Jeremiah 51:22

KJV

With thee also will I break in pieces man and woman; and with thee will I break in pieces old and young; and with thee will I break in pieces the young man and the maid;

KJV (with Strong's)

With thee also will I break in pieces {H5310} man {H376} and woman {H802}; and with thee will I break in pieces {H5310} old {H2205} and young {H5288}; and with thee will I break in pieces {H5310} the young man {H970} and the maid {H1330};

Complete Jewish Bible

with you I shatter husbands and wives; with you I shatter old and young; with you I shatter young men and virgins;

Berean Standard Bible

With you I shatter man and woman; with you I shatter the old man and the youth; with you I shatter the young man and the maiden.

American Standard Version

and with thee will I break in pieces the chariot and him that rideth therein; and with thee will I break in pieces man and woman; and with thee will I break in pieces the old man and the youth; and with thee will I break in pieces the young man and the virgin;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 51:22 presents a stark and comprehensive prophetic declaration from the Lord concerning the impending, total judgment upon Babylon. Through a divinely appointed instrument, God vows to utterly shatter every segment of Babylonian society, indiscriminately targeting men and women, the aged and the young, and specifically young men and virgins. This verse powerfully underscores the totality and severity of divine retribution, emphasizing that no one will be spared from the devastating consequences of Babylon's profound pride, pervasive idolatry, and relentless cruelty, thereby affirming God's absolute and unchallengeable sovereignty over all nations and the course of human history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 51:22 is deeply embedded within a lengthy and detailed prophetic oracle against Babylon, which spans the entirety of chapters 50 and 51 in the book of Jeremiah. These chapters function as a crucial theological counterpoint to the preceding prophecies detailing Judah's destruction and exile at the hands of Babylon. While God had previously employed Babylon as His "hammer" to discipline His own people and other nations, as declared in [Jeremiah 50:23](/jeremiah/50-23 "Jeremiah 50:23 - Babylon, the Hammer of the Whole Earth"), here He emphatically declares that Babylon itself will be "broken in pieces" for its excessive pride, egregious idolatry, and merciless oppression of conquered peoples, including Judah. The Hebrew verb _nâphats_ ("break in pieces") is strategically repeated throughout these chapters, powerfully emphasizing the complete and utter demolition awaiting the once-mighty empire. This specific verse intensifies the message by highlighting the universal scope of this impending destruction, ensuring no demographic within Babylon remains untouched.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies against Babylon in Jeremiah were delivered during a profoundly tumultuous era in the ancient Near East. The Neo-Babylonian Empire, under the formidable leadership of Nebuchadnezzar II, had ascended to unprecedented prominence, decisively conquering Judah, destroying Jerusalem and its revered Temple in 586 BC, and forcibly exiling a significant portion of its population. Babylon was renowned for its immense wealth, unparalleled military might, and its grand, pervasive idolatrous practices, particularly the worship of its chief deity, Marduk. The repeated phrase "With thee" in Jeremiah 51:22 refers to the specific instrument God would use for Babylon's catastrophic downfall. Historically, this instrument is identified as the combined forces of the Medes and Persians, who would ultimately conquer Babylon in 539 BC under the leadership of Cyrus the Great. This precise historical event, foretold by Jeremiah decades in advance, serves as an undeniable testament to God's meticulous control over world empires and their ultimate destinies, demonstrating His ability to raise up and cast down nations according to His sovereign will.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes profoundly to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Jeremiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **God's Absolute Sovereignty** over all nations and empires. He is depicted as the ultimate arbiter of history, raising up and casting down kingdoms according to His divine purpose, thereby demonstrating that no earthly power can defy His ultimate authority, a truth echoed in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons"). Secondly, it vividly highlights the theme of **Divine Retribution and Justice**. Babylon, which had relentlessly "broken in pieces" many nations and cruelly oppressed God's chosen people, would now suffer the very same fate, illustrating the immutable biblical principle of "sowing and reaping" ([Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")). Finally, the verse emphasizes the **Total and Indiscriminate Nature of God's Judgment**. The deliberate and repetitive inclusion of "man and woman," "old and young," and "young man and the maid" signifies that no segment of Babylonian society, regardless of age, gender, or social standing, would be spared from the comprehensive and devastating divine judgment. This underscores the profound severity of God's justice against a nation that had shown no mercy and had exalted itself against the Almighty, as further elaborated in [Jeremiah 50:29](/jeremiah/50-29 "Jeremiah 50:29 - Babylon's Punishment for Pride").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **break in pieces (Hebrew, _nâphats'_):** This primitive root verb (H5310) signifies to dash to pieces, shatter, or scatter. Its intense and repeated use in Jeremiah 51:22 (and throughout the surrounding chapters) conveys a violent, complete, and utterly destructive act. It is not merely a defeat or conquest but a pulverizing demolition that leaves nothing intact, reflecting the brutal and decisive nature of God's judgment upon Babylon. This word emphasizes the total annihilation of the empire.
* **old (Hebrew, _zâqên'_):** Derived from the root H2205, meaning "to be old," this term refers to the aged or elderly. Its explicit inclusion in the list of those to be "broken in pieces" starkly emphasizes the comprehensive scope of the judgment. It indicates that even those typically respected or deemed vulnerable due to advanced age will not be spared from the impending devastation, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the divine wrath.
* **maid (Hebrew, _bᵉthûwlâh'_):** This feminine passive participle (H1330) refers to a virgin or an unmarried young woman, often implying privacy or purity. Its presence alongside "young man" further underscores the indiscriminate nature of the judgment, encompassing all demographics, including those on the cusp of adulthood and future generations. This signifies a complete societal collapse, where even the potential for future continuity is eradicated.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"With thee also will I break in pieces man and woman;":** This initial clause declares God's unwavering intention to use an external force (the "thee," referring to the Medo-Persian invaders) to utterly destroy the adult male and female population of Babylon. It signifies a judgment that will spare no one based on gender, affecting the general populace comprehensively and without distinction.
* **"and with thee will I break in pieces old and young;":** Expanding on the previous statement, this clause emphasizes the sweeping destruction across all age groups within Babylon. From the most venerable elders to the children and adolescents, no one will be exempt from the divine wrath, highlighting the devastating, pervasive, and merciless nature of the retribution that will engulf Babylonian society.
* **"and with thee will I break in pieces the young man and the maid;":** This final, specific pairing reinforces the theme of total destruction by focusing on those in the prime of life and those just entering it. It underscores that even the future generations and the productive core of society will be annihilated, leaving no hope for societal continuity and definitively marking the absolute end of Babylon's reign and legacy.

