Jeremiah 51:47

KJV

Therefore, behold, the days come, that I will do judgment upon the graven images of Babylon: and her whole land shall be confounded, and all her slain shall fall in the midst of her.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore, behold, the days {H3117} come {H935}, that I will do judgment {H6485} upon the graven images {H6456} of Babylon {H894}: and her whole land {H776} shall be confounded {H954}, and all her slain {H2491} shall fall {H5307} in the midst {H8432} of her.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, listen! The days are coming when I will pass judgment on Bavel's idols. Her whole land will be put to shame, as all her slain fall on home soil.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore, behold, the days are coming when I will punish the idols of Babylon. Her entire land will suffer shame, and all her slain will lie fallen within her.

American Standard Version

Therefore, behold, the days come, that I will execute judgment upon the graven images of Babylon; and her whole land shall be confounded; and all her slain shall fall in the midst of her.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 51:47 serves as a solemn declaration of Yahweh's certain and comprehensive judgment upon ancient Babylon. This verse, embedded within a larger prophetic oracle against the empire, specifically targets Babylon's pervasive idolatry as a primary cause for divine retribution. It foretells a future where God will actively execute judgment upon their "graven images," leading to the utter shame and confusion of their entire land, culminating in widespread death and devastation among its inhabitants. The prophecy underscores God's absolute sovereignty over nations and His unwavering commitment to justice against those who defy Him through false worship and oppression.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 51:47 is situated within a lengthy oracle against Babylon, spanning chapters 50-51. This extended prophecy immediately follows Jeremiah's final warnings to Judah and his symbolic act of purchasing a field, signifying future restoration. The oracle against Babylon functions as a theological counterpoint to Judah's judgment, demonstrating that God's justice is universal and extends even to the powerful empire He used as an instrument of His wrath. The verses leading up to 51:47 describe the desolation of Babylon, the flight of its inhabitants, and the triumph of God's people. Following this verse, the prophecy continues to detail Babylon's complete ruin, emphasizing its transformation into a desolate wasteland, a dwelling for wild beasts, and a place of utter silence, signifying the finality of God's judgment. The repeated declarations of "the days come" throughout this section reinforce the certainty and imminence of this divine intervention.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Babylon, under the Neo-Babylonian Empire, was the dominant superpower of Jeremiah's era, responsible for the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of Judah. Culturally, Babylon was renowned for its polytheistic religion, featuring a vast pantheon of gods and goddesses, elaborate temples, and widespread idol worship. Its capital city, Babylon, was a marvel of the ancient world, boasting immense walls, the Hanging Gardens, and the towering ziggurat dedicated to Marduk, its chief deity. This verse directly confronts this deeply ingrained idolatry. Geographically, Babylon was situated on the Euphrates River in Mesopotamia, a fertile crescent that allowed it to become a formidable economic and military power. The prophecy's emphasis on the "graven images" and the "land" being "confounded" speaks directly to the cultural pride and religious practices that defined the empire, highlighting that God's judgment would strike at the very heart of their identity and power.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Primarily, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment on Idolatry**, asserting God's absolute intolerance for false worship, a theme deeply rooted in the [Ten Commandments](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments"). Babylon's extensive pantheon and reliance on man-made gods are directly challenged, demonstrating the futility of trusting in anything other than the one true God, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 46:1-2](/isaiah/46-1 "Isaiah 46:1-2 - The Idols of Babylon"). Secondly, it underscores **God's Sovereignty over Nations**. Despite Babylon's immense power and its role as God's instrument against Judah, it is not beyond divine accountability. God raises up and brings down empires according to His will, a truth echoed in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons"). Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of **Retributive Justice**. Babylon's judgment is not arbitrary but a direct consequence of its pride, oppression, and particularly its idolatry, serving as a powerful reminder that God will ultimately bring justice to all unrighteousness, as stated in [Psalm 9:8](/psalms/9-8 "Psalm 9:8 - God Judges the World in Righteousness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **graven images (Hebrew, _pᵉçîyl'_):** From H6456 (פָּסַל), meaning "an idol; carved (graven) image, quarry." This term refers specifically to idols made by human hands, often carved from wood or stone, or cast from metal. The emphasis on "graven images" highlights the man-made, tangible nature of Babylon's false gods, contrasting them with the invisible, living God of Israel. God's judgment "upon" these images signifies a direct assault on the spiritual foundations and objects of worship that defined Babylonian society, exposing their powerlessness and futility.
* **judgment (Hebrew, _pâqad'_):** From H6485 (פָּקַד), a primitive root meaning "to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc.; appoint, avenge, bestow, (appoint to have the, give a) charge, commit, count, deliver to keep, be empty, enjoin, go see, hurt, do judgment, lack, lay up, look, make, miss, number, officer, (make) overseer, have (the) oversight, punish, reckon, (call to) remember(-brance), set (over), sum, surely, visit, want." In this context, _pâqad_ carries the strong connotation of a hostile visitation, a divine reckoning, or a punitive oversight. It signifies God's active intervention to hold Babylon accountable for its actions, particularly its idolatry and oppression, and to execute a just sentence.
* **confounded (Hebrew, _bûwsh'_):** From H954 (בּוּשׁ), a primitive root meaning "properly, to pale, i.e. by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed; (be, make, bring to, cause, put to, with, a-) shamed(-d), be (put to) confounded(-fusion), become dry, delay, be long." Here, "confounded" vividly describes the state of utter disgrace, shame, and confusion that will befall Babylon. It implies a public humiliation, a stripping away of their pride and glory, leaving them utterly disgraced before the nations. This is a direct reversal of their former arrogance and perceived invincibility.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore, behold, the days come,"**: This opening clause serves as a solemn prophetic declaration, emphasizing the certainty and imminence of the events described. "Therefore" links this judgment to Babylon's preceding actions and character, particularly its idolatry and oppression. "Behold" (Hebrew: _hinnēh_) is an interjection used to draw immediate attention to a significant, often dramatic, pronouncement. "The days come" indicates a future but assured time when God's plan will unfold, underscoring the divine decree behind the impending destruction.
* **"that I will do judgment upon the graven images of Babylon:"**: This is the core declaration of divine action. God explicitly states His intention to execute judgment, not merely upon the people or the land, but specifically "upon the graven images." This highlights that Babylon's idolatry is a primary offense. God's direct assault on these false gods signifies His absolute sovereignty and His condemnation of anything that usurps His rightful place. It demonstrates the impotence of these idols to protect their worshippers or themselves.
* **"and her whole land shall be confounded,"**: This clause describes the immediate and widespread consequence of God's judgment upon the idols and the empire. "Her whole land" signifies the totality of the empire, from its capital to its furthest reaches. "Shall be confounded" (Hebrew: _bûwsh_) means to be utterly shamed, disgraced, and thrown into chaos. This speaks to the public humiliation and loss of prestige that will befall Babylon, contrasting sharply with its former pride and glory. It implies a state of disarray and moral collapse.
* **"and all her slain shall fall in the midst of her."**: This final clause paints a grim picture of the physical devastation and loss of life that will accompany Babylon's downfall. "All her slain" emphasizes the widespread nature of the casualties, indicating a comprehensive military defeat and slaughter. "Shall fall in the midst of her" suggests that the battle and its bloody aftermath will occur within the very heart of Babylon, perhaps even within the city walls, signifying a complete and inescapable defeat. This imagery underscores the totality of God's judgment, affecting both the spiritual realm (idols) and the physical realm (people and land).

