Jeremiah 51:46

KJV

And lest your heart faint, and ye fear for the rumour that shall be heard in the land; a rumour shall both come [one] year, and after that in [another] year [shall come] a rumour, and violence in the land, ruler against ruler.

KJV (with Strong's)

And lest your heart {H3824} faint {H7401}, and ye fear {H3372} for the rumour {H8052} that shall be heard {H8085} in the land {H776}; a rumour {H8052} shall both come {H935} one year {H8141}, and after {H310} that in another year {H8141} shall come a rumour {H8052}, and violence {H2555} in the land {H776}, ruler {H4910} against ruler {H4910}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't be fainthearted, don't be afraid of the rumors spreading abroad in the land. One year one rumor comes, the next year another one, rumors of violence in the land and rulers fighting rulers.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not let your heart grow faint, and do not be afraid when the rumor is heard in the land; for a rumor will come one year— and then another the next year— of violence in the land and of ruler against ruler.

American Standard Version

And let not your heart faint, neither fear ye for the tidings that shall be heard in the land; for tidings shall come one year, and after that in another year shall come tidings, and violence in the land, ruler against ruler.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 51:46 delivers a crucial prophetic warning to the exiles in Babylon, urging them to remain steadfast and courageous amidst the impending chaos and destruction that would befall the Babylonian empire. It anticipates a period of sustained unrest characterized by unsettling reports and internal strife, specifically "rumour upon rumour" and "ruler against ruler," designed to test the faith and resolve of God's people. This verse serves as a divine instruction to not succumb to fear, but rather to trust in God's sovereign plan as His judgment unfolds against the oppressor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 51:46 is situated within a lengthy and detailed prophetic oracle against Babylon, spanning chapters 50 and 51. This extensive section is unique in its focus, dedicating two full chapters to the pronouncement of divine judgment against the empire that had conquered Judah and exiled its people. The immediate verses leading up to 51:46 describe Babylon's impending desolation, portraying it as a desolate wasteland and a habitation for wild animals, a stark contrast to its former glory. Following this verse, Jeremiah continues to describe the utter destruction and humiliation of Babylon, emphasizing that its fall is a direct act of God's righteous retribution. The warning in verse 46 serves as a pastoral interjection within this pronouncement of judgment, specifically addressing the Jewish exiles and instructing them on how to respond to the unfolding events, ensuring they do not lose heart but remain firm in their faith.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Jeremiah 50-51 was delivered during a time when Babylon, under Nebuchadnezzar, was the dominant world power, having destroyed Jerusalem and carried off many of its inhabitants into exile. The exiles would have been living under Babylonian rule, possibly for decades, and the idea of Babylon's downfall might have seemed impossible or a distant dream. The "rumours" mentioned in the verse could refer to early reports of the Medo-Persian alliance's growing power, internal dissent within Babylon, or the initial stages of the siege. The phrase "ruler against ruler" vividly portrays the political instability and internal power struggles that often accompany the decline of great empires, particularly during a siege or invasion. For the Jewish exiles, living in a foreign land and witnessing the collapse of their powerful captors, such events would have been deeply unsettling, potentially leading to fear and despair, hence the divine warning.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. It underscores **Divine Sovereignty** over nations, demonstrating that even the most formidable empires like Babylon are subject to God's ultimate control and judgment. The impending fall of Babylon, as detailed in [Jeremiah 50:29](/jeremiah/50-29 "Jeremiah 50:29 - God's Judgment on Babylon"), is not a random event but a precise fulfillment of God's righteous decree. Furthermore, the verse highlights the theme of **Steadfastness Amidst Chaos**, calling God's people to maintain their faith and courage even when faced with widespread societal collapse and distressing news. It is a profound exhortation against fear and despair, urging reliance on God's promises rather than succumbing to the panic of the moment. Finally, the description of "violence in the land, ruler against ruler" vividly illustrates the theme of **Anarchy and Internal Strife** as a consequence of divine judgment, foreshadowing the complete breakdown of order within Babylon as its end drew near, a common motif in prophecies of national downfall, such as those found in [Isaiah 13](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Faint (Hebrew, _râkak'_):** From H7401, this verb means "to soften" or "to be tender," often used figuratively to describe a weakening of resolve or courage. In this context, it refers to the heart becoming weak, losing its strength, or succumbing to fear and despair. The warning "lest your heart faint" is a direct command against spiritual and emotional collapse in the face of daunting circumstances.
