Jeremiah 51:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

We would have healed {H7495} Babylon {H894}, but she is not healed {H7495}: forsake {H5800} her, and let us go {H3212} every one {H376} into his own country {H776}: for her judgment {H4941} reacheth {H5060} unto heaven {H8064}, and is lifted up {H5375} even to the skies {H7834}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"We tried to heal Bavel, but she cannot be healed. So leave her alone, and each of us will return to his own country." For the judgment against her rises to the skies and reaches even the clouds.

Berean Standard Bible

“We tried to heal Babylon, but she could not be healed. Abandon her! Let each of us go to his own land, for her judgment extends to the sky and reaches to the clouds.”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 51:9 serves as a lament and a divine declaration concerning Babylon, asserting that despite any potential desire or effort to mend its ways, its spiritual and moral corruption had become so deeply ingrained as to be incurable. This pronouncement is immediately followed by an urgent call for God's people to abandon the city and return to their homelands, for Babylon's accumulated wickedness and the impending divine judgment against it had reached an overwhelming magnitude, ascending to the very heavens and demanding a decisive response from God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 51:9 is situated within a lengthy prophetic oracle against Babylon, spanning chapters 50 and 51 of the book of Jeremiah. These chapters form a distinct literary unit, detailing God's comprehensive judgment on the nation that had been His instrument of chastisement against Judah but had exceeded its commission through its pride, idolatry, and cruelty. Specifically, verse 9 follows a vivid description of Babylon's sudden fall, depicted in [Jeremiah 51:8](/jeremiah/51-8 "Jeremiah 51:8 - Babylon's Sudden Fall"), and precedes further calls for flight and declarations of God's vengeance, as seen in [Jeremiah 51:10-11](/jeremiah/51-10-11 "Jeremiah 51:10-11 - God's Vengeance and Call to Flee"). The lament "We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed" sets the stage for the imperative to "forsake her," emphasizing the finality of Babylon's doom and the necessity of separation for those who wish to avoid its fate. This section powerfully contrasts Babylon's incurable state with the eventual restoration promised to Israel, underscoring the divine faithfulness to His covenant people amidst the judgment of their oppressors.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Jeremiah were delivered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, leading up to and during the Babylonian exile (605-586 BC). The Neo-Babylonian Empire, under Nebuchadnezzar, had risen to prominence, destroying Jerusalem and carrying its inhabitants into captivity. Culturally, Babylon was renowned for its immense power, its elaborate idolatry (e.g., the worship of Marduk and its numerous temples), its architectural marvels (like the Hanging Gardens and the massive ziggurat, Etemenanki), and its reputation as a global economic and political center. The historical fulfillment of these prophecies occurred in 539 BC when Babylon fell to the Medo-Persian forces under Cyrus the Great, a swift and decisive overthrow. The statement about Babylon's incurable state reflects a divine assessment of a nation that had repeatedly rejected opportunities for repentance and continued in its oppressive and idolatrous practices, thus sealing its own fate through persistent rebellion against the moral order of God.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 51:9 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment** against nations that oppose God and oppress His people. Babylon, though used by God as an instrument of chastisement, is held fully accountable for its own sin and pride. Secondly, the phrase "she is not healed" highlights **Incorrigible Wickedness** or impenitence, suggesting a point of no return where a nation's moral corruption becomes irreversible, making divine intervention through judgment inevitable. This echoes the concept of a hardened heart seen elsewhere in Scripture, such as Pharaoh's heart in [Exodus 7:3](/exodus/7-3 "Exodus 7:3 - Pharaoh's Hardened Heart"). Thirdly, the command to "forsake her, and let us go every one into his own country" emphasizes the theme of **Separation and Exodus** from systems under divine judgment, a crucial message for God's people to avoid partaking in the consequences of sin. This call to flee is reiterated throughout Jeremiah's prophecies against Babylon, as seen in [Jeremiah 50:8](/jeremiah/50-8 "Jeremiah 50:8 - Flee from Babylon") and [Jeremiah 51:6](/jeremiah/51-6 "Jeremiah 51:6 - Flee out of the midst of Babylon"), and finds powerful resonance in later biblical calls for spiritual separation, such as in [Revelation 18:4](/revelation/18-4 "Revelation 18:4 - Come out of her, my people"). Finally, the imagery of judgment reaching "unto heaven, and is lifted up even to the skies" vividly portrays the **Magnitude of Sin**, indicating that Babylon's offenses were not merely earthly transgressions but had accumulated to such a degree that they provoked a direct, cosmic, and heavenly response, reminiscent of the sins of Babel in [Genesis 11:4](/genesis/11-4 "Genesis 11:4 - The Tower of Babel") and the metaphorical Babylon in [Revelation 18:5](/revelation/18-5 "Revelation 18:5 - Babylon's Sins Reach Heaven").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Healed (Hebrew, _râphâʼ_):** This primitive root (H7495) means "to mend (by stitching)," and figuratively, "to cure" or "restore." Its double use in the phrase "We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed" carries profound metaphorical weight. It implies an attempt, perhaps by God or by those who wished for Babylon's reformation, to bring about moral, spiritual, or even political restoration. The emphatic declaration that "she is not healed" signifies Babylon's utter resistance to any form of remedy or repentance, indicating a state of incurable spiritual sickness that sealed its fate.
