Jeremiah 51:43

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Her cities {H5892} are a desolation {H8047}, a dry {H6723} land {H776}, and a wilderness {H6160}, a land {H776} wherein no man {H376} dwelleth {H3427}, neither doth any son {H1121} of man {H120} pass {H5674} thereby {H2004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Her cities have become desolate - parched, arid land, a land where no one lives; nobody even passes through.

Berean Standard Bible

Her cities have become a desolation, a dry and arid land, a land where no one lives, where no son of man passes through.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 51:43 vividly portrays the catastrophic and irreversible judgment pronounced upon Babylon, depicting its once-mighty cities as utterly desolate, barren, and uninhabited. This verse serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereign justice, revealing that the proud oppressor of His people would face complete ruin, becoming a desolate wasteland where no human being would dwell or even pass through, signifying a profound and permanent abandonment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 51:43 is situated within a lengthy prophetic oracle against Babylon, spanning chapters 50 and 51 of the book of Jeremiah. This extensive denunciation follows earlier prophecies against Judah and other nations, culminating in a detailed exposition of Babylon's impending downfall. The immediate context of verse 43 is a series of pronouncements detailing the comprehensive nature of this destruction, emphasizing the complete reversal of Babylon's power and prosperity. Verses 41-44 describe the suddenness and totality of the conquest, with verse 43 specifically focusing on the resulting urban desolation, reinforcing the divine decree that Babylon's glory would be turned to ruin. This passage functions as a stark contrast to Babylon's previous might, highlighting the finality of God's judgment against those who oppose His will and oppress His people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Jeremiah against Babylon were delivered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, as the Babylonian Empire rose to prominence, conquering Jerusalem in 586 BC and carrying the Jewish people into exile. Babylon, under Nebuchadnezzar, was the dominant superpower of the ancient Near East, renowned for its formidable military, grand architecture (like the Hanging Gardens and the Ishtar Gate), and advanced civilization. Its cultural practices included widespread idolatry and a belief in its own invincibility. The pronouncements in Jeremiah served as a counter-narrative to Babylon's perceived might, offering hope and reassurance to the exiled Israelites that their oppressor would ultimately fall. The imagery of desolation would have resonated deeply with a people who had witnessed the destruction of their own capital, Jerusalem, by this very empire, underscoring the principle of divine retribution.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 51:43 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and biblical prophecy. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over nations and His unwavering commitment to justice. Babylon's desolation is a direct consequence of its pride, idolatry, and brutal oppression of God's chosen people, echoing the principle articulated in [Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride and Destruction"). Another key theme is the **Reliability of God's Word**, as this prophecy, delivered decades before Babylon's decline, foretold a future that would indeed come to pass, albeit gradually over centuries. This reinforces God's ability to declare "the end from the beginning" as seen in [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning"). Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **Restoration and Hope for Israel**, as the downfall of their oppressor signaled the eventual possibility of their return to their homeland, a promise woven throughout Jeremiah's prophecies, particularly in chapters like [Jeremiah 29](/jeremiah/29 "Jeremiah 29 - God's Plans for Israel's Future").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **desolation (Hebrew, _shammâh'_):** From H8047, meaning "ruin" or "consternation." This word conveys a profound sense of utter destruction and abandonment, implying not merely a temporary state of disrepair but a permanent condition of waste and emptiness. It speaks to the psychological impact of such ruin, evoking astonishment and dread. In Jeremiah 51:43, it emphasizes the complete and irreversible nature of Babylon's downfall, transforming its once-bustling cities into a terrifying spectacle of ruin.
* **dry land (Hebrew, _tsîyâh'_ / _ʼerets'_):** From H6723 (_tsîyâh_), meaning "aridity" or "a desert," and H776 (_ʼerets_), meaning "the earth" or "a land." The combination paints a picture of extreme barrenness, a landscape devoid of moisture, vegetation, and the capacity to sustain life. Unlike fertile ground, a "dry land" is inhospitable and unproductive, symbolizing the complete cessation of activity and vitality in Babylon's cities. This imagery reinforces the idea of a land rendered useless and uninhabitable.
* **dwelleth (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** From H3427, a primitive root meaning "to sit down," and by implication, "to dwell" or "to remain." In this context, it signifies permanent habitation. The negation "no man dwelleth" powerfully conveys the absolute absence of human settlement. It means not just that people have left, but that the conditions are so severe and the judgment so final that no one will ever establish a home or community there again, emphasizing the utter desolation.
* **son of man (Hebrew, _bên'_ / _ʼâdâm'_):** From H1121 (_bên_), meaning "a son," and H120 (_ʼâdâm_), meaning "a human being" or "mankind." This phrase, "son of man," is a common Hebrew idiom referring to any human being, emphasizing their frailty and mortality. When the verse states "neither doth any son of man pass thereby," it underscores the complete lack of human traffic, trade, or even casual transit. It signifies a land so utterly ruined and feared that it is avoided by all, a testament to the comprehensive and lasting nature of God's judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Her cities are a desolation":** This clause immediately establishes the primary outcome of God's judgment: the transformation of Babylon's urban centers from places of power and population into ruined, empty spaces. The term "desolation" (H8047, _shammâh_) signifies a state of utter ruin and astonishment, implying a destruction so profound that it evokes shock and dread.
* **"a dry land, and a wilderness":** These phrases amplify the imagery of desolation, painting a picture of an arid, barren, and unproductive landscape. "Dry land" (H6723, _tsîyâh_) suggests a lack of water and fertility, while "wilderness" (H6160, _ʻărâbâh_) denotes an uninhabited, uncultivated area. Together, they emphasize the complete absence of life-sustaining elements and human activity, transforming once-vibrant cities into uninhabitable wastes.
* **"a land wherein no man dwelleth":** This specifies the consequence of the desolation: the complete cessation of human habitation. The word "dwelleth" (H3427, _yâshab_) implies permanent settlement. The declaration that "no man" (H376, _ʼîysh_) will live there underscores the finality of the judgment, indicating that the cities will not merely be abandoned temporarily but will remain devoid of human residents.
* **"neither doth any son of man pass thereby":** This final clause intensifies the picture of abandonment, indicating not only the absence of permanent residents but also the absence of transient human presence. "Son of man" (H1121, _bên_, and H120, _ʼâdâm_) refers to any human being, and "pass thereby" (H5674, _ʻâbar_, and H2004, _hên_) signifies movement or travel through the area. This means the land will be so utterly ruined and feared that no one will even traverse it, highlighting its complete isolation and the comprehensive nature of its judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 51:43 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the profound and permanent nature of Babylon's judgment. **Hyperbole** is evident in the extreme language used to describe the desolation: "no man dwelleth, neither doth any son of man pass thereby." While historical Babylon did not become instantly and utterly uninhabited by *every* human, the prophetic language emphasizes the *totality* and *finality* of its ruin from God's perspective, far beyond a mere decline. **Repetition** and **Synonymy** are used to reinforce the theme of emptiness, with phrases like "desolation," "dry land," and "wilderness" all conveying similar ideas of barrenness and abandonment, cumulatively building a powerful image of utter ruin. The verse also utilizes **Imagery**, painting a vivid mental picture of a landscape transformed from bustling cities into a desolate, arid, and uninhabited wasteland, appealing directly to the reader's senses to convey the severity of the judgment. Furthermore, the use of **Personification** in "Her cities are a desolation" subtly imbues the cities with a sense of being subjected to a fate, as if they are experiencing the judgment directly.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 51:43 stands as a profound theological statement on God's unwavering justice and His ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers. It demonstrates that no empire, however mighty or proud, can defy the divine decree without facing severe consequences. Babylon's fate serves as a stark reminder that God holds nations accountable for their actions, particularly their pride, idolatry, and oppression of others. This divine judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous response to sin, ensuring that justice will prevail, and the suffering of His people will not go unaddressed. The complete desolation signifies the reversal of human glory and the triumph of God's righteous rule, offering a powerful reassurance to those who suffer under oppressive regimes.