* **Rumour (Hebrew, _shᵉmûwʻâh'_):** From H8052, this noun denotes "something heard," an "announcement," "news," or "report." Its repetition in the verse ("a rumour shall both come one year, and after that in another year shall come a rumour") emphasizes the continuous, escalating, and persistent nature of the unsettling reports that would reach the exiles. These were not isolated incidents but a sustained barrage of disturbing news, signaling ongoing turmoil and the inevitable, prolonged downfall of Babylon.
* **Violence (Hebrew, _châmâç'_):** From H2555, this powerful noun signifies "violence," "wrong," or "unjust gain." It encompasses acts of cruelty, oppression, and unrighteousness. In Jeremiah 51:46, it describes the physical and social breakdown within Babylon, indicating not just external invasion but internal lawlessness, brutality, and societal decay that would accompany the empire's collapse. This violence would be a direct consequence of the "ruler against ruler" scenario, leading to widespread suffering and disorder.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And lest your heart faint, and ye fear for the rumour that shall be heard in the land;":** This opening clause sets the pastoral tone of the warning. It directly addresses the exiles, urging them to guard their inner resolve ("heart") against weakening or succumbing to terror ("fear"). The source of this potential fear is identified as "the rumour that shall be heard in the land," indicating that unsettling reports and news of impending doom or ongoing conflict would be pervasive.
* **"a rumour shall both come [one] year, and after that in [another] year [shall come] a rumour, and violence in the land, ruler against ruler.":** This second clause elaborates on the nature of the "rumour" and the chaos it signifies. The repetition of "rumour... one year, and after that in another year... a rumour" powerfully conveys the sustained and escalating nature of the unsettling news. It implies a prolonged period of instability, not a swift, decisive event. This persistent flow of alarming reports would be accompanied by "violence in the land," signifying a breakdown of law and order. The ultimate manifestation of this internal turmoil is "ruler against ruler," depicting civil strife, political infighting, and a struggle for power that would further destabilize Babylon and hasten its demise.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 51:46 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. **Repetition** is prominently used with the word "rumour" (Hebrew: _shᵉmûwʻâh_), appearing multiple times to emphasize the continuous and escalating nature of the disturbing reports. This repetition creates a sense of foreboding and highlights the prolonged period of instability that would precede Babylon's fall. The phrase "ruler against ruler" is a powerful example of **Merism**, where two contrasting or opposing elements are used to represent the whole spectrum of internal conflict and political anarchy. This vivid imagery creates a strong mental picture of civil war and the complete breakdown of authority. The entire verse functions as a **Proleptic Warning**, a prophetic statement that warns of future events as if they are already occurring or imminent, preparing the audience for what is to come and instructing them on how to respond. This rhetorical strategy aims to instill spiritual fortitude and prevent despair among the exiles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 51:46 serves as a profound theological statement on God's sovereignty over history and nations, even amidst human chaos. It underscores that the unfolding events, though terrifying from a human perspective, are part of God's deliberate plan to bring judgment upon the wicked and to ultimately deliver His people. The command not to "faint" or "fear" is rooted in the assurance that God is in control, orchestrating the downfall of Babylon for its arrogance and cruelty against His chosen nation. This divine orchestration ensures that even political upheaval and societal breakdown serve a higher purpose, ultimately revealing God's justice and faithfulness to His covenant promises. The exiles were to understand that the "rumours" and "violence" were not random acts of fate but signs of God's active hand in history, preparing the way for their eventual return.