* **Forsake (Hebrew, _ʻâzab_):** Derived from a primitive root (H5800) meaning "to loosen," "relinquish," or "permit." In this context, it functions as a strong imperative, commanding God's people to abandon Babylon. This is not merely a suggestion but a divine directive to disengage completely from a system that is irrevocably condemned. It signifies a necessary act of separation for self-preservation and adherence to God's will, emphasizing that continued association with Babylon would lead to sharing in its judgment.
* **Judgment (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ_):** From the root _shâphaṭ_ (H4941), this word properly refers to "a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially," encompassing a sentence, formal decree, law, justice, or penalty. Here, "her judgment" refers to the divine verdict and the impending execution of that verdict against Babylon. The phrase "reacheth unto heaven" signifies that Babylon's actions have been weighed in the divine courtroom, and a definitive, inescapable sentence has been handed down, not merely a human assessment but a cosmic decree of divine justice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed:"** This opening clause expresses a profound sense of finality regarding Babylon's spiritual and moral condition. The "we" can be interpreted as either the nations who might have sought to reform Babylon or, more profoundly, as God Himself (or His prophetic messengers), whose attempts at calling Babylon to repentance proved fruitless. The repetition of "healed" emphasizes the complete and utter failure of any such attempts, signifying Babylon's deep-seated and unyielding wickedness, rendering it beyond remedy or reform. This highlights God's patience, yet also the ultimate consequence of persistent impenitence.
* **"forsake her, and let us go every one into his own country:"** This is a direct, urgent command, likely from the perspective of God's people or even other nations who recognize Babylon's impending doom. It is a call to immediate separation and flight. "Forsake her" implies a complete abandonment of all ties to Babylon—its culture, its idolatry, its oppressive systems. The directive to "go every one into his own country" underscores the necessity for individuals to return to their rightful places, away from the sphere of Babylon's destruction, ensuring their safety and preserving their identity as God's covenant people.
* **"for her judgment reacheth unto heaven, and is lifted up even to the skies."** This clause provides the compelling reason for the urgent call to flee. The imagery is one of immense scale and gravity. Babylon's accumulated sin ("her judgment" in the sense of the verdict against her, or the just recompense for her actions) has ascended to the highest reaches of the cosmos. This hyperbole emphasizes that Babylon's wickedness is not merely a terrestrial offense but has provoked a cosmic, divine response. It signifies that God's justice is not arbitrary but a direct consequence of the overwhelming measure of Babylon's iniquity, which has become undeniable even to the heavenly realm, demanding immediate and decisive action from God.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 51:9 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of impending doom and divine justice. The most prominent is **Personification**, where Babylon is treated as a living entity capable of being "healed" or resisting healing, giving a vivid sense of its moral and spiritual state as one of deep-seated and unyielding corruption. The phrase "We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed" uses **Repetition** of the word "healed" for emphatic effect, underscoring the futility of any attempts at reform and the incurable nature of Babylon's corruption. Furthermore, the verse utilizes striking **Hyperbole** in "her judgment reacheth unto heaven, and is lifted up even to the skies." This exaggeration is not meant to be taken literally but powerfully conveys the immense scale and gravity of Babylon's accumulated sin, indicating that its offenses have provoked a cosmic, divine response that is inescapable. The phrase also employs **Parallelism** ("reacheth unto heaven, and is lifted up even to the skies"), reinforcing the idea of the vastness of Babylon's iniquity and the certainty of its divine reckoning through a balanced and rhythmic structure. Finally, the **Imperative** "forsake her, and let us go" serves as a direct, urgent command, highlighting the critical necessity of immediate action for those who wish to escape the impending judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 51:9 profoundly articulates the biblical principle that persistent and unrepentant sin, especially on a national scale, inevitably leads to divine judgment. It reveals God's patience and even a metaphorical "desire to heal," but also His unwavering justice when such efforts are rejected. The verse underscores the truth that there comes a point where wickedness becomes so ingrained and pervasive that it is beyond human or even divine intervention for reform, necessitating a decisive act of judgment. This passage serves as a stark warning against spiritual incorrigibility and highlights the importance of discerning when a system or entity has crossed the threshold of no return. It also emphasizes God's sovereignty over nations, demonstrating that even powerful empires like Babylon are subject to His moral law and ultimate authority. The call to "forsake her" is a timeless theological imperative for God's people to separate themselves from corrupting influences and systems that stand in opposition to divine righteousness, ensuring their spiritual and physical preservation from impending judgment.