* [Isaiah 13:19-22](/isaiah/13-19 "Isaiah 13:19-22 - Prophecy of Babylon's Desolation")
* [Revelation 18:21-23](/revelation/18-21 "Revelation 18:21-23 - The Fall of Babylon the Great")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalm/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Exalts and Brings Down")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 51:43 offers timeless lessons for believers today, reminding us of God's active involvement in human history and His unwavering commitment to justice. In a world where powerful nations and systems often seem to operate with impunity, this verse provides a powerful counter-narrative, asserting that ultimate authority rests with God, who will hold all accountable. It challenges us to examine our own lives and societies for signs of pride, injustice, or idolatry, knowing that God's principles of righteousness are immutable. For those who feel oppressed or witness injustice, this prophecy serves as a beacon of hope, reassuring them that God sees and will ultimately bring about a just resolution, even if it is not immediately apparent. It calls us to trust in God's perfect timing and His sovereign plan, knowing that His word will always be fulfilled, and His justice will ultimately prevail over all human arrogance and wickedness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the complete desolation of Babylon's cities challenge our understanding of earthly power and permanence?**
* **In what ways might we, individually or collectively, exhibit the kind of pride or injustice that God judged in Babylon?**
* **How does this prophecy of divine judgment offer comfort or hope to those who are currently experiencing oppression or injustice?**
* **What does Jeremiah 51:43 teach us about the reliability and ultimate fulfillment of God's prophetic word?**

