Jeremiah 51:61

KJV

And Jeremiah said to Seraiah, When thou comest to Babylon, and shalt see, and shalt read all these words;

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jeremiah {H3414} said {H559} to Seraiah {H8304}, When thou comest {H935} to Babylon {H894}, and shalt see {H7200}, and shalt read {H7121} all these words {H1697};

Complete Jewish Bible

Yirmeyahu said to S'rayah, "See to it that when you arrive in Bavel you read all these words aloud. Then say,

Berean Standard Bible

And Jeremiah said to Seraiah, “When you get to Babylon, see that you read all these words aloud,

American Standard Version

And Jeremiah said to Seraiah, When thou comest to Babylon, then see that thou read all these words,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 51:61 records the prophet Jeremiah's precise instructions to Seraiah, a royal official, regarding a scroll containing God's comprehensive prophecy of judgment against Babylon. This verse initiates a symbolic act designed to publicly declare and underscore the absolute certainty of divine retribution against the mighty Babylonian Empire, emphasizing that God's word, once spoken, will inevitably come to pass.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a pivotal concluding instruction within Jeremiah's extensive prophecy against Babylon, which spans chapters 50 and 51. These chapters constitute a distinct oracle, detailing Babylon's impending destruction as divine judgment for its pride, idolatry, and its cruel oppression of God's people, Judah. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 51:59-60) introduce Seraiah and the scroll, setting the stage for the specific command given in verse 61. The subsequent verses (Jeremiah 51:62-64) describe the culmination of Seraiah's mission: the reading of the scroll, its binding to a stone, and its symbolic casting into the Euphrates River, a powerful visual representation of Babylon's irreversible downfall. This entire sequence underscores the finality and certainty of God's pronouncements against the empire that had brought Judah to ruin.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instruction to Seraiah occurred in the fourth year of King Zedekiah's reign (approximately 593 BC). At this time, Judah was a vassal state under Babylonian rule, having already endured one deportation (597 BC), with the final destruction of Jerusalem and the temple still seven years away (586 BC). Jeremiah's prophecy was delivered during a period of intense political tension and false hope among the Judean exiles and those remaining in Jerusalem, who often believed Babylon would not fall. Sending Seraiah, a "quiet prince" or "chief chamberlain" (Jeremiah 51:59), to Babylon itself was a bold and dangerous act. It was a direct confrontation with the dominant world power, declaring God's sovereignty over all nations, even in the heart of the enemy's territory. The act of reading a public scroll and performing a symbolic deed was a common prophetic practice in ancient Israel, designed to make God's message tangible and unforgettable.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 51:61 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, demonstrating God's absolute control over nations and His capacity to raise up and bring down empires according to His righteous purposes. Even the most formidable empire of the day, Babylon, was merely an instrument in God's hand, subject to His ultimate reckoning for its wickedness (see [Jeremiah 25:12](/jeremiah/25-12 "Jeremiah 25:12 - Babylon's Desolation")). Secondly, the verse underscores **The Power and Certainty of God's Word**. Jeremiah's command for Seraiah to read "all these words" emphasizes the authority and infallibility of God's prophetic declarations. The message was not just for Judah but for Babylon itself, signifying that God's word would indeed come to pass, regardless of how improbable it might seem to human eyes. This echoes the broader theme of [God watching over His word to perform it](/jeremiah/1-12 "Jeremiah 1:12 - God Watches Over His Word"). Lastly, it exemplifies **Prophetic Action and Symbolism**, as Seraiah's mission was a direct, physical embodiment of the prophetic message, making the abstract concept of judgment tangible and impactful, culminating in the dramatic symbolic destruction of the scroll (see [Jeremiah 51:64](/jeremiah/51-64 "Jeremiah 51:64 - The Symbolic Sinking of Babylon")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jeremiah (Hebrew, _Yirmᵉyâh'_):** from רוּם and יָהּ; Jah will rise; Jirmejah, the name of eight or nine Israelites; Jeremiah. The prophet's name itself, meaning "Yahweh will rise" or "Yahweh establishes," carries significant weight. In this context, it subtly foreshadows the rising of Yahweh's judgment against Babylon, which Jeremiah is commissioned to declare. His identity as the messenger underscores the divine origin and authority of the message.
