Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The land trembles and writhes, for the LORD’s purposes against Babylon stand— to lay waste the land of Babylon so that no one will live there. New Living Translation The earth trembles and writhes in pain, for everything the LORD has planned against Babylon stands unchanged. Babylon will be left desolate without a single inhabitant. English Standard Version The land trembles and writhes in pain, for the LORD’s purposes against Babylon stand, to make the land of Babylon a desolation, without inhabitant. Berean Standard Bible The earth quakes and writhes because the LORD’s intentions against Babylon stand: to make the land of Babylon a desolation, without inhabitant. Berean Literal Bible The land will tremble and it will writhe, for every plan of YHWH against Babylon will stand, to set the land of Babylon as a desolation without one dwelling. King James Bible And the land shall tremble and sorrow: for every purpose of the LORD shall be performed against Babylon, to make the land of Babylon a desolation without an inhabitant. New King James Version And the land will tremble and sorrow; For every purpose of the LORD shall be performed against Babylon, To make the land of Babylon a desolation without inhabitant. New American Standard Bible So the land quakes and writhes, For the plans of the LORD against Babylon stand, To make the land of Babylon A desolation without inhabitants. NASB 1995 So the land quakes and writhes, For the purposes of the LORD against Babylon stand, To make the land of Babylon A desolation without inhabitants. NASB 1977 So the land quakes and writhes, For the purposes of the LORD against Babylon stand, To make the land of Babylon A desolation without inhabitants. Legacy Standard Bible So the land quakes and writhes, For the purposes of Yahweh against Babylon stand, To make the land of Babylon A desolation without inhabitants. Amplified Bible The land trembles and writhes [in pain and sorrow], For the purposes of the LORD against Babylon stand, To make the land of Babylon A desolation without inhabitants. Berean Annotated Bible The earth quakes and writhes because the LORD’s {YHWH} intentions against Babylon (confusion by mixing) stand: to make the land of Babylon a desolation, without inhabitant. Christian Standard Bible The earth quakes and trembles because the LORD’s intentions against Babylon stand: to make the land of Babylon a desolation, without inhabitant. Holman Christian Standard Bible The earth quakes and trembles because the LORD’s intentions against Babylon stand: to make the land of Babylon an uninhabited desolation. American Standard Version And the land trembleth and is in pain; for the purposes of Jehovah against Babylon do stand, to make the land of Babylon a desolation, without inhabitant. Contemporary English Version The earth twists and turns in torment, because I have decided to make Babylonia a desert where no one can live, and I won't change my mind. English Revised Version And the land trembleth and is in pain: for the purposes of the LORD against Babylon do stand, to make the land of Babylon a desolation, without inhabitant. GOD'S WORD® Translation The earth trembles and writhes in pain. The LORD carries out his plans against Babylon to make Babylon a wasteland so that no one will live there. Good News Translation The earth trembles and shakes because the LORD is carrying out his plan to make Babylonia a desert, where no one lives. International Standard Version The land quakes and writhes because the LORD's purposes against Babylon stand firm, to make the land of Babylon a waste without inhabitants. NET Bible The earth will tremble and writhe in agony. For the LORD will carry out his plan. He plans to make the land of Babylonia a wasteland where no one lives. New Heart English Bible The land trembles and is in pain; for the purposes of the LORD against Babylon do stand, to make the land of Babylon a desolation, without inhabitant. Webster's Bible Translation And the land shall tremble and sorrow: for every purpose of the LORD shall be performed against Babylon, to make the land of Babylon a desolation without an inhabitant. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe earth quakes and writhes because the LORD’s intentions against Babylon stand: to make the land of Babylon a desolation, without inhabitant. World English Bible The land trembles and is in pain; for the purposes of Yahweh against Babylon stand, to make the land of Babylon a desolation, without inhabitant. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the land shakes, and it is pained, "" For the purposes of YHWH have stood against Babylon, "" To make the land of Babylon a desolation without inhabitant. Berean Literal Bible The land will tremble and it will writhe, for every plan of YHWH against Babylon will stand, to set the land of Babylon as a desolation without one dwelling. Young's Literal Translation And shake doth the land, and it is pained, For stood against Babylon have the purposes of Jehovah, To make the land of Babylon a desolation without inhabitant. Smith's Literal Translation And the earth shall shake and be wearied; for the purpose of Jehovah was set up against Babel, to set the land of Babel for a desolation from not being inhabited. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the land shall be in a commotion, and shall be troubled: for the design of the Lord against Babylon shall awake, to make the land of Babylon desert and uninhabitable. Catholic Public Domain Version And the earth will be shaken and will be disturbed. For the plan of the Lord against Babylon will awaken, so that he may make the land of Babylon desolate and uninhabitable. New American Bible The earth quakes and writhes, the LORD’s plan against Babylon is carried out, Turning the land of Babylon into a wasteland without inhabitants. New Revised Standard Version The land trembles and writhes, for the LORD’s purposes against Babylon stand, to make the land of Babylon a desolation, without inhabitant. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the earth shall tremble and be confounded; for the purpose of the LORD against Babylon shall stand, to make the land of Babylon a desolation without an inhabitant. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the Earth shall shake and she shall be shocked, because the counsel of LORD JEHOVAH has stood against Babel to lay waste the land of Babel without an inhabitant OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the land quaketh and is in pain; For the purposes of the LORD are performed against Babylon, To make the land of Babylon a desolation, without inhabitant. Brenton Septuagint Translation The earth has quaked and been troubled, because the purpose of the Lord has risen up against Babylon, to make the land of Babylon a desolation, and uninhabitable. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Babylon's Punishment…28Prepare the nations for battle against her—the kings of the Medes, their governors and all their officials, and all the lands they rule. 29The earth quakes and writhes because the LORD’s intentions against Babylon stand: to make the land of Babylon a desolation, without inhabitant. 30The warriors of Babylon have stopped fighting; they sit in their strongholds. Their strength is exhausted; they have become like women. Babylon’s homes have been set ablaze, the bars of her gates are broken.… Cross References The earth quakes and writhes Isaiah 13:13 Therefore I will make the heavens tremble, and the earth will be shaken from its place at the wrath of the LORD of Hosts on the day of His burning anger. Psalm 18:7 Then the earth shook and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains trembled; they were shaken because He burned with anger. Haggai 2:6-7 For this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. / I will shake all the nations, and they will come with all their treasures, and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of Hosts. because the LORD’s intentions against Babylon stand: Jeremiah 50:45 Therefore hear the plans that the LORD has drawn up against Babylon and the strategies He has devised against the land of the Chaldeans: Surely the little ones of the flock will be dragged away; certainly their pasture will be made desolate because of them. Isaiah 14:24-27 The LORD of Hosts has sworn: “Surely, as I have planned, so will it be; as I have purposed, so will it stand. / I will break Assyria in My land; I will trample him on My mountain. His yoke will be taken off My people, and his burden removed from their shoulders.” / This is the plan devised for the whole earth, and this is the hand stretched out over all the nations. … Isaiah 46:10 I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’ to make the land of Babylon a desolation, Jeremiah 50:13 Because of the wrath of the LORD, she will not be inhabited; she will become completely desolate. All who pass through Babylon will be horrified and will hiss at all her wounds. Isaiah 14:23 “I will make her a place for owls and for swamplands; I will sweep her away with the broom of destruction,” declares the LORD of Hosts. Isaiah 13:19-22 And Babylon, the jewel of the kingdoms, the glory of the pride of the Chaldeans, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah. / She will never be inhabited or settled from generation to generation; no nomad will pitch his tent there, no shepherd will rest his flock there. / But desert creatures will lie down there, and howling creatures will fill her houses. Ostriches will dwell there, and wild goats will leap about. … without inhabitant. Jeremiah 50:39-40 So the desert creatures and hyenas will live there and ostriches will dwell there. It will never again be inhabited or lived in from generation to generation. / As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah along with their neighbors,” declares the LORD, “no one will dwell there; no man will abide there. Jeremiah 50:3 For a nation from the north will come against her; it will make her land a desolation. No one will live in it; both man and beast will flee.” Isaiah 13:20 She will never be inhabited or settled from generation to generation; no nomad will pitch his tent there, no shepherd will rest his flock there. Revelation 18:2 And he cried out in a mighty voice: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a lair for demons and a haunt for every unclean spirit, every unclean bird, and every detestable beast. Isaiah 47:11 But disaster will come upon you; you will not know how to charm it away. A calamity will befall you that you will be unable to ward off. Devastation will happen to you suddenly and unexpectedly. Revelation 18:10 In fear of her torment, they will stand at a distance and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, the mighty city of Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.” Revelation 18:21 Then a mighty angel picked up a stone the size of a great millstone and cast it into the sea, saying: “With such violence the great city of Babylon will be cast down, never to be seen again. Treasury of Scripture And the land shall tremble and sorrow: for every purpose of the LORD shall be performed against Babylon, to make the land of Babylon a desolation without an inhabitant. the land Jeremiah 8:16 The snorting of his horses was heard from Dan: the whole land trembled at the sound of the neighing of his strong ones; for they are come, and have devoured the land, and all that is in it; the city, and those that dwell therein. Jeremiah 10:10 But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation. Jeremiah 50:36,43 A sword is upon the liars; and they shall dote: a sword is upon her mighty men; and they shall be dismayed… every Jeremiah 51:11,12,43,62-64 Make bright the arrows; gather the shields: the LORD hath raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes: for his device is against Babylon, to destroy it; because it is the vengeance of the LORD, the vengeance of his temple… Jeremiah 50:13,39,40,45 Because of the wrath of the LORD it shall not be inhabited, but it shall be wholly desolate: every one that goeth by Babylon shall be astonished, and hiss at all her plagues… Isaiah 13:19,20 And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah… Jump to Previous Babylon Desolation Fixed Inhabitant Inhabitants LORD's Pain Pained Performed Purpose Purposes Quakes Quaketh Shake Shaking Sorrow Stand Stood Tremble Trembles Trembleth Unpeopled Waste WrithesJump to Next Babylon Desolation Fixed Inhabitant Inhabitants LORD's Pain Pained Performed Purpose Purposes Quakes Quaketh Shake Shaking Sorrow Stand Stood Tremble Trembles Trembleth Unpeopled Waste WrithesJeremiah 51 1. The severe judgment of God against Babylon, in revenge of Israel59. Jeremiah delivers the book of this prophecy to Seraiah, to be cast into Euphrates, 64. in token of the perpetual sinking of Babylon The earth quakes and writhes This phrase captures the intense reaction of creation to God's judgment. Earthquakes in the Bible often symbolize divine intervention or judgment (e.g., Exodus 19:18, Matthew 27:51). The imagery of the earth writhing suggests a violent upheaval, reflecting the severity of God's actions against Babylon. This can be seen as a fulfillment of God's sovereign power over nations and nature, emphasizing His control over all creation. because the LORD’s intentions against Babylon stand: to make the land of Babylon a desolation, without inhabitant. Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Jeremiah is known for his prophecies concerning the judgment of God upon Judah and other nations, including Babylon. 2. Babylon An ancient city and empire known for its wealth, power, and opposition to God’s people. In this context, Babylon represents a symbol of human pride and rebellion against God. 3. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant name of God, emphasizing His sovereignty and faithfulness to His purposes and promises. 4. The Earth Represents the physical world that responds to God’s actions and judgments, often depicted as quaking or trembling in the presence of divine intervention. 5. Desolation The state of being deserted and empty, which is the prophesied outcome for Babylon as a result of God’s judgment. Teaching Points God’s Sovereignty Over NationsGod’s purposes will prevail over any nation or power, no matter how mighty they appear. This reminds us to trust in God’s ultimate plan and justice. The Consequences of Pride and Rebellion Babylon’s downfall serves as a warning against pride and rebellion against God. We are called to humility and obedience. The Certainty of God’s Judgment Just as Babylon faced desolation, there is a certainty of judgment for those who oppose God. This should motivate us to live righteously and share the gospel. The Earth’s Response to God’s Power The imagery of the earth quaking highlights the power and majesty of God. It encourages us to have a reverent fear of the Lord. Hope in God’s Justice While judgment is severe, it also brings hope for the oppressed, as God’s justice will ultimately prevail. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Jeremiah 51:29?2. How does Jeremiah 51:29 reveal God's sovereignty over nations and their destinies? 3. What actions can we take when witnessing God's plans unfold in our world? 4. How does Jeremiah 51:29 connect with God's judgment in Revelation? 5. How can we trust God's timing when "the earth quakes and writhes"? 6. What personal changes are needed to align with God's purposes in Jeremiah 51:29? 7. What does Jeremiah 51:29 reveal about God's power over nations and their destinies? 8. How does Jeremiah 51:29 reflect God's judgment and justice? 9. What historical events align with the prophecy in Jeremiah 51:29? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 51? 11. Why does the text in Jeremiah 27 emphasize obedience to Babylon's rule if rabbinic and later Christian teachings stress allegiance to God above earthly powers? 12. Jeremiah 51:41 foretells Babylon's complete humiliation, but historical records show subsequent rulers maintained parts of it--does this undermine the chapter's claims? 13. Jeremiah 51:26 states no stone from Babylon will ever be used again, yet evidence suggests later civilizations reused its materials--does this contradict the prophecy? 14. Who were the believers in the Old Testament? What Does Jeremiah 51:29 Mean The earth quakes and writhes“The earth quakes and writhes…” (Jeremiah 51:29) • Picture creation itself shuddering under the weight of divine judgment. Isaiah 13:13 shows the same cosmic reaction: “Therefore I will make the heavens tremble, and the earth will shake from its place at the wrath of the LORD of Hosts…” • This language is literal and also paints the emotional magnitude of the moment—nations will feel the shockwaves physically and spiritually. Nahum 1:5 and Revelation 16:18 echo the idea that when God acts in wrath, nothing remains steady. • The trembling underscores that Babylon’s fall is not merely political; it is a God-orchestrated event written into the very fabric of the planet. because the LORD’s intentions against Babylon stand “…because the LORD’s intentions against Babylon stand…” • God’s plans are irrevocable (Isaiah 14:24-27; Proverbs 19:21; Psalm 33:11). No alliance, army, or idol could overturn what He has decreed. • Jeremiah has already announced Babylon’s demise (Jeremiah 50:1-3). This verse reinforces that earlier word: the intention is set, the verdict sealed. • Believers today can rest in the same certainty: when God speaks, history bends in that direction, whether in judgment or redemption (Ephesians 1:11). to make the land of Babylon a desolation “…to make the land of Babylon a desolation…” • The objective is not partial ruin but total desolation—think of Isaiah 13:19-22 where wild animals prowl abandoned palaces. • This prophecy came true: mighty Babylon became an archaeological site rather than a bustling empire. Jeremiah 51:37 describes it as “a heap of ruins, a haunt for jackals.” • Desolation reminds us that human pride has an expiration date (Daniel 4:30-33). Any culture that elevates itself over God courts the same fate. without inhabitant “…without inhabitant.” • A city once teeming with life would become silent (Jeremiah 51:43). Revelation 18:2 later repeats the theme for “Babylon the Great,” showing the pattern of finality in judgment. • God’s complete evacuation order highlights His holiness: persistent rebellion leaves no place for ongoing life in that setting (Genesis 19:24-25 with Sodom). • For God’s people, this serves as both warning and comfort—warning against aligning with Babylon-like systems (2 Corinthians 6:17) and comfort that injustice will not stand forever. summary Jeremiah 51:29 pictures the earth itself reeling as God carries out a fixed plan: Babylon will become a silent wasteland. The shaking shows the seriousness of divine judgment, the unbreakable nature of God’s purposes, and the ultimate downfall of every proud empire. Those who trust the Lord can be assured that His word never fails, and that He will one day settle every account with perfect justice. (29) And the land shall tremble and sorrow.--The verbs in the Hebrew are in the past tense, the prophet seeing, as it were, the very event which he portrays passing before him in his vision.Verse 29. - Shall tremble and sorrow. The Hebrew has "trembled and sorrowed" (or, "quaked and writhed for pain"); and in the sequel, have stood (i.e. been ratified by the event, as Jeremiah 44:28). The prophet here, as so often, regards what is still future as past from the point of view of eternity.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The earthהָאָ֖רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 776: Earth, land quakes וַתִּרְעַ֥שׁ (wat·tir·‘aš) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 7493: To undulate, through fear, to spring and writhes וַתָּחֹ֑ל (wat·tā·ḥōl) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 2342: To twist, whirl, to dance, to writhe in pain, fear, to wait, to pervert because כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction the LORD’s יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel intentions מַחְשְׁב֣וֹת (maḥ·šə·ḇō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 4284: A contrivance, a texture, machine, intention, plan against עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against Babylon בָּבֶל֙ (bā·ḇel) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 894: Babylon -- an eastern Mediterranean empire and its capital city stand: קָ֤מָה (qā·māh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand to make לָשׂ֞וּם (lā·śūm) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set the land אֶ֧רֶץ (’e·reṣ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 776: Earth, land of Babylon בָּבֶ֛ל (bā·ḇel) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 894: Babylon -- an eastern Mediterranean empire and its capital city a desolation, לְשַׁמָּ֖ה (lə·šam·māh) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 8047: Ruin, consternation without an inhabitant. יוֹשֵֽׁב׃ (yō·wō·šêḇ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry Links Jeremiah 51:29 NIVJeremiah 51:29 NLT Jeremiah 51:29 ESV Jeremiah 51:29 NASB Jeremiah 51:29 KJV Jeremiah 51:29 BibleApps.com Jeremiah 51:29 Biblia Paralela Jeremiah 51:29 Chinese Bible Jeremiah 51:29 French Bible Jeremiah 51:29 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Jeremiah 51:29 The land trembles and is in pain (Jer.) |
    |