* [Genesis 11:4](/genesis/11-4 "Genesis 11:4 - The Tower of Babel and God's Judgment") - The narrative of the Tower of Babel, where humanity's pride and rebellion sought to "reach unto heaven," foreshadows Babylon's later judgment for similar hubris and defiance against God.
* [Revelation 18:4](/revelation/18-4 "Revelation 18:4 - Call to Come Out of Babylon the Great") - This New Testament passage echoes Jeremiah's urgent call to "come out of her, my people," as the sins of the metaphorical "Babylon the Great" have likewise "reached unto heaven," necessitating divine judgment and spiritual separation.
* [2 Corinthians 6:17](/2_corinthians/6-17 "2 Corinthians 6:17 - Separation from the Ungodly") - Paul's exhortation, "Therefore, 'Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you,'" reflects the enduring biblical principle of separation from ungodly influences, mirroring the call to flee Babylon.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 51:9 offers profound insights for both individual believers and the Church in every age. It compels us to recognize that there are indeed moments when individuals, institutions, or societal systems become so deeply entrenched in their rebellion against God that they become "unhealable" or beyond reform. This discernment is crucial, guiding us away from futile efforts to mend what God has deemed irreparable and towards focusing our energies where true repentance and transformation are possible. The urgent command to "forsake her" is a powerful call to spiritual discernment and courageous action. It challenges us to identify and separate ourselves from corrupting influences, idolatrous systems, or relationships that are spiritually toxic and destined for judgment. This separation is not born of self-righteousness but of wisdom and a desire to align with God's purposes and to avoid partaking in the consequences of persistent sin. Ultimately, the verse reminds us of the unwavering certainty of divine justice; though judgment may seem delayed, it is assured for those whose pride, oppression, and sin "reach unto heaven." This should inspire both a holy fear of God and a confident trust that He will ultimately set all things right, holding all nations and individuals accountable for their actions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Babylons" in my personal life or in society might I be clinging to that God is calling me to "forsake" for my spiritual well-being and alignment with His will?**
* **How does the concept of Babylon's "incurable" state challenge my understanding of repentance and God's patience? Are there situations where I might be trying to "heal" something God has already deemed beyond repair, rather than discerning and separating?**
* **In what ways might my own actions or the actions of my community be contributing to a "judgment reaching unto heaven," and what steps can be taken to align with God's righteousness and seek His mercy?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment on Babylon strengthen my faith in His ultimate justice and sovereignty over all earthly powers and historical events?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "we" that "would have healed Babylon"?**