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 51:47 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message of impending divine judgment. The most prominent is **Prophecy**, as the entire verse functions as a direct declaration of future events by God through His prophet, emphasizing certainty and divine authorship. **Imagery** is vividly used to paint a picture of destruction: "graven images" conjures the physical objects of false worship, while "her whole land shall be confounded" evokes a sense of widespread shame and chaos. The phrase "all her slain shall fall in the midst of her" creates a stark, visceral image of widespread death and defeat within the very heart of the empire. There is also a strong sense of **Cause and Effect**, where Babylon's idolatry (implied by the focus on "graven images") is presented as the direct cause for God's "judgment" and the subsequent "confounding" of the land and the falling of the "slain." This highlights the principle of divine retribution, where actions lead to inevitable consequences. The use of "behold" acts as a **Hortatory Interjection**, commanding attention and emphasizing the gravity and certainty of the divine pronouncement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 51:47 profoundly articulates God's unwavering commitment to justice and His absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and false deities. The judgment on Babylon's "graven images" underscores the futility and offense of idolatry, reminding humanity that true worship belongs solely to the Creator. This divine reckoning against a proud and oppressive empire serves as a timeless testament to God's moral governance of the world, ensuring that no nation or individual can ultimately defy His righteous standards without facing consequences. It offers both a warning against pride and false worship and a comfort to those who suffer under oppression, knowing that God will ultimately set all things right.

* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalms/115-4 "Psalm 115:4-8 - The Futility of Idols")
* [Isaiah 46:1-2](/isaiah/46-1 "Isaiah 46:1-2 - Babylonian Gods Cannot Save Themselves")
* [Daniel 5:30-31](/daniel/5-30 "Daniel 5:30-31 - The Fall of Babylon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 51:47, while historically rooted in the judgment of ancient Babylon, carries profound and timeless implications for our lives today. It compels us to examine what "graven images" might exist in our own hearts and societies—anything that competes for God's ultimate authority and affection. Whether it's the pursuit of wealth, power, comfort, self-image, or even intellectual pride, anything that displaces God from His rightful throne becomes an idol. This verse reminds us that God remains sovereign over all human endeavors and institutions. No empire, no ideology, no personal ambition can stand against His ultimate will. Furthermore, it offers immense comfort to those who witness or experience injustice, assuring us that God is a God of perfect justice who will ultimately bring every wrong to account. This should inspire us to live with integrity, to champion justice, and to place our trust solely in the Living God, whose kingdom is eternal and whose promises are unfailing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "graven images" or idols might be subtly influencing my life or the culture around me, competing for the ultimate allegiance that belongs to God alone?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment on Babylon encourage me to trust in His justice, even when I see injustice seemingly prevail in the world?**
* **In what ways can I actively dismantle idolatry in my own heart and promote the worship of the one true God in my sphere of influence?**

### FAQ

**What was Babylon's primary sin mentioned in Jeremiah 51:47?**

Answer: The verse explicitly states that God "will do judgment upon the graven images of Babylon." While the broader context of Jeremiah 50-51 reveals Babylon's sins included pride, oppression of nations (including Judah), and cruelty, this specific verse highlights their pervasive idolatry as a key reason for divine judgment. Babylon was infamous for its extensive pantheon of gods and elaborate idol worship, making this a direct confrontation with their false religious system.

**How was this prophecy of Babylon's fall historically fulfilled?**

Answer: The prophecy of Babylon's fall was historically fulfilled by the conquest of Babylon by the Medo-Persian Empire in 539 BC. [Daniel chapter 5](/daniel/5 "Daniel 5 - Belshazzar's Feast and the Fall of Babylon") vividly recounts the night of Babylon's fall, where King Belshazzar's feast was interrupted by the mysterious writing on the wall, interpreted by Daniel as God's judgment. That very night, Cyrus the Great, leading the Persian army, diverted the Euphrates River and entered the city, conquering it with little resistance. This event marked the end of the Neo-Babylonian Empire and a significant turning point in ancient history, validating Jeremiah's prophetic words.

**Does this prophecy apply to modern nations or individuals, or is it solely historical?**

Answer: While Jeremiah 51:47 is a specific historical prophecy against ancient Babylon, the theological principles it embodies are timeless and apply universally. The judgment on Babylon for its idolatry and pride serves as a perpetual warning that God remains sovereign over all nations and holds them accountable for their actions, particularly their worship. For individuals, the principle of God's judgment on "graven images" extends beyond physical idols to anything we place before God in our lives—be it wealth, power, self, or comfort. The verse reminds us that ultimate security and meaning are found only in God, and that all forms of idolatry ultimately lead to confusion and destruction, as the "land shall be confounded" and the "slain shall fall."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 51:47, with its declaration of divine judgment upon the "graven images of Babylon," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Babylon, as a symbol of worldly power, idolatry, and rebellion against God, is ultimately defeated not by another earthly empire, but by the spiritual kingdom inaugurated by Christ. Jesus, through His death and resurrection, decisively triumphed over all spiritual powers and principalities that hold humanity captive, including the idolatry that enslaves hearts ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers")). He is the true and living God, before whom all false gods and human constructs of power must ultimately fall. The judgment predicted for Babylon's idols foreshadows Christ's sovereign authority over all creation and His future return to establish His eternal kingdom, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). In Him, the ultimate "judgment" against sin and idolatry is executed, and through Him, humanity is offered liberation from the futility of worshipping anything other than the Creator, echoing the call to turn from idols to serve the living and true God ([1 Thessalonians 1:9-10](/1_thessalonians/1-9 "1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 - Turning from Idols to God")). The fall of Babylon, as depicted in Revelation, becomes a powerful metaphor for the final overthrow of all systems and powers that oppose God, culminating in the reign of the [Lamb of God](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - The Rider on the White Horse").

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 50:2

Declare ye among the nations, and publish, and set up a standard; publish, [and] conceal not: say, Babylon is taken, Bel is confounded, Merodach is broken in pieces; her idols are confounded, her images are broken in pieces.

Jeremiah 51:52

Wherefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will do judgment upon her graven images: and through all her land the wounded shall groan.

Isaiah 46:1

¶ Bel boweth down, Nebo stoopeth, their idols were upon the beasts, and upon the cattle: your carriages [were] heavy loaden; [they are] a burden to the weary [beast].

Isaiah 46:2

They stoop, they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity.

Isaiah 21:9

And, behold, here cometh a chariot of men, [with] a couple of horsemen. And he answered and said, Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and all the graven images of her gods he hath broken unto the ground.

Jeremiah 11:22

Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, I will punish them: the young men shall die by the sword; their sons and their daughters shall die by famine:

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.