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Jeremiah 51:35

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The violence done to me and to my flesh [be] upon Babylon, shall the inhabitant of Zion say; and my blood upon the inhabitants of Chaldea, shall Jerusalem say.

The violence {H2555} done to me and to my flesh {H7607} be upon Babylon {H894}, shall the inhabitant {H3427} of Zion {H6726} say {H559}; and my blood {H1818} upon the inhabitants {H3427} of Chaldea {H3778}, shall Jerusalem {H3389} say {H559}.

But one who lives in Tziyon will say, "May my torn flesh be avenged on Bavel"; and Yerushalayim will say, "May my blood be avenged on the Kasdim."

May the violence done to me and to my flesh be upon Babylon,” says the dweller of Zion. “May my blood be on the dwellers of Chaldea,” says Jerusalem.

The violence done to me and to my flesh be upon Babylon, shall the inhabitant of Zion say; and, My blood be upon the inhabitants of Chaldea, shall Jerusalem say.

Commentary

Jeremiah 51:35 is a powerful declaration of divine justice, voiced from the perspective of God's suffering people, Zion and Jerusalem, against their oppressor, Babylon.

Context

This verse is found within Jeremiah's extensive prophecies against Babylon, which occupy a significant portion of chapters 50 and 51. After using Babylon as an instrument to punish Judah for its sins and idolatry (as seen in Jeremiah 25:9), God promises to bring judgment upon Babylon itself for its excessive cruelty, pride, and blasphemy against Him. The "violence done to me and to my flesh" refers to the devastating conquest of Judah, the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple in 586 BC, and the subsequent Babylonian exile that caused immense suffering and bloodshed among the Israelites. The inhabitants of Zion (representing Judah) and Jerusalem cry out for God to repay Babylon for their affliction, confident that divine retribution is coming.

Key Themes

  • Divine Retribution: The central message is that God will avenge the wrongs committed against His people. Babylon, though used by God, will not escape accountability for its brutality and pride. This echoes the principle that God's justice ultimately prevails.
  • Vindication of God's People: The verse assures the suffering exiles that their cries for justice are heard and that their pain will be acknowledged and recompensed. It signifies the eventual restoration and vindication of Jerusalem.
  • Sovereignty of God: Despite Babylon's apparent dominance, God remains sovereign over nations, raising them up and bringing them down according to His will and justice.
  • Consequences of Oppression: It serves as a stark warning to all oppressors that actions of violence and injustice will inevitably face divine judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the violence done to me and to my flesh" uses the Hebrew term ḥamās (חָמָס) for "violence," which often denotes injustice, wrong, or oppressive cruelty. "My flesh" (וּשְׁאֵרִי - ūšəʾērî) emphasizes the deep, personal, and physical suffering inflicted upon the people, including their relatives and descendants. "My blood" (דָּמִי - dāmî) directly refers to the bloodshed and loss of life. These terms convey the profound anguish and the desire for equitable justice for the wrongs committed by Babylon against the very fabric of their nation and families.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 51:35 offers enduring comfort and a powerful reminder for believers today:

  • God Sees Injustice: It affirms that God is aware of all suffering and injustice, even when it seems the wicked prosper. He hears the cries of the oppressed.
  • Ultimate Justice Will Prevail: While justice may be delayed from a human perspective, this verse provides assurance that God's righteous judgment will ultimately be delivered upon those who commit violence and oppression. This theme is echoed throughout scripture, including Romans 12:19, which advises believers to "leave room for God's wrath."
  • Hope for the Oppressed: For those experiencing persecution or injustice, this verse serves as a source of hope that their cause is not forgotten by God.
  • Warning Against Pride: It stands as a timeless warning against the dangers of national pride, cruelty, and the abuse of power, reminding all that accountability before God is inevitable. The eventual fall of spiritual Babylon in Revelation carries similar themes of divine judgment.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 18:20 (3 votes)

    Rejoice over her, [thou] heaven, and [ye] holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.

  • Jeremiah 50:29 (3 votes)

    Call together the archers against Babylon: all ye that bend the bow, camp against it round about; let none thereof escape: recompense her according to her work; according to all that she hath done, do unto her: for she hath been proud against the LORD, against the Holy One of Israel.

  • Matthew 7:2 (2 votes)

    For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

  • Psalms 137:8 (2 votes)

    O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy [shall he be], that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.

  • Psalms 137:9 (2 votes)

    Happy [shall he be], that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones.

  • Psalms 12:5 (2 votes)

    For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set [him] in safety [from him that] puffeth at him.

  • James 2:13 (2 votes)

    For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.