Jeremiah 51:15

KJV

He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heaven by his understanding.

KJV (with Strong's)

He hath made {H6213} the earth {H776} by his power {H3581}, he hath established {H3559} the world {H8398} by his wisdom {H2451}, and hath stretched out {H5186} the heaven {H8064} by his understanding {H8394}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He made the earth by his power, established the world by his wisdom spread out the sky by his understanding.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD made the earth by His power; He established the world by His wisdom and stretched out the heavens by His understanding.

American Standard Version

He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding hath he stretched out the heavens.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 51:15 stands as a majestic declaration of God's unparalleled nature as the sole Creator and Sustainer of the cosmos, contrasting His infinite power, profound wisdom, and comprehensive understanding with the utter impotence of human-made idols and transient earthly endeavors. This verse, strategically placed within a sweeping prophetic oracle against the arrogant Babylonian Empire, serves as a theological anchor, asserting divine sovereignty over all creation and implicitly challenging any rival claims to ultimate authority or creative might. It powerfully underscores that the God of Israel alone possesses the intrinsic attributes necessary to bring forth, establish, and perpetually uphold the entire universe.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 51:15 is deeply embedded within a lengthy and comprehensive prophetic oracle against Babylon, which spans the entirety of chapters 50 and 51. This extended prophecy meticulously details Babylon's impending destruction as God's righteous judgment against a nation that, while serving as His instrument of discipline for Judah, had acted with excessive pride, cruelty, and idolatry. The verses immediately preceding and following 51:15 consistently emphasize the futility and powerlessness of Babylon's numerous idols and the absolute certainty of its downfall. In stark contrast, the true God, Yahweh, is depicted as uniquely active, omnipotent, and sovereign over both nations and the very fabric of creation. Notably, this verse is almost identical to [Jeremiah 10:12](/jeremiah/10-12 "Jeremiah 10:12 - The Lord is the True God"), a passage that similarly contrasts God's unparalleled creative power with the vanity of idols. This deliberate rhetorical echo serves to powerfully reinforce the foundational theological truth of God's unique identity and authority.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Jeremiah 51 directly addresses the Babylonian Empire at the zenith of its power, specifically prior to its climactic fall to the Medes and Persians in 539 BC. Babylon was renowned throughout the ancient world for its immense wealth, formidable military might, and an elaborate polytheistic religious system. Its grand temples, such as the Esagila dedicated to Marduk, and its vast pantheon of deities were central to Babylonian identity and imperial ideology. The Babylonians attributed their military victories, prosperity, and cultural achievements to the favor and power of their gods, particularly Marduk, their chief deity. In this specific historical and cultural milieu, Jeremiah's declaration of Yahweh as the sole Creator directly confronts and systematically dismantles the theological and ideological foundations of Babylonian imperial pride and pervasive idolatry. It unequivocally asserts that the ultimate power behind all existence is not found in man-made deities or the fleeting strength of earthly empires, but exclusively in the God of Israel, who transcends all human constructs and controls the very fabric of the universe.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes profoundly to several overarching theological themes prevalent in the book of Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament. It powerfully articulates **God's Incomparable Creatorhood**, establishing Him as the unique, singular architect of all existence, inherently distinct from and infinitely superior to any created thing or any false deity. This theme is foundational to understanding God's absolute authority and is echoed throughout scripture, from the foundational [creation account in Genesis](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") to the prophetic pronouncements against idolatry. Furthermore, the verse highlights the **Divine Attributes in Creation**, specifically God's boundless power, intelligent wisdom, and comprehensive understanding, which are intricately woven into the very fabric of the universe, revealing His nature. This stands in stark **Contrast to the Futility of Idolatry**, a pervasive theme in Jeremiah, where the prophet consistently exposes the emptiness, deception, and powerlessness of worshipping anything other than the living God. The verse serves as a potent reminder that while idols are "a work of errors" ([Jeremiah 51:17](/jeremiah/51-17 "Jeremiah 51:17 - Idols are Vanity")), the God of Israel is the active, living, and sovereign Lord over all creation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Power (Hebrew, _kôach'_):** From H3581, this term signifies vigor, force, might, strength, or inherent capacity. In Jeremiah 51:15, it refers to God's inherent, boundless capability to bring the earth into existence. It speaks to the raw, dynamic energy and omnipotent will by which the initial act of creation was accomplished, emphasizing that the physical world is a direct result of His absolute strength and ability.
* **Wisdom (Hebrew, _chokmâh'_):** From H2451, this word denotes skill, discernment, and profound insight, often implying practical expertise and intelligent design. When applied to God's establishment of the world, it implies that creation is not merely an act of brute force but a meticulously designed, intelligently ordered, and perfectly balanced system. God's wisdom ensures the intricate functionality, harmony, and sustainable order of the cosmos, reflecting His infinite understanding and purposeful design.
* **Understanding (Hebrew, _tâbûwn'_):** From H8394, this term refers to intelligence, comprehension, and rational discernment, often suggesting a deep grasp of complex matters. In the context of "stretching out the heaven," it points to God's infinite knowledge and comprehensive grasp of the vast, complex, and seemingly chaotic expanse of the skies. It suggests that the celestial bodies, their precise movements, and the atmospheric phenomena are all governed by divine intellect and a profound, all-encompassing insight, ensuring their order and purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He hath made the earth by his power":** This foundational clause asserts God's primary, active, and singular role as the originator of the terrestrial realm. The "earth" (H776, _ʼerets'_) encompasses the dry land, the ground, and the habitable world, representing the solid foundation of existence. The phrase "by his power" (H3581, _kôach'_) attributes the very existence of the earth to God's inherent, boundless might and vigor, emphasizing that its formation was an act of omnipotent creation, bringing something out of nothing.
* **"he hath established the world by his wisdom":** This segment shifts from the initial act of making to the ongoing act of establishing, ordering, and sustaining. The "world" (H8398, _têbêl'_) refers to the habitable globe, implying not just its physical existence but its stability, functionality, and intricate design. This establishment is attributed to God's "wisdom" (H2451, _chokmâh'_), signifying that the world's complex ecosystems, its ecological balance, and its sustaining physical laws are products of divine intelligence, perfect skill, and profound discernment, ensuring its ongoing order and habitability.
* **"and hath stretched out the heaven by his understanding":** The final clause extends God's creative and sustaining work to the celestial sphere, encompassing the vastness beyond the earth. "Heaven" (H8064, _shâmayim'_) denotes the sky and the immense expanse where celestial bodies reside. The action of "stretching out" (H5186, _nâṭâh'_) conveys the immense scale, expansion, and intricate arrangement of the heavens. This grand cosmic ordering, from stars to atmospheric phenomena, is accomplished "by his understanding" (H8394, _tâbûwn'_), highlighting God's infinite knowledge, comprehensive insight, and rational discernment in orchestrating the universe's vastness and complexity with precision and purpose.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 51:15 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message with impactful clarity. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where each of the three clauses expresses a similar idea using different but closely related terms and attributes. "He hath made the earth by his power," "he hath established the world by his wisdom," and "and hath stretched out the heaven by his understanding" all speak to God's comprehensive creative and sustaining work, reinforcing the central truth of His unparalleled divine attributes. This deliberate repetition emphasizes the holistic and comprehensive nature of God's sovereignty over all aspects of creation. The verse also skillfully utilizes **Merism**, where "earth," "world," and "heaven" collectively represent the totality of the cosmos, from the terrestrial to the celestial realms. This rhetorical device signifies God's absolute and complete dominion over every single part of existence, leaving nothing outside His control. Furthermore, there is a powerful implicit **Contrast** with the surrounding context concerning the impotence and vanity of Babylonian idols. By exclusively attributing the creation and maintenance of the universe to Yahweh's inherent power, wisdom, and understanding, the passage implicitly highlights the utter nothingness and powerlessness of man-made gods, which possess none of these life-giving or sustaining attributes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 51:15 stands as a foundational theological statement, asserting God's unique identity as the sole Creator and Sustainer of the universe. This truth is not merely an abstract concept but the very basis for His absolute authority, His unwavering covenant faithfulness, and His sovereign right to judge nations. It profoundly underscores that God's power is not limited to historical events or human affairs but extends to the very fabric of existence, demonstrating His omnipotence. His wisdom and understanding are vividly evident in the intricate design, harmonious order, and sustainable functionality of creation, inviting humanity to recognize His divine hand in the natural world. This declaration serves as a stark and uncompromising contrast to any form of idolatry, whether the ancient worship of statues or modern devotion to human achievements, wealth, technology, or even self. It serves as a timeless reminder that true security, ultimate purpose, and lasting hope are found only in the One who created all things and holds them together.