#### Literary Devices
The profound impact and chilling certainty of Jeremiah 51:22 are significantly amplified by its masterful deployment of literary devices. The most prominent is **Repetition**, particularly the insistent phrase "With thee also will I break in pieces," which is powerfully reiterated three times. This deliberate **anaphora** creates a relentless rhythm, hammering home the divine resolve and the absolute certainty of the impending, comprehensive judgment. It serves to underscore the totality of the destruction. Closely related is **Parallelism**, evident in the carefully constructed pairings: "man and woman," "old and young," and "young man and the maid." This structural parallelism emphasizes the comprehensive and indiscriminate nature of the judgment, highlighting that every demographic and every segment of Babylonian society will be equally affected. The cumulative effect of these meticulously chosen pairings is to demonstrate the utter totality of the devastation, leaving no part of society untouched. Furthermore, the vivid and violent imagery of "breaking in pieces" functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, powerfully conveying the overwhelming and crushing nature of God's wrath, though in a prophetic context, it also points to a literal, devastating historical event of complete societal collapse.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 51:22 stands as a profound theological statement on God's unwavering justice and His absolute sovereignty over human history. It reveals that while God may use nations as instruments of His will, even those instruments are ultimately accountable to Him. Babylon, the proud oppressor and instrument of divine discipline, is now subjected to the very destruction it inflicted upon others, demonstrating a divine principle of retributive justice where actions inevitably lead to commensurate consequences. This dramatic reversal of fortune serves as a powerful reminder that no earthly power, however mighty or self-sufficient, can ultimately escape the righteous judgment of the Almighty. It offers a profound promise of vindication for the oppressed and a stern, timeless warning against national pride, idolatry, and unbridled cruelty.

* [Isaiah 13:16](/isaiah/13-16 "Isaiah 13:16 - Babylon's Children Dashed to Pieces")
* [Psalm 137:8-9](/psalms/137-8-9 "Psalm 137:8-9 - Daughters of Babylon, Happy is He Who Dashes Your Little Ones")
* [Revelation 18:21](/revelation/18-21 "Revelation 18:21 - The Fall of Babylon the Great")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 51:22, though a prophecy detailing an ancient judgment, carries profound and timeless lessons for contemporary believers and societies alike. It serves as a stark and unyielding reminder that God is ultimately sovereign over all earthly powers and principalities. No empire, no government, and indeed, no individual can operate outside the purview of His divine justice indefinitely. For those who feel oppressed, marginalized, or who witness pervasive injustice in the world, this verse offers a profound source of hope and comfort, affirming that God sees, God hears, and God will ultimately act to bring about His perfect justice. It encourages steadfast patience and unwavering trust in His perfect timing and righteous decrees. Conversely, for those in positions of power, influence, or those tempted by pride and self-sufficiency, it serves as a solemn and sobering warning against arrogance, the abuse of authority, and the pursuit of power apart from God. It calls us all to cultivate deep humility, to recognize our absolute dependence on God, and to wield any influence or authority we possess with justice, mercy, and a reverent fear of the Lord, lest we, too, face the dire consequences of divine judgment. This passage compels us to critically examine our own hearts and the prevailing tendencies within our societies for any "Babylonian" inclinations – such as unchecked pride, the idolatry of success or wealth, or a callous indifference to the suffering of others – and to repent, earnestly seeking God's righteousness and aligning ourselves with His divine will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's comprehensive judgment on Babylon powerfully affirm His absolute sovereignty over all nations and the unfolding of human history?**
* **What profound lessons does the indiscriminate nature of this judgment teach us about the severity and thoroughness of divine justice against deep-seated sin and unrepentant pride?**
* **In what specific ways might we, as individuals or within our communities, be subtly tempted by the "Babylonian spirit" of self-exaltation, material idolatry, or indifference to the plight of others, and what practical steps can we take to actively guard against such tendencies?**