* [Psalm 46:1-3](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1-3 - God Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")
* [Luke 21:25-28](/luke/21-25 "Luke 21:25-28 - Signs of the End of the Age")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world constantly bombarded with distressing news, political polarization, and societal unrest, Jeremiah 51:46 offers a timeless and profoundly relevant message of spiritual resilience. We, like the exiles, are often assailed by "rumours" of various kinds—economic instability, global conflicts, social divisions, and political turmoil—that threaten to make our hearts faint and fill us with fear. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep-seated trust in God's unwavering sovereignty, reminding us that even when "ruler against ruler" signifies chaos, God remains enthroned above all. Our response should not be panic or despair, but a steadfast reliance on His unchanging character and His ultimate control over all affairs. It encourages us to find our peace and security not in the stability of earthly kingdoms, which are inherently transient, but in the eternal and unshakable Kingdom of God. This spiritual fortitude allows us to be anchors of hope and peace in a turbulent world, reflecting God's calm amidst the storm.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "rumours" or unsettling news in today's world cause your heart to feel faint or fearful?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over nations and history help you to combat fear and maintain steadfastness?**
* **In what practical ways can you cultivate a heart of peace and trust, even when the world around you seems to be falling apart?**

### FAQ
**How does Jeremiah 51:46 relate to the broader biblical theme of God's judgment on wicked nations?**

Answer: Jeremiah 51:46 is a specific instance of the broader biblical theme of God's righteous judgment on nations that oppose Him and oppress His people. Throughout Scripture, from the Tower of Babel in [Genesis 11](/genesis/11 "Genesis 11 - The Tower of Babel") to the fall of empires in prophetic books like [Isaiah](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon") and [Daniel](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream"), God consistently demonstrates His authority over human kingdoms. Babylon, in particular, is singled out for its arrogance, idolatry, and its cruel treatment of Judah, God's covenant people. The "rumours" and "violence" described in this verse are the outward manifestations of God's active hand in dismantling a wicked empire. This verse assures God's people that the chaos they witness is not arbitrary but a divinely orchestrated process of justice, ultimately fulfilling God's promises to deliver His people and establish His kingdom. It reinforces the truth that no earthly power, no matter how formidable, can ultimately stand against the will of the Almighty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 51:46, though a prophecy concerning ancient Babylon, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament's portrayal of Christ's triumph over all earthly powers and the establishment of His eternal, unshakable kingdom. The "rumours" and "violence" that would cause hearts to "faint" in Jeremiah's day foreshadow the "wars and rumors of wars" and the "distress of nations" that Jesus Himself predicted would precede His second coming ([Matthew 24:6-7](/matthew/24-6 "Matthew 24:6-7 - Signs of the End of the Age")). Yet, just as God was sovereign over Babylon's fall, Christ is sovereign over all present and future global upheavals. He is the true "Ruler" who will ultimately overcome every "ruler against ruler," bringing an end to all violence and political strife. Believers are called not to fear these signs, but to "look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near" ([Luke 21:28](/luke/21-28 "Luke 21:28 - Your Redemption Draws Near")). The ultimate fulfillment lies in the Lamb of God, who has already conquered sin and death ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of the Tribe of Judah")), and who will return to establish a kingdom where there will be no more "rumour" of war, no more "violence," and no more "ruler against ruler," but perfect peace under His eternal reign ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Mourning")). Thus, Jeremiah's warning to "not faint" becomes a call to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who has overcome the world ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking Unto Jesus"); [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")).

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 Kings 19:7

Behold, I will send a blast upon him, and he shall hear a rumour, and shall return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land.

Isaiah 13:3

I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones for mine anger, [even] them that rejoice in my highness.

Isaiah 13:5

They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, [even] the LORD, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land.

Isaiah 19:2

And I will set the Egyptians against the Egyptians: and they shall fight every one against his brother, and every one against his neighbour; city against city, [and] kingdom against kingdom.

Luke 21:9

But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end [is] not by and by.

Luke 21:19

In your patience possess ye your souls.

Judges 7:22

And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the LORD set every man's sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host: and the host fled to Bethshittah in Zererath, [and] to the border of Abelmeholah, unto Tabbath.