* [Jeremiah 10:12](/jeremiah/10-12 "Jeremiah 10:12 - God's Creative Power and Wisdom")
* [Psalm 104:24](/psalms/104-24 "Psalm 104:24 - God's Wisdom in Creation")
* [Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's Invisible Attributes Seen in Creation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 51:15 calls us to a profound and transformative reorientation of our perspective, shifting our gaze from the fleeting powers and transient glories of this world to the enduring majesty and eternal sovereignty of the Creator. In a world often consumed by human ingenuity, rapid technological advancement, and the relentless pursuit of earthly security and self-sufficiency, this verse serves as a powerful and timely reminder that all true power, ultimate wisdom, and comprehensive understanding originate from God alone. It invites us to cultivate a posture of profound awe, reverent worship, and humble adoration, recognizing that the very ground beneath our feet, the intricate complexity of life, and the vast, expansive heavens above all bear undeniable testimony to an infinitely capable, supremely intelligent, and perfectly discerning God. This understanding should foster deep and abiding trust in His unwavering sovereignty, knowing that the One who established the cosmos by His wisdom is fully capable of navigating, sustaining, and guiding our individual lives and the course of history. It also challenges us to honestly identify and courageously dismantle any modern "idols"—be they career success, material comfort, social reputation, personal intellect, or even political ideologies—that might subtly usurp God's rightful place in our hearts, turning instead to the living God who alone can provide lasting peace, ultimate purpose, and eternal security.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does reflecting on God's power, wisdom, and understanding as revealed in creation impact your sense of trust and security in Him amidst life's uncertainties and anxieties?**
* **In what specific ways might contemporary society, or even your own personal life, inadvertently place ultimate trust or devotion in things other than the Creator, effectively creating modern "idols"?**
* **What particular aspects of the natural world or the universe most clearly reveal God's profound wisdom and boundless understanding to you, and how can you cultivate a greater sense of awe and worship through observing them regularly?**