### FAQ
**Who is "thee" in this verse, and what is its significance?**

Answer: In Jeremiah 51:22, "thee" refers to the specific instrument God will use to execute His devastating judgment upon Babylon. Historically, this points directly to the Medes and Persians, who, under the leadership of Cyrus the Great, successfully conquered Babylon in 539 BC. The profound significance lies in demonstrating God's absolute and meticulous control over history and His remarkable ability to use any nation, even pagan ones, as His chosen agents to fulfill His divine purposes, as powerfully illustrated in [Isaiah 45:1-7](/isaiah/45-1-7 "Isaiah 45:1-7 - God's Anointed Cyrus"). It underscores the theological truth that no earthly power, however mighty, is truly independent of God's overarching and sovereign plan.

**Why is the judgment described as so comprehensive and indiscriminate?**

Answer: The comprehensive and indiscriminate nature of the judgment, affecting "man and woman," "old and young," and "young man and the maid," highlights the totality of Babylon's wickedness and the severity of God's retributive justice. Babylon had been a cruel and unyielding oppressor, destroying nations and God's sacred temple without showing any mercy, and its pride and idolatry had reached their zenith, provoking divine wrath. This judgment powerfully reflects the immutable biblical principle of "sowing and reaping" ([Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")), where a nation's actions inevitably bring commensurate consequences. It underscores that when sin reaches a certain threshold, divine judgment is thorough, pervasive, and leaves no segment of society untouched, ensuring complete accountability.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 51:22 describes a specific historical judgment upon ancient Babylon, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment points profoundly to the Lord Jesus Christ as the one who definitively "breaks in pieces" all forms of spiritual Babylon – representing the systems of evil, oppression, and rebellion against God throughout history. Christ's first coming inaugurated the decisive breaking of Satan's power and the disarming of the spiritual principalities and powers of this dark world, as triumphantly declared in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers"). Through His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious, triumphant resurrection, He effectively disarmed and triumphed over the spiritual forces that hold humanity captive, offering profound liberation and eternal life to all who believe in Him. His ultimate return will bring the final and comprehensive judgment upon all unrighteousness and every oppressive kingdom that stands in defiance of God, culminating in the complete and irreversible overthrow of "Babylon the Great" as vividly depicted in the book of Revelation ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse") and [Revelation 18:2](/revelation/18-2 "Revelation 18:2 - The Fall of Babylon the Great")). In Christ, God's perfect justice is fully satisfied, and His eternal kingdom of righteousness, peace, and unfading glory is eternally established, ensuring that all forms of evil are utterly "broken in pieces" and replaced by His perfect and everlasting reign ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Kingdom Will Never Be Destroyed")).

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

2 Chronicles 36:17

Therefore he brought upon them the king of the Chaldees, who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion upon young man or maiden, old man, or him that stooped for age: he gave [them] all into his hand.

Isaiah 13:18

[Their] bows also shall dash the young men to pieces; and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb; their eye shall not spare children.

Ezekiel 9:6

Slay utterly old [and] young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom [is] the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which [were] before the house.

1 Samuel 15:3

Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.

Lamentations 2:11

Mine eyes do fail with tears, my bowels are troubled, my liver is poured upon the earth, for the destruction of the daughter of my people; because the children and the sucklings swoon in the streets of the city.

Jeremiah 6:11

Therefore I am full of the fury of the LORD; I am weary with holding in: I will pour it out upon the children abroad, and upon the assembly of young men together: for even the husband with the wife shall be taken, the aged with [him that is] full of days.

Isaiah 13:16

Their children also shall be dashed to pieces before their eyes; their houses shall be spoiled, and their wives ravished.