Jeremiah 51:52

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore, behold, the days {H3117} come {H935}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, that I will do judgment {H6485} upon her graven images {H6456}: and through all her land {H776} the wounded {H2491} shall groan {H602}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Therefore," says ADONAI, "the days are coming when I will pass judgment on her idols, and the wounded will groan throughout her land.

Berean Standard Bible

“Therefore, behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will punish her idols, and throughout her land the wounded will groan.

American Standard Version

Wherefore, behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that I will execute judgment upon her graven images; and through all her land the wounded shall groan.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 51:52 serves as a potent declaration within a sweeping prophetic oracle against Babylon, foretelling the LORD's decisive judgment upon the empire that had brutally conquered Judah. This verse specifically pronounces a dual fate: the utter dismantling of Babylon's idolatrous religious system, symbolized by the destruction of its "graven images," and the widespread, agonizing suffering that will engulf its populace, as "the wounded shall groan" throughout the land. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over nations and His unwavering commitment to justice, particularly against those who exalt false gods and oppress His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 51:52 is situated within a lengthy and detailed prophetic oracle against Babylon, spanning chapters 50 and 51 of the book of Jeremiah. This extensive prophecy functions as a counterpoint to the earlier pronouncements of judgment against Judah, demonstrating God's universal sovereignty. Chapter 51, in particular, intensifies the imagery of Babylon's impending destruction, detailing the agents of its downfall (Medes, Persians), the nature of the devastation, and the reasons for divine wrath. Verse 52 specifically reiterates themes of judgment on idolatry and the resultant suffering, which are woven throughout the entire oracle, serving as a climactic statement of the consequences of Babylon's hubris and wickedness. The preceding verses (e.g., [Jeremiah 51:49-51](/jeremiah/51-49 "Jeremiah 51:49-51 - Babylon's Guilt and God's Vengeance")) emphasize Babylon's guilt for the blood of Israel and the nations, setting the stage for the comprehensive retribution described here.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Babylon, under the Neo-Babylonian Empire, was the dominant superpower of its era, renowned for its military might, architectural marvels (like the Hanging Gardens and the Etemenanki ziggurat), and its deeply entrenched polytheistic religion. The city of Babylon itself was a hub of idol worship, with numerous temples dedicated to a vast pantheon of gods, chief among them Marduk. Its "graven images" were not merely decorative but were believed to embody the presence and power of the deities, central to their national identity and perceived invincibility. The capture of Jerusalem in 586 BC, the destruction of the Temple, and the exile of Judah's population were seen by Babylonians as evidence of Marduk's superiority over Yahweh. Jeremiah's prophecy directly challenges this notion, asserting that the LORD, the God of Israel, is the true sovereign who will bring low the very symbols of Babylon's perceived strength and spiritual authority, turning their places of worship into scenes of desolation and their land into a place of groaning.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment on Idolatry**, asserting God's absolute intolerance for false worship and His supremacy over all man-made deities. Babylon's reliance on its idols, which were believed to protect the city, is shown to be utterly futile in the face of the true God's power (cf. [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry")). Secondly, it emphasizes **God's Retributive Justice**, demonstrating that national sin, particularly oppression and spiritual rebellion, inevitably incurs divine wrath. The "wounded shall groan" underscores the severe and widespread physical consequences of this judgment, a direct recompense for Babylon's cruelty towards Judah and other nations. Finally, the phrase "the days come, saith the LORD" reinforces the theme of **The Certainty of Prophetic Fulfillment**, assuring both the exiled Judahites and the defiant Babylonians that God's word is immutable and His purposes will be accomplished, regardless of human resistance or perceived power. This certainty provides hope for God's people, even in their suffering, that their vindication is assured, as seen in [Jeremiah 50:4-7](/jeremiah/50-4 "Jeremiah 50:4-7 - Israel's Return and Redemption").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **days (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** From an unused root meaning "to be hot," this term refers to a day, either literal or figurative, often denoting a specific period or season. In this context, "the days come" signifies a definite, appointed time set by the LORD for the fulfillment of His judgment, emphasizing the certainty and inevitability of the prophecy rather than an indefinite future. It points to a divinely ordained epoch of reckoning.