### FAQ

**Why is this verse (Jeremiah 51:15) so similar to Jeremiah 10:12?**

Answer: The near-identical phrasing of [Jeremiah 51:15](/jeremiah/51-15 "Jeremiah 51:15 - God's Creative Power and Wisdom") and [Jeremiah 10:12](/jeremiah/10-12 "Jeremiah 10:12 - The Lord is the True God") is a deliberate and powerful rhetorical device employed by the prophet Jeremiah. It serves to emphasize, reinforce, and underscore a core theological truth: the incomparable nature of Yahweh as the sole Creator, in stark and absolute contrast to the impotence and vanity of idols. By repeating this majestic declaration, Jeremiah ensures its fundamental importance is highlighted, particularly in the context of confronting the pervasive idolatry of both Judah (in chapter 10) and Babylon (in chapter 51). It acts as a recurring theological anchor, reminding the audience that God's creative power is the ultimate and irrefutable proof of His unique sovereignty, supreme authority, and exclusive right to worship over all nations and all creation.

**What is the significance of "earth," "world," and "heaven" in this verse?**

Answer: The strategic use of "earth," "world," and "heaven" in [Jeremiah 51:15](/jeremiah/51-15 "Jeremiah 51:15 - God's Creative Attributes") is a profound literary device known as **merism**. This technique employs two or more contrasting or complementary parts to represent a complete and encompassing whole. In this specific context, "earth" (referring to the dry land and its terrestrial inhabitants), "world" (the habitable globe in its entirety), and "heaven" (the sky and the vast celestial realms beyond) collectively signify the totality of the cosmos, from the lowest depths to the highest reaches, from the terrestrial to the celestial. This comprehensive scope powerfully emphasizes God's absolute, all-encompassing, and universal dominion over every single aspect of creation, leaving no part outside of His sovereign power, infinite wisdom, and perfect understanding.

**How does this verse challenge the concept of idolatry?**

Answer: [Jeremiah 51:15](/jeremiah/51-15 "Jeremiah 51:15 - Creator vs. Idols") serves as a direct, uncompromising, and powerful challenge to idolatry by presenting an irrefutable contrast between the living God and man-made gods. Idols are explicitly described as "a work of errors" ([Jeremiah 51:17](/jeremiah/51-17 "Jeremiah 51:17 - Idols are Vanity")), crafted by human hands, possessing no inherent power, wisdom, or understanding. They cannot create, sustain, speak, or even act. In stark contrast, Jeremiah 51:15 declares that Yahweh alone has "made the earth by his power," "established the world by his wisdom," and "stretched out the heaven by his understanding." This highlights that the true God is the active, omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent Creator who brought all things into being and actively sustains them. Therefore, placing trust, devotion, or worship in anything other than Him is utterly futile, foolish, and ultimately self-destructive, as only the Creator possesses the attributes necessary for true salvation, guidance, lasting purpose, and ultimate reality.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 51:15, with its majestic declaration of God's unparalleled creative power, profound wisdom, and comprehensive understanding, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The New Testament consistently presents Christ not merely as a participant in creation but as the active, divine agent through whom all things were made. [John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him") unequivocally states, "All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made," clearly identifying Jesus as the Creator. Similarly, [Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ, the Creator and Sustainer") affirms that "by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things were created through him and for him," explicitly linking Christ to the very act of bringing the cosmos into existence. This establishes Jesus as the very embodiment of the divine power, wisdom, and understanding that Jeremiah attributes to God in creation. He is unequivocally "the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Wisdom of God")), through whom the Father's intelligent design for the cosmos was perfectly executed. Furthermore, Christ is not only the Creator but also the Sustainer, for "in him all things hold together" ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Sustains All Things")) and He "upholds the universe by the word of his power" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholds the Universe")). Beyond His role in the original creation, Christ's redemptive work inaugurates a "new creation" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), demonstrating a power and wisdom even greater than that seen in the physical world—the power to transform fallen humanity, reconcile sinners to God, and bring about spiritual life and eternal redemption. Thus, Jeremiah's ancient hymn to the Creator God points forward to the Lord Jesus, who is the visible expression of that invisible power, wisdom, and understanding, and through whom all things are not only created but also redeemed and sustained.

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 10:12

He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.

Jeremiah 10:16

The portion of Jacob [is] not like them: for he [is] the former of all [things]; and Israel [is] the rod of his inheritance: The LORD of hosts [is] his name.

Revelation 4:11

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Jeremiah 32:17

Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, [and] there is nothing too hard for thee:

Colossians 1:16

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

Colossians 1:17

And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

Acts 14:15

And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: