Jeremiah 51:30 Meaning and Explanation
“The mighty men of Babylon have forborn to fight, they have remained in their holds: their might hath failed; they became as women: they have burned her dwellingplaces; her bars are broken.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Babylon's warriors lose courage, abandon the fight, and the city is left defenseless and burning.
The Context of Jeremiah 51:30
Babylon's warriors lose courage and abandon the city as it burns and is destroyed.
What Does Jeremiah 51:30 Mean?
The description of Babylon's collapse is vivid: mighty men refuse to fight and retreat to fortified positions. 'Their might hath failed' indicates a loss of physical and moral strength. 'They became as women' reflects ancient attitudes toward gender (meaning weak, unable to fight), expressing the shameful loss of martial vigor. The comparison is one of humiliation and powerlessness.
'They have burned her dwellingplaces; her bars are broken' depicts the destruction of city defenses and housing. Whether fires are set by panicking defenders or invaders, the result is ruin. 'Her bars are broken' refers to the gates' locking mechanisms—the city can no longer be secured. Babylon's defenses have collapsed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 51:30
What does Jeremiah 51:30 mean?
Babylon's warriors lose courage, abandon the fight, and the city is left defenseless and burning.
What is the context of Jeremiah 51:30?
Babylon's warriors lose courage and abandon the city as it burns and is destroyed.