Jeremiah 50:43 Meaning and Explanation
“The king of Babylon hath heard the report of them, and his hands waxed feeble: anguish took hold of him, and pangs as of a woman in travail.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Babylon's king, hearing reports of the invasion, becomes paralyzed with fear and anguish.
The Context of Jeremiah 50:43
Babylon's king hears of the invasion and is paralyzed by anguish.
What Does Jeremiah 50:43 Mean?
The report of the approaching coalition reaches Babylon's king and produces physical collapse—hands waxed feeble, or became weak and helpless. The king who once commanded armies cannot act. Fear and knowledge of approaching doom have rendered him incapable of response or leadership.
The anguish and pangs as of a woman in travail express extreme suffering and desperation. The birth-pain imagery conveys intense and prolonged distress. Even the king is reduced to this state—not calm, not commanding, not strategizing, but broken by fear.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 50:43
What does Jeremiah 50:43 mean?
Babylon's king, hearing reports of the invasion, becomes paralyzed with fear and anguish.
What is the context of Jeremiah 50:43?
Babylon's king hears of the invasion and is paralyzed by anguish.