Jeremiah 51:6

KJV

Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this [is] the time of the LORD'S vengeance; he will render unto her a recompence.

KJV (with Strong's)

Flee out {H5127} of the midst {H8432} of Babylon {H894}, and deliver {H4422} every man {H376} his soul {H5315}: be not cut off {H1826} in her iniquity {H5771}; for this is the time {H6256} of the LORD'S {H3068} vengeance {H5360}; he will render {H7999} unto her a recompence {H1576}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Flee from Bavel, let each one save his life! Don't perish because of her guilt. For the time has come for the vengeance of ADONAI; he will repay her what she deserves.

Berean Standard Bible

Flee from Babylon! Escape with your lives! Do not be destroyed in her punishment. For this is the time of the LORD’s vengeance; He will pay her what she deserves.

American Standard Version

Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and save every man his life; be not cut off in her iniquity: for it is the time of Jehovah’s vengeance; he will render unto her a recompense.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 51:6 issues an urgent, divinely mandated call for God's people to physically and spiritually separate themselves from Babylon, a city and empire marked for imminent and devastating divine judgment. The verse underscores the critical necessity for each individual to secure their own deliverance, warning against the peril of remaining entangled in Babylon's pervasive iniquity, as the appointed time for the LORD's righteous vengeance and comprehensive recompense against this oppressive power has definitively arrived.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Jeremiah's extensive prophetic oracle against Babylon, which encompasses chapters 50-51. This lengthy and detailed prophecy serves as a dramatic reversal, declaring the complete downfall of the very empire God had previously used as His instrument of judgment against Judah. Following the seventy-year period of Judah's captivity and the promise of their eventual return, these chapters pivot to emphasize God's unwavering sovereignty and justice, holding Babylon accountable for its profound pride, rampant idolatry, and excessive cruelty towards His chosen people. The imperative to "Flee out of the midst of Babylon" functions as a climactic and urgent warning within this larger oracle, compelling the exiles to escape before the full unleashing of divine wrath, a motif that resonates with similar calls for separation found throughout biblical prophetic literature.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's prophetic ministry unfolded during a tumultuous period in the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, witnessing the decline of the Assyrian Empire and the meteoric rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar. It was Babylon that conquered Judah, brutally destroyed Jerusalem and its sacred Temple, and forcibly deported a significant portion of its inhabitants into exile. This historical backdrop lends immense weight and poignancy to the prophecy against Babylon for the exiled Judeans. Culturally, Babylon was renowned as a sprawling metropolis, a global center of immense power, unparalleled wealth, and deeply entrenched polytheistic worship. Its monumental temples and towering ziggurats stood as potent symbols of its might and pervasive idolatry. Consequently, the divine command to flee was not merely a logistical instruction for physical evacuation but a profound spiritual imperative to disassociate entirely from a culture and system fundamentally antithetical to Yahweh, thereby reasserting the distinct covenant identity of God's people amidst a dominant pagan empire.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 51:6 powerfully articulates several foundational themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader sweep of biblical theology. A primary theme is **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, vividly demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over nations, holding even the most formidable empires accountable for their actions. Babylon, despite being God's instrument, overstepped its divine mandate and is now subjected to His righteous "vengeance" and "recompense" for its profound iniquity and arrogant defiance (compare [Jeremiah 50:29](/jeremiah/50-29 "Jeremiah 50:29 - Babylon's Punishment for Pride")). Another crucial theme is **Separation and Deliverance**, as the emphatic command to "Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul" underscores God's unwavering desire to preserve a righteous remnant from the impending judgment destined for the wicked. This imperative highlights the spiritual and practical necessity of disassociating from systems and practices that are inherently hostile to God, a theme consistently echoed in other biblical calls to "come out" (e.g., [Isaiah 48:20](/isaiah/48-20 "Isaiah 48:20 - Call to Flee Babylon")). Finally, the verse powerfully conveys the **Consequences of Iniquity**, serving as a stark warning that those who remain intertwined with a condemned system will inevitably share in its catastrophic fate, thereby emphasizing that God's justice is precise and comprehensive, ensuring that "the time of the LORD'S vengeance" will bring a just and decisive end to all unrighteousness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Flee (Hebrew, _nûwç'_):** This primitive root (H5127) signifies a rapid, urgent departure or escape, typically from imminent danger or an enemy. It conveys a sense of desperate flight for survival, emphasizing the immediate and critical nature of the command. It is not a leisurely relocation but a hasty, life-preserving withdrawal from an impending catastrophe.
* **cut off (Hebrew, _dâmam'_):** Derived from a primitive root (H1826) meaning "to be dumb" or "to stop," this word, particularly in its Niphal stem (passive voice), means "to be cut down," "to perish," or "to be silenced." In this context, it vividly conveys the idea of being utterly destroyed, brought to an abrupt end, or annihilated, highlighting the fatal consequence of remaining in Babylon during its divine judgment. It speaks to a complete cessation of existence or activity within that condemned context.
* **recompence (Hebrew, _gᵉmûwl'_):** From the root _gāmal_ (H1576), meaning to deal out or to complete, this noun refers to treatment, an act (whether good or ill), or requital. Here, it denotes the just and deserved repayment or retribution for Babylon's actions. It signifies a full and equitable settlement of accounts, ensuring that Babylon receives precisely what its deeds warrant from God's righteous hand.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Flee out of the midst of Babylon":** This is a direct, urgent, and non-negotiable command, expressed in the imperative mood, for the people of God to physically evacuate Babylon. The term "midst" (Hebrew, _tâvek_) emphasizes leaving the very core or center of the city, signifying a complete and decisive separation from its influence and its impending doom.
* **"and deliver every man his soul":** This clause powerfully reinforces the personal responsibility and extreme urgency inherent in the command. "Deliver" (Hebrew, _mâlaṭ_) means to escape or rescue, while "soul" (Hebrew, _nephesh_) refers to one's very life, being, or self. The phrasing highlights that each individual is personally accountable for securing their own survival and spiritual preservation by immediately heeding the divine warning.
* **"be not cut off in her iniquity":** This is a strong negative injunction, serving as a solemn warning against the dire consequences of disobedience or lingering. To "be cut off" (Hebrew, _dâmam_) means to perish, be silenced, or utterly destroyed, indicating a shared and catastrophic fate with Babylon. The crucial phrase "in her iniquity" (Hebrew, _ʻâvôn_) directly links the impending destruction to Babylon's moral evil and perversity, emphatically conveying that proximity to unrepentant sin inevitably leads to participation in its judgment.
* **"for this is the time of the LORD'S vengeance; he will render unto her a recompence.":** This final, declarative clause provides the divine rationale and irrefutable justification for the preceding urgent command and warning. It unequivocally states that God's appointed "time" (Hebrew, _ʻêth_) for "vengeance" (Hebrew, _nᵉqâmâh_) has arrived. This "vengeance" is understood not as human revenge, but as God's righteous, sovereign justice. The LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh_) Himself will "render" (Hebrew, _shâlam_, meaning to make complete or pay back) a full and just "recompence" (Hebrew, _gᵉmûwl_) to Babylon, ensuring a precise and complete repayment for all its deeds.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 51:6 is profoundly impactful due to its strategic use of various literary devices. The most prominent device is the **Imperative Mood**, evident in the commands "Flee" and "deliver," which conveys the absolute urgency, authority, and non-negotiable nature of God's directive. The phrase "deliver every man his soul" employs **Synecdoche**, where "soul" (Hebrew, _nephesh_) represents the entire person or their very life, thereby emphasizing individual responsibility for self-preservation. **Personification** is subtly integrated as Babylon is treated as an entity capable of possessing "iniquity" and receiving "recompence," giving the abstract concept of a nation moral agency. The verse also explicitly utilizes **Divine Retribution** as a central thematic device, stating that the impending destruction is God's "vengeance" and "recompence," powerfully underscoring His sovereign and unyielding justice. Furthermore, the stark contrast between the urgent call to flee and the dire warning "be not cut off" creates a compelling **Antithesis**, sharply highlighting the two mutually exclusive outcomes contingent upon obedience or disobedience to the divine warning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 51:6 stands as a profound declaration of God's unwavering justice and His protective, redemptive care for His people amidst a world steeped in rebellion and sin. It underscores the foundational theological truth that while God may sovereignly use nations as instruments of His will, He ultimately holds them fully accountable for their actions, particularly when they exceed their divine mandate or act with unbridled pride and cruelty against His chosen ones. The urgent call to "flee" and "deliver every man his soul" encapsulates a timeless principle of spiritual separation, compelling believers across all ages to disassociate themselves from systems, ideologies, and practices that are antithetical to God's kingdom and are ultimately destined for His righteous judgment. This divine imperative highlights God's passionate desire to preserve a pure and faithful remnant, ensuring that His people do not partake in the devastating consequences of the world's pervasive iniquity. It offers profound reassurance to believers that despite the temporary triumph of evil, God's "time of vengeance" will inevitably arrive, bringing righteous recompense to all who defiantly oppose Him.

* [Isaiah 48:20](/isaiah/48-20 "Isaiah 48:20 - Call to Flee Babylon")
* [Revelation 18:4](/revelation/18-4 "Revelation 18:4 - Call to Come Out of Babylon")
* [2 Corinthians 6:17](/2_corinthians/6-17 "2 Corinthians 6:17 - Call to Separation from the World")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 51:6 transcends its specific historical context to offer timeless and profoundly relevant principles for believers today. The urgent call to "flee out of the midst of Babylon" serves as a powerful and enduring metaphor for the Christian's imperative to actively separate from the corrupting influences, values, and systems of the fallen world. This is not merely a physical withdrawal, but a profound spiritual and moral disengagement from anything that stands in opposition to God's truth, righteousness, and sovereign will. It compels us to critically examine our allegiances, our priorities, and even our comforts, prompting us to ask whether we are truly distinct from the "Babylon" of our contemporary age—be it rampant materialism, pervasive secularism, or any ideology that denies God's authority and character. The solemn warning "be not cut off in her iniquity" serves as a stark reminder that compromise with sin, whether active or passive, inevitably leads to shared consequences, emphasizing the vital importance of holiness, discernment, and unwavering obedience for our spiritual preservation. Ultimately, the verse instills profound confidence in God's perfect and unwavering justice, assuring us that while evil may appear to prosper for a season, His "time of vengeance" will assuredly come, bringing ultimate recompense and vindication for His faithful people. This liberating truth should motivate us to live with a renewed sense of urgency, spiritual discernment, and unwavering faithfulness, trusting implicitly in the Lord's ultimate triumph over all unrighteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What contemporary "Babylons"—be they cultural values, societal pressures, or personal habits—is God calling me to "flee" or spiritually separate from?**
* **In what subtle or overt ways might I be at risk of being "cut off in her iniquity" by compromising my faith, values, or commitment to Christ?**
* **How does the assurance of God's ultimate "vengeance" and "recompence" against evil strengthen my trust and hope in His perfect justice, especially when it seems delayed or unseen?**

### FAQ
**How is the command to "flee out of Babylon" relevant for Christians today, given that ancient Babylon no longer exists as a literal city or empire?**

Answer: While ancient Babylon was indeed a literal city and empire, its portrayal in the prophetic books of Jeremiah and particularly in Revelation transforms it into a powerful and enduring symbol. For Christians today, "Babylon" represents any system, culture, or ideology that stands in active rebellion against God, characterized by pride, idolatry, oppression, and pervasive moral corruption. Therefore, the command to "flee out of the midst of Babylon" (cf. [Revelation 18:4](/revelation/18-4 "Revelation 18:4 - Call to Come Out of Babylon")) becomes a timeless and universal call for spiritual and moral separation. It urges believers to discern and actively disengage from worldly values, practices, and influences that are contrary to God's kingdom and are ultimately destined for divine judgment. This involves living a distinctively Christ-like life, actively resisting conformity to ungodly patterns, and prioritizing absolute allegiance to Christ above all else, thereby ensuring one is not "cut off" in the world's iniquity but preserved by God's grace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 51:6 finds its profound and ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in a historical, physical exodus from a literal city, but in the spiritual deliverance and radical separation offered exclusively through Jesus Christ. The urgent prophetic call to "Flee out of the midst of Babylon" powerfully foreshadows the New Testament's imperative for believers to "come out" from the world's system of sin, spiritual darkness, and rebellion, finding their ultimate refuge and salvation solely in Christ (cf. [2 Corinthians 6:17](/2_corinthians/6-17 "2 Corinthians 6:17 - Call to Separation from the World")). Just as the ancient Israelites were commanded to escape Babylon's impending judgment, so too are believers called to escape the condemnation awaiting a world alienated from God, a judgment that will be fully and finally revealed at Christ's glorious return. Jesus Himself is the ultimate "deliverer" who graciously saves "every man his soul" from the oppressive dominion of sin and the tyranny of death (cf. [Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Deliverance from the Domain of Darkness")). The "time of the LORD'S vengeance" against Babylon points directly to the final, comprehensive, and righteous judgment that Christ, as the appointed and sovereign Judge, will execute upon all unrighteousness, rebellion, and those who do not know God at His second coming (cf. [2 Thessalonians 1:7-8](/2_thessalonians/1-7 "2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 - Vengeance on Those Who Do Not Know God")). He is the one who will "render unto her a recompence," ensuring that every act of iniquity receives its just and perfect due, while simultaneously bringing eternal recompense, reward, and salvation to all who have fled to Him for refuge and placed their faith in His atoning work (cf. [Revelation 22:12](/revelation/22-12 "Revelation 22:12 - Jesus Brings Reward")). Thus, Jeremiah 51:6 ultimately points beyond a historical event to Christ as the only means of escape from ultimate judgment and the singular source of true deliverance and eternal life for all who believe.

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 50:8

Remove out of the midst of Babylon, and go forth out of the land of the Chaldeans, and be as the he goats before the flocks.

Jeremiah 50:15

Shout against her round about: she hath given her hand: her foundations are fallen, her walls are thrown down: for it [is] the vengeance of the LORD: take vengeance upon her; as she hath done, do unto her.

Jeremiah 50:28

The voice of them that flee and escape out of the land of Babylon, to declare in Zion the vengeance of the LORD our God, the vengeance of his temple.

Jeremiah 25:14

For many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of them also: and I will recompense them according to their deeds, and according to the works of their own hands.

Jeremiah 51:45

My people, go ye out of the midst of her, and deliver ye every man his soul from the fierce anger of the LORD.

Numbers 16:26

And he spake unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins.

Jeremiah 51:9

We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: forsake her, and let us go every one into his own country: for her judgment reacheth unto heaven, and is lifted up [even] to the skies.