Jeremiah 51:55

KJV

Because the LORD hath spoiled Babylon, and destroyed out of her the great voice; when her waves do roar like great waters, a noise of their voice is uttered:

KJV (with Strong's)

Because the LORD {H3068} hath spoiled {H7703} Babylon {H894}, and destroyed {H6} out of her the great {H1419} voice {H6963}; when her waves {H1530} do roar {H1993} like great {H7227} waters {H4325}, a noise {H7588} of their voice {H6963} is uttered {H5414}:

Complete Jewish Bible

For ADONAI is plundering Bavel and silencing her noisy din their waves roar like the raging ocean, their clamor sounds and resounds.

Berean Standard Bible

For the LORD will destroy Babylon; He will silence her mighty voice. The waves will roar like great waters; the tumult of their voices will resound.

American Standard Version

For Jehovah layeth Babylon waste, and destroyeth out of her the great voice; and their waves roar like many waters; the noise of their voice is uttered:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 51:55 delivers a profound prophetic declaration concerning the comprehensive and irreversible judgment of Babylon by the sovereign LORD. The verse vividly portrays the transition from Babylon's former state of boisterous grandeur and oppressive power to one of utter desolation and chaotic ruin. It underscores the divine agency behind Babylon's downfall, where the vibrant sounds of a thriving empire are replaced by the tumultuous roar of destruction, signifying the complete silencing of its influence and might.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 51:55 is embedded within a lengthy prophetic oracle against Babylon, spanning chapters 50 and 51 of the book of Jeremiah. This extensive section serves as a divine counter-narrative to Babylon's perceived invincibility, immediately following Jeremiah's pronouncements of judgment against Judah. Having used Babylon as an instrument of divine discipline against His own people, God now turns His righteous wrath upon Babylon itself for its excessive cruelty, idolatry, and arrogant defiance against Him. The preceding verses in chapter 51 detail the various facets of Babylon's impending destruction—its fall, the desolation of its land, and the silencing of its idols. Verse 55 acts as a summary statement and a theological explanation for the "why" behind this cataclysmic event, asserting that the LORD Himself is the active agent in Babylon's undoing, replacing its former "great voice" with the noise of its demise. This prophecy highlights the divine irony: the very nation God used to punish His people is now judged for its hubris and unbridled violence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this prophecy, Babylon was the dominant superpower in the ancient Near East, having conquered Judah and destroyed Jerusalem in 586 BC. Its capital, Babylon, was renowned for its immense size, formidable walls, and impressive architectural achievements, including the Hanging Gardens and the ziggurat, which likely inspired the Tower of Babel narrative. The city was a bustling center of commerce, military power, and polytheistic worship, characterized by a vibrant, often raucous, urban environment. The "great voice" mentioned in the verse would have resonated with the sounds of its markets, its military parades, its religious festivals, and the pronouncements of its mighty rulers. The prophecy of its destruction by northern nations, specifically the Medes and Persians, anticipates the historical events of 539 BC when Cyrus the Great captured the city. The imagery of "waves" and "roaring" might also subtly allude to Babylon's location on the Euphrates River, which could be harnessed for defense or, conversely, become an instrument in its downfall, mirroring the chaos of a river in flood.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 51:55 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**. The repeated emphasis on "the LORD hath spoiled Babylon" underscores that this is not merely a geopolitical shift but a divinely orchestrated act, demonstrating God's absolute control over the rise and fall of nations, as seen in the prophetic declaration that [God removes kings and sets up kings](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"). Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **The Fall of the Arrogant**. Babylon, a quintessential symbol of human pride, oppressive power, and idolatry, is brought low, illustrating the biblical principle that [pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride and Destruction"). Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of **Desolation and Reversal**. The vibrant "great voice" of Babylon is silenced, replaced by the chaotic "roar" of destruction, signifying a complete reversal of its former glory and oppressive influence. This anticipates the ultimate silence and desolation described in apocalyptic prophecies against spiritual Babylon, where [the sound of harps, musicians, flutes, and trumpets will never be heard again](/revelation/18-22 "Revelation 18:22-23 - The Silence of Fallen Babylon").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, H3068, derived from a root meaning "to be," emphasizing His self-existent, eternal, and unchanging nature. In this context, the use of "LORD" (Jehovah) is crucial as it identifies the divine agent behind Babylon's destruction, asserting that this is not a random event or merely the result of human conflict, but a deliberate act of the sovereign God of Israel. It underscores His faithfulness to His covenant people and His righteous judgment against those who oppose His purposes and oppress His chosen ones.
* **voice (Hebrew, _qôwl'_):** The word H6963, _qôwl_, refers to a voice or sound, encompassing a wide range of auditory phenomena. When coupled with "great" (H1419, _gâdôwl_), "the great voice" signifies the clamor, noise, and authoritative pronouncements associated with a thriving, powerful, and often oppressive empire. It encompasses the sounds of its bustling markets, its military might, its revelry, its decrees, and even the cries of its victims. Its destruction implies the silencing of Babylon's influence, its active life, and its very identity as a dominant force.
* **waves (Hebrew, _gal'_):** The term H1530, _gal_, refers to something rolled, like a heap of stone or a spring of water, and by analogy, waves or billows. In this verse, "her waves" refers to the tumultuous, overwhelming forces of destruction that will engulf Babylon. The imagery evokes the irresistible power and destructive force of a massive flood or raging sea, symbolizing the invading armies or the sheer chaos of its downfall. This powerful natural metaphor conveys the magnitude and inevitability of Babylon's judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because the LORD hath spoiled Babylon,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine rationale and agency for the impending judgment. The verb "spoiled" (Hebrew _shâdad_, H7703) means to ravage or destroy, indicating a complete and devastating act. It unequivocally states that Babylon's downfall is not coincidental but a direct, intentional act initiated by Yahweh, the God of Israel, as a consequence of Babylon's actions and its opposition to His divine will.
* **"and destroyed out of her the great voice;"**: This phrase describes a primary outcome of the LORD's spoiling. "Destroyed" (Hebrew _ʼâbad_, H6) means to perish or cause to perish. The "great voice" refers to the collective sounds of Babylon's power, prosperity, and pride—its military shouts, its market clamor, its celebratory revelry, and its authoritative pronouncements. This destruction signifies the silencing of Babylon's influence, its vibrant life, and its very identity as a dominant and oppressive force.
* **"when her waves do roar like great waters,"**: This clause introduces a powerful simile, depicting the nature of Babylon's destruction. "Her waves" likely refers to the overwhelming invading armies or the tumultuous chaos of the city's collapse. The comparison to "great waters" and their "roar" (Hebrew _hâmâh_, H1993, to make a loud sound, to be in great commotion) vividly portrays the immense, uncontrollable, and deafening force of the judgment descending upon Babylon, akin to a devastating flood or a raging sea.
* **"a noise of their voice is uttered:"**: This final clause reiterates and amplifies the imagery of the previous one. The "noise" (Hebrew _shâʼôwn_, H7588, uproar, tumult) and "voice" (Hebrew _qôwl_, H6963) here are not the "great voice" of Babylon's former glory, but rather the tumultuous, chaotic sound of its destruction, its lament, or the triumphant shouts of its conquerors. It contrasts sharply with the silenced "great voice," indicating that the only sound left is that of its ruin, a pervasive and inescapable reality of Babylon's new, desolate state.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 51:55 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment. The most prominent is **Simile**, evident in the phrase "her waves do roar like great waters." This comparison vividly depicts the overwhelming and destructive force descending upon Babylon, likening it to an uncontrollable, raging flood or a tumultuous sea. This imagery evokes a sense of chaos, power, and inevitability, emphasizing the sheer magnitude of the impending doom. Another significant device is **Contrast**, where the "great voice" of Babylon, representing its former splendor, power, and bustling life, is juxtaposed with the "noise of their voice" that is "uttered" by its roaring waves. This contrast highlights the dramatic and tragic reversal of Babylon's fortunes, from a vibrant, dominant empire to a scene of tumultuous ruin. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche** when referring to "the great voice" as a representation of Babylon's entire being, its influence, its power, and its very essence. The destruction of this "voice" signifies the complete annihilation of its identity and dominion. The use of strong, evocative verbs like "spoiled," "destroyed," and "roar" also contributes to the verse's powerful and dramatic tone, emphasizing the finality and severity of God's judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 51:55 serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering justice and His ultimate sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms. It reveals that no nation, however mighty or seemingly invincible, is beyond the reach of divine accountability. Babylon, the epitome of human pride and oppressive power, is brought low, not by chance, but by the direct intervention of the LORD. This demonstrates God's commitment to vindicating His people and upholding righteousness, even when His instruments of judgment (like Babylon against Judah) become instruments of injustice themselves. The silencing of Babylon's "great voice" signifies the end of its tyrannical reign and its defiant clamor against God, replaced by the chaotic sounds of its own undoing, a stark reminder that all earthly power is temporary and subject to the divine will.