Answer: The "we" in this verse is open to several interpretations, each carrying theological weight. It could refer to the nations or peoples who might have attempted to reform Babylon or mitigate its destructive policies, but failed. More profoundly, it can be understood as a divine lament, where "we" represents God and His prophetic messengers (like Jeremiah) who extended opportunities for repentance and healing to Babylon, but whose calls were consistently rejected. This interpretation highlights God's patience and desire for nations to turn from their wickedness, even as He ultimately brings judgment upon those who remain incorrigible. It underscores that Babylon's destruction was not arbitrary but a consequence of its persistent refusal to be "healed," a refusal that sealed its fate.

**What does it mean for Babylon's "judgment reacheth unto heaven, and is lifted up even to the skies"?**

Answer: This is a powerful hyperbolic expression, meaning that Babylon's accumulated sins and wickedness have reached an overwhelming and undeniable magnitude in the sight of God. It's not a literal measurement but a vivid metaphor indicating that Babylon's iniquity has ascended to the very throne of God, demanding a divine response and righteous judgment. This imagery emphasizes the cosmic scale of Babylon's offenses, suggesting that its pride, idolatry, and cruelty were not merely earthly transgressions but an affront to the divine order itself. Similar imagery is used in [Genesis 11:4](/genesis/11-4 "The Tower of Babel") regarding the Tower of Babel and in [Revelation 18:5](/revelation/18-5 "Babylon's Sins Reach Heaven") concerning the metaphorical "Babylon the Great," signifying that the measure of sin has been filled, necessitating divine intervention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 51:9, while a prophecy of judgment against ancient Babylon, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. The declaration that "We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed" foreshadows the ultimate inability of any human system, self-effort, or worldly wisdom to cure the deep-seated sinfulness of humanity. Just as Babylon was incurably sick with pride, idolatry, and rebellion, so too is humanity apart from divine intervention. This highlights the absolute necessity of Christ, the Great Physician, whose healing is not merely superficial but transforms the very heart of humanity, as promised in the new covenant (see [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant") and [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant Established")). The urgent command to "forsake her, and let us go every one into his own country" finds its ultimate spiritual echo in Christ's call to abandon the "world system" (often symbolized as "Babylon" in the New Testament, as in [Revelation 17](/revelation/17 "Revelation 17 - The Great Prostitute and the Beast")) and come into His kingdom. Jesus Himself calls His followers to count the cost, to "deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" ([Matthew 16:24](/matthew/16-24 "Matthew 16:24 - Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus")), which implies a radical separation from anything that opposes God's righteous rule. Furthermore, the idea that Babylon's "judgment reacheth unto heaven" points to the universal reality of sin's cosmic offense against a holy God. This offense, which demands divine judgment, is fully and perfectly addressed in Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross. He bore the judgment that our sins deserved, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, through Christ, believers are not only healed from their incurable spiritual sickness but are also delivered from the judgment that reaches to the heavens, finding refuge and true citizenship in the [heavenly Jerusalem](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - The Heavenly Jerusalem") rather than any earthly "Babylon."

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 50:16

Cut off the sower from Babylon, and him that handleth the sickle in the time of harvest: for fear of the oppressing sword they shall turn every one to his people, and they shall flee every one to his own land.

Revelation 18:5

For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.

Isaiah 13:14

And it shall be as the chased roe, and as a sheep that no man taketh up: they shall every man turn to his own people, and flee every one into his own land.

Jeremiah 46:16

He made many to fall, yea, one fell upon another: and they said, Arise, and let us go again to our own people, and to the land of our nativity, from the oppressing sword.

Daniel 4:20

The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth;

Daniel 4:22

It [is] thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth.

Ezra 9:6

And said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over [our] head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens.