temporal ruin. Furthermore, this passage provides immense comfort and hope to those who suffer under oppressive systems or individual injustice, assuring them with unwavering certainty that God sees, God judges, and God will ultimately bring about His perfect justice, even when it seems delayed or impossible from a human perspective.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways might I, or my society, be placing undue trust in "many waters" (worldly influence, systems) or "abundant treasures" (material wealth, possessions) rather than in God alone?**
* **How does the concept of "the measure of thy covetousness" challenge my own desires, financial practices, and the ways I acquire and use resources? Am I pursuing gain justly and with integrity?**
* **What comfort or challenge does Babylon's ultimate downfall offer me in the face of seemingly overwhelming injustices, corrupt systems, or powerful oppressors in the world today?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a heart that seeks eternal treasures and spiritual riches over fleeting earthly wealth and temporary power, as profoundly encouraged by this passage?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "many waters" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "many waters" in Jeremiah 51:13 holds both a literal and a profound symbolic significance. Literally, it refers to Babylon's unique geographical location on the mighty Euphrates River and its extensive, intricate network of canals. These waterways served as both a formidable defensive barrier, making the city seem impregnable, and a vital artery for trade, agriculture, and transportation, contributing immensely to its prosperity and power. Symbolically, especially within prophetic literature, "many waters" often represents the vast multitudes of peoples, nations, and languages over whom an empire holds sway, as vividly illustrated in [Revelation 17:15](/revelation/17-15 "Revelation 17:15 - The Meaning of the Waters"). Thus, the phrase powerfully underscores Babylon's widespread influence and the diverse populations it controlled, all of whom would ultimately witness its dramatic and divinely ordained downfall.

**How does Babylon's "covetousness" relate to its downfall?**

Answer: Babylon's "covetousness" (Hebrew: _betsaʻ_, meaning unjust gain, plunder, or dishonest profit) is presented as the direct, fundamental cause and ultimate justification for its catastrophic destruction. The phrase "the measure of thy covetousness" implies that Babylon's accumulation of immense wealth was not merely abundant but was acquired through rapacious conquest, ruthless exploitation, and inherently dishonest means. God, as the righteous and just judge of all the earth, has allowed this systemic injustice and insatiable greed to reach a full "measure" or predetermined limit, at which point His divine judgment is unleashed with decisive force. This highlights a fundamental biblical principle: unchecked greed and the unjust acquisition of wealth, particularly when they lead to the oppression and suffering of others, inevitably invite severe divine retribution. It serves as a powerful moral indictment against a nation whose prosperity and power were built upon the suffering of others, including God's own people, Judah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 51:13, though a specific prophecy against ancient Babylon, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate triumph of God's eternal kingdom over all earthly powers and the decisive judgment of sin. Babylon, with its "many waters" and "abundant treasures," serves as a potent archetype and symbol of the fallen world system—proud, self-sufficient, and fundamentally built on the foundation of covetousness, injustice, and rebellion against God (as articulated in [1 John 2:16](/1_john/2-16 "1 John 2:16 - The Lust of the Flesh, the Lust of the Eyes, and the Pride of Life")). Just as ancient Babylon's "end is come" due to its "measure of covetousness," so too will all systems, empires, and individuals that oppose God and are characterized by greed, oppression, and moral corruption face ultimate and decisive judgment. Jesus Christ, however, offers an alternative and eternal kingdom, one "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")), where true treasures are stored in heaven, beyond the reach of decay and theft ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")), and where righteousness, justice, and selfless love, not covetousness, reign supreme. He is the Lamb of God who sacrificially takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering redemption and liberation from the very "covetousness" that condemned Babylon and continues to plague humanity. Ultimately, the book of Revelation portrays a "Babylon the Great" ([Revelation 17:5](/revelation/17-5 "Revelation 17:5 - Babylon the Great, Mother of Harlots")) that faces a final, cataclysmic judgment, mirroring Jeremiah's ancient prophecy and culminating in the glorious establishment of Christ's eternal kingdom, where there will be no more unrighteous gain, oppressive power, or any form of injustice ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven 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

Revelation 17:1

¶ And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:

Isaiah 45:3

And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call [thee] by thy name, [am] the God of Israel.

Revelation 17:15

And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.

Jeremiah 51:36

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will plead thy cause, and take vengeance for thee; and I will dry up her sea, and make her springs dry.

Genesis 6:13

¶ And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.

2 Peter 2:3

¶ And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

1 Peter 4:7

¶ But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.