* [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 46:6](/psalms/46-6 "Psalm 46:6 - God's Voice Melts the Earth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 51:55 offers timeless truths that resonate deeply with believers today. It reminds us that God remains sovereign over all nations and that His justice will ultimately prevail, even against the most formidable and oppressive powers. In a world often marked by injustice, arrogance, and the fleeting nature of human authority, this verse provides a profound sense of comfort and hope. It encourages us to place our ultimate trust not in the strength of human empires or the clamor of worldly voices, but in the eternal and unwavering power of the LORD. It also serves as a sobering warning against pride, reminding us that those who exalt themselves and defy God's righteous standards will inevitably face humbling. Our call, therefore, is to live humbly, to seek justice, and to proclaim the enduring sovereignty of God, knowing that every earthly "great voice" will one day be silenced, and only His voice will stand forever. This truth should inspire us to pray for justice, to stand with the oppressed, and to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that God's kingdom alone is unshakable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of Babylon's "great voice" being silenced speak to the transient nature of all human power and glory?**
* **In what ways might we, individually or corporately, be tempted to rely on our own "great voice" or perceived strength rather than on the sovereignty of the LORD?**
* **How does the prophecy of God's judgment on Babylon strengthen your faith in His justice and His ultimate plan for history, especially when faced with present injustices?**

### FAQ
**What does "the great voice" of Babylon refer to?**

Answer:
"The great voice" refers to the collective sounds and expressions of Babylon's power, prosperity, and pride. This would have encompassed the clamor of its vast markets, the shouts of its mighty armies, the sounds of its revelry and idolatrous worship, the authoritative pronouncements of its kings, and even the cries of the oppressed within its empire. The silencing of this "great voice" signifies the complete cessation of Babylon's influence, its active life, and its very identity as a dominant world power, marking a profound reversal of its former glory, as also depicted in the prophetic vision where [the sound of harps, musicians, flutes, and trumpets will never be heard again in Babylon](/revelation/18-22 "Revelation 18:22-23 - The Sounds of Babylon Cease").

**How does God "spoil" and "destroy" Babylon?**

Answer:
The terms "spoiled" (Hebrew _shâdad_, to ravage) and "destroyed" (Hebrew _ʼâbad_, to cause to perish) indicate a comprehensive and devastating act of judgment initiated by the LORD Himself. Historically, this refers to the conquest of Babylon by the Medes and Persians under Cyrus the Great in 539 BC. However, the biblical text emphasizes that these events were not merely geopolitical shifts but divinely orchestrated acts. God used these foreign nations as His instruments to execute judgment upon Babylon for its arrogance, idolatry, and its excessive cruelty towards His people, fulfilling prophecies like those found in [Isaiah 45:1-3](/isaiah/45-1 "Isaiah 45:1-3 - Cyrus, God's Anointed"), where Cyrus is called God's "anointed."

**What is the significance of "her waves do roar like great waters"?**

Answer:
This is a powerful simile that vividly portrays the overwhelming and irresistible force of the judgment descending upon Babylon. The "waves" likely symbolize the invading armies that would sweep over Babylon, or the sheer chaos and destruction that would engulf the city. The "roaring like great waters" evokes the sound and power of a devastating flood or a tumultuous sea, conveying the magnitude, inevitability, and terrifying nature of Babylon's downfall. It contrasts sharply with the "great voice" of Babylon's former glory, replacing it with the sound of its ruin, a common biblical motif for overwhelming judgment, as seen in [Psalm 93:4](/psalms/93-4 "Psalm 93:4 - The Lord is Mightier than the Waves"), which declares the Lord's might is greater than the roar of many waters.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 51:55 directly prophesies the historical downfall of ancient Babylon, its theological resonance extends far beyond that singular event, pointing ultimately to the triumph of Christ over all oppressive powers and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. Babylon, throughout Scripture, becomes a symbol of human rebellion, idolatry, and any system that exalts itself against God and oppresses His people. The "great voice" of Babylon, representing its worldly power and defiant clamor, finds its ultimate silencing in the victory of Christ. Just as the LORD spoiled and destroyed ancient Babylon, so too does Christ, the true King, conquer all spiritual and earthly strongholds that oppose God's reign. The roaring "waves" of judgment that engulfed Babylon foreshadow the final judgment that Christ will execute upon all unrighteousness and every kingdom of this world that stands in defiance of God's will. The ultimate "noise" that is "uttered" will not be the chaotic roar of destruction, but the triumphant shouts of Christ's victory and the worship of His redeemed people, as seen in the New Testament's portrayal of the fall of "Babylon the Great" in [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon the Great") and the establishment of God's eternal city where only His voice, and the voices of His redeemed, will resound ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heaven and New Earth")). Through Christ, the Lamb of God, the ultimate oppressor, sin, and death, have been spoiled and destroyed, ensuring that His kingdom, unlike any earthly empire, will have no end ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom will have no end")). He is the one who has [overcome the world](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World"), silencing the clamor of its rebellion and establishing an eternal reign of peace and justice.

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 25:10

Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the candle.

Psalms 93:3

The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves.

Psalms 93:4

The LORD on high [is] mightier than the noise of many waters, [yea, than] the mighty waves of the sea.

Jeremiah 51:42

The sea is come up upon Babylon: she is covered with the multitude of the waves thereof.

Psalms 65:7

Which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people.

Psalms 18:4

The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.

Isaiah 15:1

¶ The burden of Moab. Because in the night Ar of Moab is laid waste, [and] brought to silence; because in the night Kir of Moab is laid waste, [and] brought to silence;