* **judgment (Hebrew, _pâqad'_):** This root carries a broad semantic range, including "to visit," "to oversee," "to muster," but also "to punish" or "to do judgment." Here, it signifies a hostile visitation or a judicial reckoning. The LORD is not merely observing but actively intervening to execute a sentence against Babylon's idolatry, implying a precise and deliberate act of divine justice against their false gods and the system they represent.
* **graven images (Hebrew, _pᵉçîyl'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to carve" or "to hew," this term specifically refers to sculpted or carved idols, typically made of wood, stone, or metal. By targeting these "graven images," the prophecy directly attacks the heart of Babylonian polytheism and its perceived spiritual power, demonstrating the LORD's absolute supremacy over all humanly constructed deities and challenging the very foundation of Babylon's religious and political identity.
* **wounded (Hebrew, _châlâl'_):** From a root meaning "pierced" or "profaned," this word describes those who are slain or mortally wounded, often in battle. It vividly portrays the physical devastation and bloodshed that will accompany Babylon's fall. The use of this term emphasizes the brutal and deadly nature of the coming judgment, highlighting the widespread loss of life and severe injury among the Babylonian populace.
* **groan (Hebrew, _ʼânaq'_):** A primitive root meaning "to shriek" or "to cry out in pain." This word powerfully conveys the deep, guttural cries of suffering, agony, and distress that will emanate from the wounded throughout the land. It paints a visceral picture of the widespread anguish and despair that will permeate Babylon as a direct consequence of God's judgment, underscoring the severity and pervasive nature of the impending calamity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine origin and certainty of the prophecy. "Wherefore" connects this specific judgment to the preceding declarations of Babylon's wickedness. "Behold" serves as an exclamation, drawing urgent attention to the impending event. "The days come" indicates a set, appointed time for the fulfillment, emphasizing inevitability. "Saith the LORD" (Hebrew, _nᵉʼum Yᵉhôvâh'_) is a powerful prophetic formula, authenticating the message as a direct utterance from the sovereign God, Yahweh, whose word cannot fail.
* **"that I will do judgment upon her graven images:"**: This segment declares God's direct assault on Babylon's idolatrous religious system. The LORD Himself will "do judgment" (Hebrew, _pâqad'_) upon the very objects of Babylon's worship—its "graven images" (Hebrew, _pᵉçîyl'_). This signifies not merely the destruction of physical idols, but a profound theological victory, demonstrating the impotence of false gods and the absolute supremacy of Yahweh over all rival deities and the spiritual strongholds they represent. It is a direct challenge to Babylon's spiritual foundations.
* **"and through all her land the wounded shall groan."**: This final clause describes the widespread human suffering that will accompany the divine judgment. The phrase "through all her land" (Hebrew, _ʼerets'_) emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the devastation, indicating that no part of Babylon's territory will be spared. The "wounded" (Hebrew, _châlâl'_) refers to those pierced or slain, highlighting the casualties of war. Their "groaning" (Hebrew, _ʼânaq'_) vividly portrays the deep, agonizing cries of pain and despair, painting a grim picture of a nation overwhelmed by physical suffering and death as a direct consequence of God's righteous retribution.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 51:52 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending judgment. The phrase "the days come, saith the LORD" uses **Prophetic Formula** to establish divine authority and the certainty of the pronouncement, lending an air of inevitability to the events described. The imagery of "graven images" being judged and "the wounded shall groan" utilizes vivid **Imagery** to create a stark and visceral picture of destruction and suffering. The juxtaposition of the judgment on lifeless idols with the groans of living people creates a powerful contrast, highlighting the futility of relying on false gods and the severe consequences for those who do. Furthermore, the declaration that judgment will fall "through all her land" employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the comprehensive and inescapable nature of the devastation, suggesting a scale of suffering that will leave no corner untouched. This serves to underscore the totality of God's wrath against a nation steeped in idolatry and oppression.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 51:52 profoundly articulates God's unwavering commitment to justice and His absolute sovereignty over all nations and their false gods. It reveals that idolatry is not merely a misguided practice but an affront to the Creator, incurring His righteous wrath. The suffering of Babylon is a direct consequence of its spiritual rebellion and its role as an oppressor of God's people, demonstrating that divine judgment is both punitive and redemptive, ultimately vindicating the righteous. This passage serves as a timeless reminder that all earthly powers and their self-exalting systems will eventually face the scrutiny of the Almighty, and only the true God, Yahweh, possesses ultimate authority and power.

* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalm/115-4 "Psalm 115:4-8 - The Futility of Idols")
* [Revelation 18:4-8](/revelation/18-4 "Revelation 18:4-8 - The Fall of Babylon")
* [Nahum 1:2-3](/nahum/1-2 "Nahum 1:2-3 - God's Vengeance and Justice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 51:52, though addressed to ancient Babylon, carries profound implications for contemporary life. It challenges us to examine what "graven images" might exist in our own lives or societies—anything that takes the place of God in our affections, trust, or ultimate allegiance. This could manifest as the pursuit of wealth, power, status, comfort, or even self-righteousness, becoming functional idols that promise security or fulfillment apart from the Creator. The verse reminds us that God is actively engaged in the affairs of humanity, and His justice will ultimately prevail over all forms of idolatry and oppression. While we may not witness immediate, dramatic judgments like Babylon's, the principle remains: diverting worship from the one true God leads to spiritual barrenness and, ultimately, a form of groaning—whether internal anguish, societal brokenness, or eternal separation. Our hope lies not in the fleeting strength of human constructs or false gods, but in the enduring sovereignty and redemptive power of the LORD, who calls us to exclusive devotion and righteous living.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "graven images" or functional idols might be subtly influencing my life or our society today, diverting allegiance from God?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment on idolatry and oppression shape my understanding of justice and hope in a broken world?**
* **In what ways might the "groaning" of the wounded manifest in our contemporary world, and how are we called to respond to such suffering in light of God's character?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more exclusive devotion to the LORD, ensuring that no created thing takes His rightful place in my heart?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "graven images" in this prophecy against Babylon?**

Answer: The "graven images" (Hebrew, _pᵉçîyl'_) represent the core of Babylon's polytheistic religion and its national identity. Unlike Israel, which worshipped the invisible God, Yahweh, Babylon relied heavily on physical idols believed to embody the presence and power of their many deities, such as Marduk, Ishtar, and Nabu. The prophecy's focus on judging these images signifies a direct assault on Babylon's spiritual foundations, demonstrating the utter impotence of their false gods and the absolute supremacy of the LORD. It's a declaration that Yahweh is not just another god in a pantheon, but the one true God who will dismantle the very symbols of Babylon's perceived strength and spiritual authority, as seen in [Isaiah 46:1-2](/isaiah/46-1 "Isaiah 46:1-2 - Bel and Nebo Bow Down").

**How does the "groaning of the wounded" relate to Babylon's judgment?**

Answer: The "groaning of the wounded" (Hebrew, _ʼânaq'_) vividly portrays the widespread physical suffering, pain, and death that will accompany Babylon's fall. This is not merely a consequence of war, but a direct result of God's righteous judgment against a nation that had oppressed His people and exalted itself against Him. It emphasizes the comprehensive and brutal nature of the divine retribution, indicating that the devastation will be felt throughout the entire land, affecting its populace directly. This suffering serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of national sin and rebellion against the true God, fulfilling the prophetic warnings of widespread calamity (cf. [Jeremiah 50:29](/jeremiah/50-29 "Jeremiah 50:29 - Babylon's Deserved Punishment")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 51:52 speaks of God's judgment on ancient Babylon's idolatry and oppression, it finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The judgment on "graven images" foreshadows Christ's triumph over all spiritual principalities and powers, dismantling the idols of the human heart and the systems of the world that compete for ultimate allegiance. Just as Babylon's idols proved powerless, so too are all false gods and worldly systems rendered futile before the reigning Christ. The "groaning of the wounded" points forward to the ultimate suffering of humanity under the curse of sin, a suffering that Christ uniquely took upon Himself on the cross. He became the "wounded" one, bearing the judgment for humanity's idolatry and rebellion, so that through His sacrifice, those who believe might find redemption and liberation from the groaning of sin and death. His resurrection and ascension signify the final triumph over all earthly powers and spiritual strongholds, establishing His eternal kingdom where true justice and worship prevail, as prophesied in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities") and ultimately realized in the new heavens and new earth where there will be no more groaning or pain ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears or Pain")).

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 51:47

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.

Jeremiah 50:38

A drought [is] upon her waters; and they shall be dried up: for it [is] the land of graven images, and they are mad upon [their] idols.

Ezekiel 30:24

And I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon, and put my sword in his hand: but I will break Pharaoh's arms, and he shall groan before him with the groanings of a deadly wounded [man].

Isaiah 13:15

Every one that is found shall be thrust through; and every one that is joined [unto them] shall fall by the sword.

Isaiah 13:16

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

Daniel 5:30

¶ In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain.

Daniel 5:31

And Darius the Median took the kingdom, [being] about threescore and two years old.