### FAQ
**What was the historical fulfillment of Jeremiah 51:43?**

Answer: While Babylon did not become an instant, utterly desolate wasteland immediately after its fall to the Medes and Persians in 539 BC, Jeremiah 51:43 describes a long-term, comprehensive desolation. The city gradually declined over centuries. After its conquest, its importance waned, and subsequent empires (like the Seleucids) built new capitals, drawing away its population. By the Roman era, Babylon was largely abandoned, and by the medieval period, it was indeed a ruin, a "dry land and a wilderness" where few, if any, passed through. Archaeological excavations confirm its current state as a vast, uninhabited ruin. This gradual but complete fulfillment underscores the long-term nature of God's prophetic judgment, demonstrating that His word is ultimately accomplished, even if not in a single, immediate event. The prophecy's vivid imagery was fulfilled in the city's eventual, permanent abandonment, becoming a testament to God's enduring word.

**Why was Babylon singled out for such a severe judgment?**

Answer: Babylon was singled out for such a severe judgment primarily due to its extreme pride, pervasive idolatry, and its brutal oppression of other nations, particularly Judah. While God used Babylon as an instrument of judgment against Judah for their sins, Babylon itself acted beyond God's appointed measure, taking excessive pride in its own strength and attributing its victories to its false gods, rather than acknowledging the true God. [Habakkuk 2:4-8](/habakkuk/2-4 "Habakkuk 2:4-8 - Woe to the Proud and Unjust") condemns Babylon's arrogance and greed, while [Isaiah 14:12-15](/isaiah/14-12 "Isaiah 14:12-15 - The Fall of Lucifer and Babylon") famously likens its pride to that of Lucifer. Its destruction served as a clear demonstration that God is sovereign over all nations and holds even the mightiest empires accountable for their actions, especially their cruelty towards His people and their defiance of His divine authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 51:43, with its stark portrayal of Babylon's utter desolation, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the triumph of Christ over all opposing powers and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. Babylon, as a symbol of human pride, idolatry, and oppressive worldly systems, represents the very forces that stand against God. Its judgment foreshadows the definitive victory of Christ, who, through His death and resurrection, disarmed the powers and authorities, triumphing over them (as described in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The desolation of Babylon points to the ultimate dismantling of all earthly kingdoms and systems that reject God's rule, culminating in the final judgment of "Babylon the Great" in [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon the Great")). Just as Babylon's cities became uninhabited, so too will all realms of sin and rebellion be utterly vanquished, making way for the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")). Christ is the true King who will establish a kingdom that "will never be destroyed" ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Kingdom Endures")), a stark contrast to the desolate fate of all earthly empires. His victory ensures that His people will dwell securely in His presence, free from the desolation of sin and the oppression of worldly powers, finding their true home in Him ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place")).

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

Isaiah 13:20

It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make their fold there.

Jeremiah 2:6

Neither said they, Where [is] the LORD that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, that led us through the wilderness, through a land of deserts and of pits, through a land of drought, and of the shadow of death, through a land that no man passed through, and where no man dwelt?

Jeremiah 51:29

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.

Jeremiah 50:39

Therefore the wild beasts of the desert with the wild beasts of the islands shall dwell [there], and the owls shall dwell therein: and it shall be no more inhabited for ever; neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation.

Jeremiah 50:40

As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbour [cities] thereof, saith the LORD; [so] shall no man abide there, neither shall any son of man dwell therein.

Jeremiah 50:12

Your mother shall be sore confounded; she that bare you shall be ashamed: behold, the hindermost of the nations [shall be] a wilderness, a dry land, and a desert.

Ezekiel 29:10

Behold, therefore I [am] against thee, and against thy rivers, and I will make the land of Egypt utterly waste [and] desolate, from the tower of Syene even unto the border of Ethiopia.