Jeremiah 51:29

KJV

And the land shall tremble and sorrow: for every purpose of the LORD shall be performed against Babylon, to make the land of Babylon a desolation without an inhabitant.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the land {H776} shall tremble {H7493} and sorrow {H2342}: for every purpose {H4284} of the LORD {H3068} shall be performed {H6965} against Babylon {H894}, to make {H7760} the land {H776} of Babylon {H894} a desolation {H8047} without an inhabitant {H3427}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The earth quakes and writhes, as ADONAI's designs against Bavel are fulfilled, to make the land of Bavel a ruin, with no one living there.

Berean Standard Bible

The earth quakes and writhes because the LORD’s intentions against Babylon stand: to make the land of Babylon a desolation, without inhabitant.

American Standard Version

And the land trembleth and is in pain; for the purposes of Jehovah against Babylon do stand, to make the land of Babylon a desolation, without inhabitant.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 51:29 stands as a profound declaration of God's unwavering resolve to execute comprehensive judgment upon Babylon. This verse, embedded within a larger prophetic oracle, asserts that the very land of Babylon will experience deep distress and desolation, not by chance, but as the direct and certain fulfillment of every divine purpose against it. It powerfully underscores the absolute sovereignty of the LORD over nations and history, ensuring that the once-mighty empire, which had served as an instrument of God's judgment against Judah, would itself face a complete and irreversible end, becoming utterly uninhabitable.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 51:29 is situated within the extensive prophetic oracle against Babylon, encompassing chapters 50 and 51 of the book of Jeremiah. These chapters mark a significant thematic shift from prophecies detailing Judah's sin and impending exile to the ultimate downfall of its oppressor, Babylon. Following a prolonged period of divine pronouncements against Judah and other surrounding nations, this section serves as a divine assurance to the exiled Israelites that their suffering would not be in vain and that divine justice would ultimately be meted out against their conqueror. Specifically, chapter 51 continues the detailed description of Babylon's destruction, emphasizing the certainty of God's word and the instruments He would use, such as the Medes and other nations mentioned in [Jeremiah 51:11](/jeremiah/51-11 "Jeremiah 51:11 - God Stirs Up the Kings of the Medes"). Verse 29, therefore, functions as a powerful summary statement of the inevitable and comprehensive nature of this judgment, reinforcing the theme of divine retribution found throughout the preceding verses, including the call for nations to rise against Babylon in [Jeremiah 51:27-28](/jeremiah/51-27-28 "Jeremiah 51:27-28 - Call to Arms Against Babylon").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Jeremiah's prophecy (late 7th to early 6th century BC), the Neo-Babylonian Empire was the preeminent world power, having conquered Judah, destroyed Jerusalem, and exiled its inhabitants. Babylon itself was an architectural marvel, renowned for its immense walls, the Hanging Gardens (though their existence is debated by some scholars), and its vast wealth, which contributed to a pervasive sense of invincibility among its populace. The city was a major center of idolatry, with its grand temples dedicated to gods like Marduk, and its culture was characterized by pride, luxury, and oppressive rule over conquered peoples. Jeremiah's prophecy was delivered against the backdrop of this seemingly unassailable empire, making the declaration of its complete desolation all the more astonishing and a profound testament to God's power over even the mightiest human kingdoms. The historical fulfillment of this prophecy, though gradual, saw Babylon eventually fall to the Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great in 539 BC, and ultimately decline into a desolate ruin, largely uninhabited, fulfilling the stark pronouncement of this verse.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 51:29 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Sovereignty** of God over all nations and human history. The emphatic phrase "every purpose of the LORD shall be performed" underscores that God's plans are not contingent on human will or power; what He declares, He accomplishes. This resonates with similar declarations of God's absolute control, such as in [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning"), where God proclaims, "I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning." Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Divine Justice and Retribution**. Babylon, though used by God as an instrument of judgment against Judah, is now held accountable for its own pride, cruelty, and idolatry. This serves as a powerful reminder that all nations are ultimately answerable to God, and He will judge those who oppress His people or defy His righteousness, as seen in the broader context of God's judgment against nations in [Jeremiah 25](/jeremiah/25 "Jeremiah 25 - Prophecy Against All Nations"). Thirdly, it speaks to the **Certainty of Prophetic Fulfillment**. The vivid description of Babylon's desolation, "without an inhabitant," points to a literal and complete destruction, assuring the exiles that God's word is reliable and His promises, both of judgment and restoration, will come to pass. This provides a message of hope and vindication for the oppressed, knowing that God sees and will act, as affirmed in [Psalm 9:7-8](/psalm/9-7-8 "Psalm 9:7-8 - God Judges the World Righteously").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **tremble (Hebrew, _râʻash'_):** This primitive root (H7493) signifies a deep undulation, shaking, or quaking, often associated with fear, pain, or a powerful disturbance. While it can describe a physical tremor (like an earthquake), in this context, when applied to the "land" and paired with "sorrow," it conveys a profound sense of shock, dread, and existential anguish that grips the very fabric of the nation. It suggests not just a physical upheaval but a deep, pervasive lamentation and terror over the impending, inescapable doom.
* **purpose (Hebrew, _machăshâbâh'_):** Derived from H4284, this word denotes a contrivance, intention, or plan, encompassing both good counsel and evil plots. Here, it emphasizes that God's actions against Babylon are not arbitrary or spontaneous but are the result of a deliberate, well-conceived, and resolute divine plan. It speaks to God's intentionality and the unfailing execution of His sovereign will, highlighting that every single aspect of His design for Babylon's judgment will be brought to fruition, leaving no room for deviation or failure.
* **inhabitant (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** From the primitive root H3427, meaning "to sit down, to dwell, to remain." When the land is described as being "without an inhabitant," it powerfully stresses the complete and utter abandonment of Babylon. This signifies a desolation so profound and enduring that no one will be able to dwell there, underscoring the finality and severity of God's judgment, rendering the once-thriving metropolis a permanent wasteland, a stark contrast to its former glory and teeming population.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the land shall tremble and sorrow:"** This opening clause employs vivid personification, attributing human emotions and reactions—trembling (from fear or shock, like an earthquake) and sorrow (grief, anguish)—to the inanimate "land" itself. This conveys the overwhelming and pervasive nature of the impending judgment, suggesting that the very ground of Babylon will react with terror and lamentation at the unfolding divine wrath, affecting every aspect of its existence and signifying a profound, national catastrophe.
* **"for every purpose of the LORD shall be performed against Babylon,"** This is the core theological statement of the verse, providing the reason and assurance for the preceding declaration. It asserts God's absolute sovereignty and the certainty of His will. "Every purpose" (Hebrew: _machăshâbâh_) indicates that God's plans are comprehensive, deliberate, and leave no room for failure or partial fulfillment. "Shall be performed" (Hebrew: _qûwm_, meaning "to rise, to stand, to establish, to accomplish") emphasizes the active, unfailing, and complete execution of these divine intentions against Babylon. This clause establishes that the coming destruction is not random but a precise fulfillment of God's predetermined, unalterable decree.
* **"to make the land of Babylon a desolation without an inhabitant."** This final clause describes the ultimate outcome and the devastating extent of God's judgment. "A desolation" (Hebrew: _shammâh_) denotes utter ruin, waste, and a state that evokes astonishment and horror. The phrase "without an inhabitant" (Hebrew: _bĕlî yōšēb_) powerfully reinforces the completeness and permanence of this desolation, signifying that the land will be rendered utterly uninhabitable and abandoned, a stark and irreversible contrast to its former glory and vibrant population.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 51:29 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending judgment with dramatic force. **Personification** is prominently used in the opening phrase, "And the land shall tremble and sorrow." By attributing human emotions of fear and grief to the inanimate "land," the prophet vividly communicates the profound and pervasive impact of God's judgment, suggesting that the very ground beneath Babylon will lament its fate and that the entire nation will be gripped by terror. **Hyperbole** is also evident in the phrase "a desolation without an inhabitant." While historical Babylon did become desolate, the absolute nature of "without an inhabitant" emphasizes the utter and complete ruin, underscoring the severity and finality of God's judgment beyond typical human destruction, highlighting its unprecedented scale. Furthermore, the declarative nature of "for every purpose of the LORD shall be performed" functions as a **Divine Fiat** or **Decree**, highlighting God's absolute authority and the inevitability of His word. The entire passage is a **Prophetic Oracle**, a divine message delivered through the prophet, characterized by its authoritative tone and its focus on future events as certainties due to God's sovereign and unchallengeable will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 51:29 profoundly underscores the biblical truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to justice. It reveals that no empire, no matter how powerful or seemingly invincible, is beyond the reach of divine judgment. Babylon, which had acted as God's instrument against Judah, is now held accountable for its own pride, idolatry, and excessive cruelty. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's purposes, once declared, will inevitably be performed, demonstrating His reliability and the ultimate triumph of His will over all human schemes and wickedness. It assures believers that even in the face of overwhelming evil and apparent chaos, God remains on the throne, actively working out His plans in history, bringing low the proud and vindicating the oppressed.

* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons, Removes and Sets Up Kings")
* [Revelation 18:2](/revelation/18-2 "Revelation 18:2 - The Fall of Babylon the Great")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 51:29 offers profound truths that resonate deeply with believers today. It serves as a powerful anchor for our faith, reminding us that God is actively involved in the affairs of nations and that His sovereign purposes will always prevail, regardless of the apparent power or resistance of human empires. In a world often marked by injustice, oppression, and the rise and fall of earthly powers, this verse provides immense comfort and hope. It assures us that God sees every act of wickedness and that His justice, though sometimes delayed from our perspective, will ultimately be performed. This should inspire us to trust in His perfect timing and His unwavering commitment to righteousness, even when circumstances seem chaotic or unjust. Furthermore, it calls us to profound humility, recognizing that all human achievements, empires, and powers are transient before the eternal, unchangeable God. It challenges us to align our lives and our societies with God's righteous purposes, knowing that only His kingdom is unshakable and eternal, and that true security is found not in worldly might but in humble submission to His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of God's purposes in Jeremiah 51:29 encourage you when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges or injustices in your own life or in the world?**
* **What does Babylon's complete desolation teach us about the transient nature of worldly power and the enduring, eternal nature of God's kingdom?**
* **In what ways might we, individually or corporately, be tempted to build "Babylons" of self-reliance, pride, or worldly security, and how does this verse call us to humility and dependence on God alone?**

### FAQ

**Was ancient Babylon truly made "without an inhabitant" as prophesied?**

Answer: Yes, the prophecy of Babylon becoming "a desolation without an inhabitant" was remarkably fulfilled, though not immediately after its initial conquest. While Babylon was indeed conquered by Cyrus the Great in 539 BC and remained an important city for a time, its decline was gradual but relentless. Over centuries, it lost its prominence, suffering repeated destructions, neglect, and the diversion of trade routes. By the time of the Roman Empire, it was largely a ruin, and by the medieval period, it was truly desolate and uninhabited, becoming a desolate wasteland as foretold. This historical trajectory provides compelling evidence for the reliability of biblical prophecy and God's sovereign control over the rise and fall of nations, demonstrating that His word does not return void ([Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Will Not Return Void")).

