Jeremiah 51:42 Meaning and Explanation
“The sea is come up upon Babylon: she is covered with the multitude of the waves thereof.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Waters flood over Babylon, covering it completely like a sea.
The Context of Jeremiah 51:42
Waters metaphorically overwhelm Babylon in complete inundation.
What Does Jeremiah 51:42 Mean?
Metaphorically, waters surge over Babylon like an overwhelming flood or tidal wave. 'The sea is come up upon Babylon' uses water imagery to convey the totality of invasion and destruction. Just as a sea covers land, enemies cover the city. 'Covered with the multitude of the waves' emphasizes overwhelming force and complete inundation.
The shift to water imagery connects back to the earlier threat to dry up her waters (verse 36). Now waters rise up against her—a paradoxical judgment suggesting that Babylon's very defenses and advantages become instruments of her destruction. The imagery emphasizes helplessness before forces beyond control.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 51:42
What does Jeremiah 51:42 mean?
Waters flood over Babylon, covering it completely like a sea.
What is the context of Jeremiah 51:42?
Waters metaphorically overwhelm Babylon in complete inundation.