The word that the LORD spoke concerning Babylon, concerning the land of the Chaldeans, by Jeremiah the prophet:
English Standard Version (ESV)
This prophecy isn't just about a future fall; it's introduced as a "word that the LORD spoke," emphasizing it as a divine decree delivered directly through Jeremiah, underscoring God's direct involvement in this monumental judgment against Babylon. The phrasing "against Babylon, concerning the land of the Chaldeans" highlights that the judgment encompasses both the oppressive empire and the very people who enacted its power.
The word that the LORD spoke concerning Babylon, concerning the land of the Chaldeans, by Jeremiah the prophet:
English Standard Version (ESV)
After announcing God's judgment on various surrounding nations, Jeremiah now turns his attention directly to the powerful empire of Babylon and its people, the Chaldeans. This prophecy, delivered by Jeremiah, foretells the utter destruction of Babylon and serves as a message of hope and future restoration for the exiled Israelites.
When God speaks of 'Babylon,' He's often talking about more than just bricks and mortar. What does this mighty empire represent in the grand scope of God's plan?
The Weight of Babylon
This opening verse immediately tells us we're about to hear a divine message concerning Babylon and the land of the Chaldeans. But 'Babylon' here isn't just a geographical location; it’s become a symbol.
Ask a follow-up
God chooses a prophet, even one who had dealings with Babylon, to deliver a message of doom. What does this reveal about prophetic ministry?
The Prophet's Difficult Task
Jeremiah was the chosen messenger for this weighty prophecy. This wasn't an easy assignment, especially considering his own complex relationship with the Babylonian empire.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The proper name of the God of Israel, YHWH, revealed to Moses, signifying His self-existence, covenant faithfulness, and holiness.
Babel · Hebrew Proper Noun
A major ancient city and empire that served as a symbol of human pride, idolatry, and opposition to God and His people throughout Scripture.
This prophecy was delivered during the Babylonian exile, a period when God's people were suffering under Babylonian oppression. Understanding this context highlights how these words offered a powerful message of hope and divine justice to those in despair.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquers Judah, deporting some of the nobility, including the prophet Daniel, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
c. 597 BC
Second Babylonian Deportation
Following a revolt, Nebuchadnezzar deports more Judeans, including King Jehoiachin and the prophet Ezekiel, to Babylon. Jerusalem's temple is partially plundered.
589-587 BC
Siege and Fall of Jerusalem
Jerusalem rebels again. Nebuchadnezzar lays siege to the city, which eventually falls. The city and the Temple are destroyed, and a final large group of Judeans is exiled to Babylon.
c. 580 BC— this verse
Jeremiah Delivers Prophecy
Jeremiah delivers prophecies concerning Babylon's future destruction and the eventual return of the exiles to Judah. This prophecy is sent to the exiles in Babylon.
539 BC
Fall of Babylon to Persia
Babylon, the seemingly invincible empire, falls to Cyrus the Great of Persia. This event fulfills the prophecies of its destruction and sets the stage for Israel's return.
538 BC
Edict of Cyrus
Cyrus the Great issues an edict allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple, marking the end of the Babylonian exile.
This passage also focuses on the downfall of Babylon, describing its pride and imminent destruction, mirroring the theme of Jeremiah 50:1.
Jeremiah 51:6This verse directly calls for escape from Babylon, echoing the judgment pronounced against the city and land of the Chaldeans in Jeremiah 50:1.
Ezekiel 26:1While concerning Tyre, this passage demonstrates the prophetic pattern of God speaking judgment against a powerful nation through His prophets.
Revelation 18:2This New Testament passage describes Babylon's fall with language that reflects the pronouncements found in Jeremiah, showing the enduring judgment against oppressive powers.
barnesJeremiah 50:1: "The word that the LORD spake against Babylon and against the land of the Chaldeans by Jeremiah the prophet."
Against ... against - Concerning.
gillJeremiah 50:1: "The word that the LORD spake against Babylon and against the land of the Chaldeans by Jeremiah the prophet."
The word that the Lord spake against Babylon,.... Or "to", of "of Babylon" (c); the city of Babylon, the metropolis of the Chaldean empire; sometimes it signifies the whole country, here the city only, as appears by what follows: and against the land of the Chaldeans; whither the Jews were carried captive, for whose comfort this prophecy is delivered out; and which had su…
This prophecy isn't just about a future fall; it's introduced as a "word that the LORD spoke," emphasizing it as a divine decree delivered directly through Jeremiah, underscoring God's direct involvement in this monumental judgment against Babylon. The phrasing "against Babylon, concerning the land of the Chaldeans" highlights that the judgment encompasses both the oppressive empire and the very people who enacted its power.
After announcing God's judgment on various surrounding nations, Jeremiah now turns his attention directly to the powerful empire of Babylon and its people, the Chaldeans. This prophecy, delivered by Jeremiah, foretells the utter destruction of Babylon and serves as a message of hope and future restoration for the exiled Israelites.
After announcing God's judgment on various surrounding nations, Jeremiah now turns his attention directly to the powerful empire of Babylon and its people, the Chaldeans. This prophecy, delivered by Jeremiah, foretells the utter destruction of Babylon and serves as a message of hope and future restoration for the exiled Israelites.
"The word that the LORD spoke concerning Babylon, concerning the land of the Chaldeans, by Jeremiah the prophet:" — This prophecy isn't just about a future fall; it's introduced as a "word that the LORD spoke," emphasizing it as a divine decree delivered directly through Jeremiah, underscoring God's direct involve…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026