**How does this prophecy relate to God's justice?**

Answer: This prophecy is a profound demonstration of God's retributive justice. Babylon had been used by God as an instrument to punish Judah for its sins, but Babylon itself acted with excessive cruelty, pride, and idolatry, taking credit for its victories rather than acknowledging God's hand. Therefore, God's judgment against Babylon in [Jeremiah 50-51](/jeremiah/50-51 "Jeremiah 50-51 - Prophecy Against Babylon") is a just response to its wickedness and oppression, particularly against His people. It serves as a clear declaration that God holds all nations accountable for their actions and that He will ultimately vindicate His people and bring justice to the oppressed. This aligns with the biblical theme that God is a righteous judge who "executes justice for the oppressed" ([Psalm 146:7](/psalm/146-7 "Psalm 146:7 - God Executes Justice for the Oppressed")) and will repay those who trouble His saints ([2 Thessalonians 1:6](/2_thessalonians/1-6 "2 Thessalonians 1:6 - God Will Repay Those Who Trouble You")).

**Is "Babylon" in Jeremiah only a historical city, or does it have symbolic meaning for today?**

Answer: While Jeremiah's prophecy primarily refers to the historical Neo-Babylonian Empire, the principles embedded within its judgment have enduring symbolic significance. Babylon, with its characteristics of immense power, wealth, idolatry, and opposition to God's people, often serves as a biblical archetype for any worldly system, empire, or cultural force that sets itself against God and His righteous ways. This symbolic understanding is most explicitly developed in the book of Revelation, where "Babylon the Great" represents the ultimate embodiment of worldly power, spiritual corruption, and rebellion against God, whose final destruction is also foretold ([Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon the Great")). Thus, Jeremiah's prophecy offers both a historical account and a timeless theological lesson about the ultimate fate of all systems that defy God and oppress His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 51:29 directly prophesies the historical downfall of ancient Babylon, its profound declaration that "every purpose of the LORD shall be performed" finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The earthly judgment against Babylon, a symbol of human rebellion, oppressive power, and spiritual idolatry, foreshadows the cosmic victory achieved by Christ. Through His perfect life, atoning death on the cross, and triumphant resurrection, Jesus perfectly performed all of God's redemptive purposes, ultimately defeating the spiritual "Babylon"—the powers of sin, death, and the devil ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). His cry "It is finished" on the cross ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - It Is Finished")) signifies the complete and irreversible execution of God's plan for salvation and the overthrow of all forces hostile to His kingdom. The desolation of Babylon, making it "without an inhabitant," points to the final and permanent eradication of evil and rebellion in the new heavens and new earth, where righteousness dwells and there will be no more sorrow, tears, or curse ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heavens and New Earth")). Thus, the trembling of the land and the performance of God's purposes in Jeremiah anticipate the unshakable kingdom established by Christ, against which no earthly or spiritual power can stand, a kingdom that cannot be moved ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom")).

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 51:43

Her cities are a desolation, a dry land, and a wilderness, a land wherein no man dwelleth, neither doth [any] son of man pass thereby.

Jeremiah 51:11

Make bright the arrows; gather the shields: the LORD hath raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes: for his device [is] against Babylon, to destroy it; because it [is] the vengeance of the LORD, the vengeance of his temple.

Jeremiah 51:12

Set up the standard upon the walls of Babylon, make the watch strong, set up the watchmen, prepare the ambushes: for the LORD hath both devised and done that which he spake against the inhabitants of Babylon.

Jeremiah 8:16

The snorting of his horses was heard from Dan: the whole land trembled at the sound of the neighing of his strong ones; for they are come, and have devoured the land, and all that is in it; the city, and those that dwell therein.

Jeremiah 50:45

Therefore hear ye the counsel of the LORD, that he hath taken against Babylon; and his purposes, that he hath purposed against the land of the Chaldeans: Surely the least of the flock shall draw them out: surely he shall make [their] habitation desolate with them.

Jeremiah 50:13

Because of the wrath of the LORD it shall not be inhabited, but it shall be wholly desolate: every one that goeth by Babylon shall be astonished, and hiss at all her plagues.

Amos 8:8

Shall not the land tremble for this, and every one mourn that dwelleth therein? and it shall rise up wholly as a flood; and it shall be cast out and drowned, as [by] the flood of Egypt.