* **said (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. The verb "said" (ʼâmar) signifies a direct, authoritative utterance. It's not merely a suggestion but a command, emphasizing the divine imperative behind Seraiah's mission. This word highlights the prophetic office as one of declaring God's explicit will.
* **read (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** a primitive root (rather identical with קָרָא through the idea of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications); bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. The instruction to "read" (qârâʼ) is crucial. It implies not just a private perusal but a public proclamation, a "calling out" or "proclaiming" of the words. This act transforms the written prophecy into an audible declaration, ensuring its message is heard and understood, even in the heart of the enemy's territory. It signifies the formal delivery of God's verdict.
* **words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** from דָבַר; a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause; act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. The term "words" (dâbâr) here refers to the entire prophetic scroll against Babylon (Jeremiah 50-51). It encompasses not just individual utterances but the complete "matter" or "affair" of God's detailed judgment. The comprehensive nature of these "words" underscores the thoroughness and certainty of Babylon's coming destruction, leaving no doubt about the divine decree.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jeremiah said to Seraiah":** This opening clause establishes the direct, authoritative command from the prophet Jeremiah, acting as God's messenger, to Seraiah. Seraiah, identified in Jeremiah 51:59 as a "quiet prince" or "chief chamberlain," was a person of standing, which lent gravity and official weight to his dangerous mission. The instruction is personal and specific, indicating a deliberate divine appointment for this task.
* **"When thou comest to Babylon":** This sets the geographical context for the prophetic act. Seraiah was to travel to the very heart of the empire that had conquered Judah. This journey to Babylon itself was a bold and confrontational act, signifying that God's judgment would reach the oppressor in their own domain, not just be declared from afar. It implies a direct, in-person delivery of the divine verdict.
* **"and shalt see":** The instruction to "see" implies a direct observation of Babylon's power and perhaps its wickedness. It suggests that Seraiah was to be an eyewitness to the environment against which God's judgment was pronounced. This seeing would likely reinforce the magnitude of the task and the audacity of God's message against such a formidable empire. It also prepares for the subsequent action, as seeing the city would make the reading and symbolic act more potent.
* **"and shalt read all these words":** This is the core instruction. "All these words" refers to the entire scroll of prophecy against Babylon (Jeremiah 50-51). Seraiah was not to merely deliver the scroll but to actively "read" or proclaim its contents. This public declaration, even if to a small group, was a formal pronouncement of God's sovereign decree within Babylon itself, ensuring the message was heard and its authority recognized, setting the stage for the dramatic symbolic act described in the following verses.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 51:61 employs several powerful literary devices. The primary device is **Prophetic Instruction**, where Jeremiah, as God's mouthpiece, issues a precise command to Seraiah. This highlights the divine origin and authority of the message, emphasizing that the prophet is merely a conduit for God's will. The verse also functions as **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the dramatic symbolic act described in Jeremiah 51:62-64, where the scroll is cast into the Euphrates. This act vividly portrays the future destruction of Babylon, making the abstract concept of judgment tangible. Furthermore, the very act of sending a messenger to Babylon with a scroll of judgment is a form of **Dramatic Irony**, as the mighty empire, unaware of its impending doom, receives its verdict from a seemingly insignificant vassal state. This underscores God's ultimate sovereignty over human empires, regardless of their perceived power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 51:61 profoundly illustrates the unwavering certainty of God's prophetic word and His sovereign control over human history. It teaches that no nation, however mighty, is beyond the scope of divine justice, and that God meticulously orchestrates events to fulfill His declared purposes. The sending of Seraiah with a scroll of judgment into the heart of Babylon is a powerful testament to God's commitment to His promises—both of judgment for the wicked and ultimate restoration for His people. This act declares that God's word is not merely abstract pronouncements but active, living decrees that will inevitably come to pass, shaping the destinies of empires and individuals alike.

* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons, Removes and Sets Up Kings")
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Word of God is Living and Active")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 51:61 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God remains sovereign over all earthly powers and that His word is utterly dependable. In a world often characterized by political upheaval, economic instability, and the rise and fall of nations, this verse provides a steadfast anchor: God's ultimate plan will prevail. We are called to trust in His divine justice, knowing that every act of pride, oppression, and rebellion will ultimately face His reckoning. This truth should inspire both comfort and courage—comfort in knowing that our God is in control, and courage to speak His truth, even when it challenges prevailing narratives or powerful systems, much like Seraiah was sent to the heart of Babylon. It encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, investing our lives in God's kingdom rather than fleeting earthly empires.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment against Babylon, as highlighted in this verse, strengthen your faith in the reliability of God's promises today?**
* **In what areas of your life or in the world around you do you need to trust more deeply in God's sovereign control over seemingly insurmountable powers?**
* **What "words" (truths from God's Word) might God be calling you to "read" or proclaim, even in challenging or unreceptive environments?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of Seraiah's mission to Babylon?**

Answer: Seraiah's mission was profoundly significant. He was tasked not merely with delivering a message, but with performing a prophetic act. By traveling to Babylon and publicly reading the scroll containing God's detailed judgment against the empire, he was declaring God's sovereign authority directly into the heart of the enemy's territory. This act, culminating in the symbolic casting of the scroll into the Euphrates (as described in [Jeremiah 51:64](/jeremiah/51-64 "Jeremiah 51:64 - The Symbolic Sinking of Babylon")), served as a powerful, tangible demonstration of the certainty and irreversibility of Babylon's impending destruction. It underscored that God's word would be fulfilled, regardless of the empire's perceived might.

**Why did Jeremiah send a scroll to Babylon instead of just prophesying from Judah?**

Answer: Sending a physical scroll to be read within Babylon served multiple purposes. Firstly, it provided a concrete, undeniable witness to God's judgment against the empire, ensuring the message was delivered directly to its intended audience, even if only to a select few. Secondly, it emphasized the comprehensive nature of the prophecy ("all these words"), signifying that God's verdict was fully articulated and final. Thirdly, it set the stage for the powerful symbolic act of casting the scroll into the Euphrates, which would visually represent Babylon's sinking and utter destruction (see [Jeremiah 51:63](/jeremiah/51-63 "Jeremiah 51:63 - The Binding of the Scroll")). This prophetic action made the abstract concept of divine judgment tangible and unforgettable, reinforcing the absolute certainty of God's word, much like other symbolic acts performed by prophets like Ezekiel (e.g., [Ezekiel 4:1-17](/ezekiel/4 "Ezekiel 4 - Ezekiel's Symbolic Acts")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 51:61, while specifically detailing God's judgment against ancient Babylon, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "words" of judgment against Babylon foreshadow the ultimate and final judgment that will be executed by Christ. Just as Jeremiah's prophecy declared God's sovereign rule over earthly kingdoms, Christ's coming establishes His eternal kingdom and His absolute authority over all powers, visible and invisible (see [Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). The certainty of God's word being fulfilled, as seen in Babylon's fall, points to the even greater certainty of Christ's return to judge the living and the dead and establish His righteous reign (as proclaimed in [Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God Has Fixed a Day of Judgment by Christ")). Furthermore, the symbolic act of a scroll being delivered and read, carrying a message of divine decree, finds its spiritual parallel in Christ Himself being the living Word of God (as described in [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God") and [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He is the ultimate declaration of God's will, both in judgment against sin and in the offer of salvation. Through His death and resurrection, Christ has triumphed over all earthly and spiritual powers, ensuring that every word of God, whether of judgment or grace, will be perfectly fulfilled in Him (as affirmed in [Matthew 5:18](/matthew/5-18 "Matthew 5:18 - Not the Smallest Letter Will Pass Away")).

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

Colossians 4:16

And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the [epistle] from Laodicea.

Mark 13:1

¶ And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings [are here]!

1 Thessalonians 4:18

Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Revelation 1:3

¶ Blessed [is] he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time [is] at hand.

Matthew 24:1

¶ And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to [him] for to shew him the buildings of the temple.

Jeremiah 29:1

¶ Now these [are] the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem unto the residue of the elders which were carried away captives, and to the priests, and to the prophets, and to all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon;

Jeremiah 29:2

(After that Jeconiah the king, and the queen, and the eunuchs, the princes of Judah and Jerusalem, and the carpenters, and the smiths, were departed from Jerusalem;)